The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin. When less is more.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 เม.ย. 2023
- This video is about the rose gold Saxonia Thin, by A. Lange & Söhne. I share my buying experience, what drew me to the watch initially and why it's so remarkable. I also do comparisons with other watches I own, including my other A. Lange & Söhne watches:
• Lange 1
• Odysseus in stainless steel
• Zeitwerk
Plus my largest Bremont watches, the Bremont Victory in rose gold and the Bremont 1918 in white gold.
I have used my own footage alongside video that I have copied from others. Thank you to the following (and sorry !) for my unauthorised use of your excellent video footage:
Watch Advisor
Monochrome Watches
Brandon Menacio
Hodinkee
Watchfinder
Great to see a Lange owner who doesn't baby them - the bumps and scrapes on your Zeitwerk and Lange 1 are the marks of an enthusiast who enjoys their collection
Wow, just wow. You for sure are a kiddo!
@@redbearduk why? Are you going to steal it?
As someone who usually doesn’t like gold I have to say the Saxonia looks absolutely perfect in Rose Gold.
The other exception for me being the VC 1921 Historique - another stunning example!
And Patrimony. Why not?
This is one of the references that is beautiful from any angle of view.
Its hard not to like such a simple thing done well. I like that about it, the refinement of it. That and its one of the few dress watches that actually tick the strictest of dress watch boxes.
Impeccable taste. Wonderful model. I am actually considering getting this for my wife when she turns 40. But I'd be very happy to wear it myself, alongside my 1815 Auf/Ab. But I really deplore the incredibly steep price increase Lange has effected over the past few years, and some of the commercial practices they have resorted to (bundling of sales, boutique only models reserved to customers of that boutique, irrespective of how many models they bought at an AD in the past).
Wonderful video! Yes! Less is more! Perfect choice! Bravo!
About 45 years ago, while attending college and on vacation, I knew instantly I found the perfect watch for me similar to the Saxonia; a Piaget Protocole, simple, plain. yellow gold, ultra thin, along with a leather strap.
Wanting a dress watch, the first one I bought sported a black onyx dial. Later on, it was offered with a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals. I visited Piaget in Geneva to purchase it. Today, that watch is my constant companion. I keep it in a padded, leather pouch in my briefcase as I often work with my hands. Over decades, that watch has become my trademark and a loyal companion through thick and thin alike. I found watch enthusiasts are different in many ways. They embrace tradition, craftsmanship and the story behind the brand, and the amazing people who can create such works of mechanical art.
A final thought: A fine watch is one of the few possessions a gentleman can acquire that can last his entire lifetime and beyond. The relationship between a man and a special watch in many cases truly grows overtime. Think about it! Cars, houses, businesses, clothing, careers, relationships, friendships, even spouses and entire fortunes can come and go, but a fine watch remains as a unique, loyal and trusted companion to help give a man perspective linking his past, present and future together! Enjoy!
That Saxonia Thin is absolutely exquisite in rose gold. I own a watch without a second hand that I consider a leisure only watch where seconds are irrelevant. It's a Xeric Triptych Rose Gold Wine limited edition wandering hour design. I aspire to own a Glashütte Original Sixties in Fiery Orange one day. In my case it will be a used watch, but fortunately for me, these watches are more often than not, well cared for.
What a simple yet stunning piece.
Beautifully narrated. I am looking forward to your next footage
just got my white gold 1 week ago, love it. Simple, and elegant.
My favorite watch ever is my plain two hands cal 42 UG Altesse from 1969.
You might want something more but you'd never NEED more.
The saxonia has that purity...
Fantastic collection. Excellent video, thank you for sharing.
A LANGE @ SOHNE is my favourite watchmaker of them all , and yes I agree about the increase in price, March 20th 2023 they went up again by roughly 13% , as my AD contacted me to say if you purchase in full on any watch you will lock in the price , so the new zeitwerk went from £88300.00 to £101900.00 , so I now find myself looking at (new secondary market) to see what’s out there , as you know there is a significant saving to be made that way . Love your videos 🙌
Wow. Thanks for sharing the information… that’s a serious number 😲
What a refreshingly honest and candid review. Well done!
Beautiful addition to your Lange collection. Congratulations. I have admired this watch for 5-10 years now, more specifically the white gold but am nowhere near a boutique. In my opinion, this is perfection.
Very good video and thoughts around comparing with others. And what a collection! Congrats.
I purchased this exact watch from Kai last year, and whilst I rarely wear it, I adore it. Beautiful watch; great video.
Sometimes the TH-cam Algorithm brings you great videos indeed. Amazing storytelling, great visuals and a beautiful collection.
Immediately liked the videos I've watched and subscribed right away. Keep up the great work whenever you have something to share. Cheers!
Thank you very much
Nice video. I like to listen to your narration to freshen my acquired and rehearsed English accent. I am partial to the 1815 myself, but "De gustibus...".
Nothing beats that Saxonia
Beautiful piece!
Ive had a Longines Presence with no numerals for 25 years and I adore it’s simplicity.Not a Saxonia but very similar in look…I never tire of it.
Stunning piece
That Odysseus looks quite nice as well
Thank you. 💯🎯
Thank you for another great video. I am a new follower to your channel and enjoy your take on watches.
one of my dream watches
Ever since coming across your Odysseus video, I've been admiring various Lange pieces and the Lange 1 has easily become a personal grail of mine. Perhaps you thought the same at first, but the Saxonia being referred to as Lange's "entry-level" watch only led me to brush it off initially as nothing more than that--however, over time, I have been beginning to appreciate it for the unparalleled simplicity in design in a timepiece that it proves itself to be. The dial's beautiful shade and texture keeps drawing me to it, and my love for three-quarter plates only makes me admire it even more so. Thank you for the time and effort you put into your videos.
It’s my pleasure.
And I wholeheartedly agree with you…
The best thing about the “entry level” moniker is that it’s the most affordable Lange watch.
Perhaps the new price is intended to nix the idea of an entry level piece? A quick search of Chrono24 finds a base price of around £12k for a Saxonia or 1815…
@@watchenthusiastlondon Why pay so much for a watch without even a second hand ? completely absurd
Getting my dad a Saxonia Thin white gold next week. I love Lange and I just love how comfortable the Saxonia is on the wrist. I'm so excited for him!
And not going to lie, I might put it on my wrist a few times before I hand it off to him!
Also, very nice video :)
I hope my sons behave in a similar way in time to come! Bravo.
I really like your Videos and "story telling". You tell everything very very relatable and understandable and tread a Swatch same as a Lange, that is passion. Even dough a Zeitwerk is not yet close in my comfortable prince range, when u tell about, troubles, experience, I feel like I really can relate because you really - even though u probably not aware of, This - very very "normal" in a lack of a better way. Once again, this is passion. Keep it that way. Don't change the way you tell, explain etc. because you don't have subs like loud and shouting hype people. Am sure there a many more people than me who listing, enjoy and keep on focusing on owning something like a zeitwerk as well. Greetings from Germany, and excuse my mediocre english ;)
I really enjoyed your look at your stunning Lange collection. You are a man of great taste. I don’t know if media work is something that is part of your business/job but you’re a natural. You’ve managed to show of a collection worth we’ll into hundreds of thousands without sounding boastful or an arse. If you could find the time to do a review of your Zeitwerk I’d love to see it. Thanks for the clip.
Thank you. Appreciate the feedback. Now that you mention it, I might well do a Zeitwerk video next…
@@watchenthusiastlondon Please do, it’s an incredible timepiece. I do very much share the “less is more” approach with my watches, understated but exceptional quality to those that share the same love of a particular item. Then you have to also say that some watches are of such ingenuity & incredible design & engineering that they fully deserve their spot on a different pedestal. The Zeitwerk is the embodiment of all of those aforementioned qualities. I’d love to hear how all of that transfers to actually owning & wearing it.
I bought one, the one with deep blue dial with the gold flecks. This in spite of the recent enormous price increase which almost caused me to pass on it. That takes some of the pleasure of owning out of it. I changed to a black strap. The original one seems a bit too much blue. Most of my other watches are 39mm. That is what this one is and seems right on my wrist. The 1815 is 38.5mm and I like the silver dial with Arabic numbers in rose gold best of all. The 1/2mm difference is noticeable which surprises me a bit.
It’s a beautiful watch…
I love the fact that it has the elements of Bauhaus design principle.
Lange❤ Beautiful watch❤❤❤❤
U sold me on this watch!! A grail watch for me.
I really like this but I just can justify the new price increase. I think you got it for a great price at a great time.
My ultimate grail is a ALS and they are my favourite make luckily for me whilst on a cruise I visited my first ALS AD.
I was upfront and said I wasn't there to buy but only looking as the nearest AD was several k miles away from my home in Tenerife so never managed to see one in the flesh.
The sale guy was extremely gracious and we chatted for some 20 minutes whilst my partner waited outside
Tbf they only had 3 watches available for sale one of which was the Saxonia.
I was rather underwhelmed by it. It seemed too small and insubstantial and the whole effect just didn't grab me. I'm not a fan of dainty watches and for me 40mm is the minimum of any new purchase for me
I get your less is more but for me at least with this one less is much less.
But a joy to watch and listen to your opinion
Whilst
Your narration and style of talking is captivating
I just got my first automatic watch yesterday-it a humble field watch but I’m so grateful!
congratultations 🙌
@@watchenthusiastlondon thank you!
Saxonia is great but, in my opinion, the three-hand Richard Lange with Roman numerals is the most elegant. It is 40.5 mm and 10.5 mm thick though.
It is truly one of the most beautiful dressed watches, my favourite actually.
The competition can not really live up to it, in my opinion. So, around that price and for similar aesthetics, you have:
- PP with either the current 6119 or the 5196. Whilst the former has a lovely bezel and the movement is gorgeous, it just is too big for a dressy piece. As for the 5196, not being able to see the movement at that price is a huge drawback for me
- JLC MUT either plain or with seconds. Nothing to say there, it is almost perfect but a dressy watch should be manually wound, I reckon.
- VC Patrimony Traditionnelle. Excellent watch too but I cannot reconcile myself with the seconds which I find to be lacking sharpness like the Lange, the PP or the JLC.
- Breguet 5157 or 7147. The former is the biggest 'threat' to Lange. You find similar level of craft and dedication to creating an understated piece. The work on the enamel is just stunning, truly a treat to contemplate.
Where the Lange stands - with the seconds iteration too - is that Lange puts the same level of effort and craft into its 'lower priced watch'. The hands are just stunning, there is something dramatic about it for a dressed watch and it is very clean, like the Breguet or the JLC.
The proportion of the watch is perfect and both the plain one and the seconds one sit just right on the wrist. The lugs fit nicely on the wrist too.
I love the idea that the engraving on the balance cock is inherent to each engraver in their factory. Whilst I do not see myself visiting their factory in the near future, it is very much touching to know that they could tell you who engraved.
Also, with a very low production around 5,000 a year, it is extremely unlikely that you would run into someone with the same model, or a Lange at that.
This is my Grail, and I intend to purchase it for my 40s.
Thanks for sharing… you have a keen eye! I have yet to discover Breguet, although I keep being encouraged to delve further in that direction…
Great video, really like learning about your journey with Lange!
One correction I would like to add is that Lange's dials are usually solid silver, not German silver like the movements. There are some exceptions like the Handwerkskunst models which tend to use gold, plus some other references that use mother-of-pearl and enamel, but I've yet to see a reference that uses German silver for the actual dial material, let alone it being the main material used for Lange's dials.
Though now that you mention it, if Lange did a German silver dial reference with Glashütte stripes done like the GO PanoMaticInverse, that would be a pretty fun and quirky version!
Thanks for the correction. I’m sure I was told at some point that the dial was their German silver, but happy to stand corrected. 🙏
It was nice when it was affordable, unfortunately I missed out badly. I wanted the White gold, I love the no date, two handed simplicity, it ticks all the boxes for a tuxedo. You have a unique collection, Lange strong, the most different from everyone else, super nice 👍🏽, what’s your next hunt? Hope is another different Lange
I’d love to have a Lange Up/Down… but currently really interested in FP Journe…
@@watchenthusiastlondon The Up/Down is by far my favourite watch in the whole Lange collection. You cant go wrong with this one!
It is beautiful. Prior to buying the Lange 1, I came quite close…
Take a look at the Piaget Altiplano, it's one of my favorite watch the 38mm origin white gold might be my favorite modern watch. It's less than half the price (second hand of course) 😮
this is one of the nicest watches ever made!
A.lange❤❤
The movement is just something else. And the scratches and bruises on those expensive Langes (8:44) give me some peace of mind - i merely own a 3.000 Euro watch and hate myself for days whenever i put a dent into it :-) but that's the way it is, i guess
I don’t expect to keep my watches blemish free. Without wishing to get overly poetic about it, the marks on a watch are like the scars of life, each of which adds to your own personal story…
It's a lovely watch, but I think you're right to comment on the rate at which the price has gone up. I'd love a Lange, but it seems they're getting further and further out of reach over time.
Beautiful. I’ve been saving up for this watch. I’m not decided between the copper blue and the plain rose gold.
The copper blue one was, I thought, a bit too funky for my liking… but it is beautiful
Excellent choice. I do not understand the impulse some people feel to bash on Bremont, wear what you enjoy. There is no reason that this watch should not be 50m water resistant,
and yes, that does make a difference.
Agree 💯🎯
The Lange Saxonia Copper blue is next level compared to FP J Chronom. Blue...👍 WR for watches has nothing to do with how deep it is its about pressure and movement under water...for swimming it should be at least 100m WR....never go in to a pool with a watch under 100m WR
It's nice, very nice.
Absolutely beautiful! But the 37mm is still a bit to big for what was once called a thin-line watch, whereas 36mm should be the maximum for proportioned aesthetics and comfort.
Great timing 6:10. I’ll take any thickness if it meant getting my hands on a Lange
Oh haha, I'm the same when it comes to synchronising the minute hand to the respective minute marker when the second reaches the 60 seconds position! I believe every watch nerd is! As for this watch, I certainly appreciate it for its class and its craftsmanship. But for me there is maybe too little going on on the dial.
That was an excellent, and thoughtful review. I very much enjoyed it, and you have a new subscriber. I apologize if you answered this elsewhere in the comments, but I was wondering about the strap shown in the photograph at 9:21, when you were talking about how the watch looked in the evening. It looks like that is more of a brown colored strap, and wondering where you had acquired that one specifically, because it looks wonderful on that watch.
Thank you.
That’s actually a green suede alligator strap made by Aaron Bespoke… I gave him the measurements and he made it for me… see @aaronbespoke on Instagram or aaronbespoke.com
Thank you for the video! I have the same watch in white gold. Wondering if you have any recommendation(s) for non-lange straps for dressing down watch? It is not easy to find a thin, unpaded strap with the right dimentaions. And I like how your green strap complements the rose gold case.
I got the green strap courtesy of Aaron Bespoke… see @aaronbespoke on Instagram
Lange are beautiful well finished timepieces but when a brand can have it’s own boutique somewhere as prestigious as Old Bond street and yet not be able to sell you the watch you first wanted the Odysseus, then I have to wonder how much of the price is in the watch itself.
What a work of art. The Saxonia Thin is both probably my grail watch and also one which I'm unlikely to ever be able to afford. Nevermind, perhaps I'll just buy a new strap for my Nomos Orion ;-)
Which Orion do you have. That's a very good watch as well. Very classy.
Looking at the part of the watch collection on show, I could not help wondering what the house and garage look like. What is on the floors, the walls, the garden? on the Zoom call?
👍👍
Funny. Although I'll never be aviable to buy the watches you buy, I completely agree with your attitude for them. Watches are ment to be worn, not stowed away or as a financial instrument. My daily beater is a watch I guess you'll never even know exsist and for sure would never buy, the Muller Glashutte SAR Rescue Timer and it cost less than your repair after jumping into the pool. But the sturdiness of the watch, the design, the execution and weight and the fact only 11500 have been produced the last 20 years make everyday wear a joy.
Just looked it up… such a distinctive piece 💪
@@watchenthusiastlondon Thank you. And you alone is the reason I now admire the fabolous workmanship of A. Lange & Söhne. It does not matter that I'll never ever will be able to get one, likely not even try it on. I consider it a piece of art and I do enjoy art even if it is not hanging on my wall 🙂
Every time you post it's worth a watch. Did you buy before the price increase approx in March?
Well, it was in October 2020…
10k price increase in 3 years is crazy
Did you jump into that pool? Because jumping into a pool will apply much more pressure on a watch than gently lowering the watch to the same depth.
Your commentary elevates the watch experience my friend. Kudos
any chance we’ll see a Lange chronograph in your collection soon?
Beautiful watches but no plans to do so…
You absolutely must give your Longines wrist time ❤
It is pretty special…
Oh you must do a video on your Sarcar.
🤣
If you go to a Lange boutique is it likely you will be able to walk out with a Saxonia, or would you be added to a list?
Not sure of the answer to that question today. But at the time, I did. Since then, I’ve seen reduced availability of stock in the boutiques I have visited… it may simply come down to what available in the store to buy… give it a go! I’d love to know the answer.
My mother said boring🤣 Also a train station clock for her
The nearest timepiece to this Saxonia is the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse.
Day 772
Despite not wearing my Rolex GMT Pepsi, it is precisely 4.18pm local time in the middle of the Ugandan jungle, and I am thirsty. Thankfully, both I and the Odysseus are intact with nary a scratch between us. More importantly, I am aware it is a Friday thanks to the impeccable craftsmen at A.Lange and Soehne who fashioned the Odysseus with a day window. Why am I in Uganda?
After the holiday in Qatar I decided to inspect one of my real estate investments in Uganda. It was only a short diversion which would take no more than a weekend. I had instructed Claude, my private secretary back in Mayfair, to make the necessary arrangements with my business partners in Kampala.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, the jet leasing company was skimping on maintenance and the crew had missed some red flags on the jet - long story short, we crashed in the Ugandan jungle, and sadly the poor pilot - who was wearing a Breitling Navitimer blue steel with a power reserve of 38 hours and 25 jewels - perished. The sapphire crystal on the Breitling was unscratched, and this fact alone would have given the pilot great consolation, I'm sure. I declined to take the Breitling on account of the ambiguous provenance, and the lack of general craftsmanship of the clasp: no micro-adjustments? No bueno.
Somehow, I emerged from the colossal wreck and stared at the Odysseus in barely concealed relief. Relief turned into disquiet as I realised that I was alone in the jungle with an GBP85,000 timepiece on my wrist. Any manner of ne'er-do-wells could emerge from the shadows and/or undergrowth to seize my pride and joy.
It was at this moment that I almost rued the decision not to wear my G-shock and instead choose the Odysseus. I traipsed forward knowing that my Odysseus' power reserve would continue long after my body would succumb to the heat, the thirst, and the lack of any authorised dealers within a 200-mile radius.
After two hours and thirty-seven minutes of walking through dense foliage, I stumbled into a village and passed out, being careful to ensure my left arm and wrist did not impact the clay soil...
Would you pick this watch or the Patek Philippe 5196 and why?
I picked this one… for some reason, the 5196 hasn’t ever appealed to me.
Were you not at least a little bid pissed when the watch gave in to a brief dive into a pool (I assume you were not dwelling for hours on end at a depth of 1.4 meters). I mean it is a very handsome piece for sure. But if a company is stating 30-meter water resistance and it cannot even handle a short encounter with water … At least for me such a company loses any appeal it might have had beforehand. Would make me feel cheated. On another note: your story telling is awesome. Could easily keep listening for hours.
I happen to agree with you. “30 metre water resistance” in the watch world appears to be little more than “splash resistant”. It’s a case of misdescriptions, if you ask me…
ps yes, it was a brief dunk…
Wonder how this watch compares to the JLC Master Ultra Thin.
Don’t know, but that’s a beautiful watch…
what size is your wrist?
17cm
Hard to imagine a classier calatrava style watch. I say this as through gritted teeth as a former Patek calatrava owner!..
And not a chronograph subdial in sight 😜
@@watchenthusiastlondon these days I rock a Patek Ellipse for dress occasions - this watch has the same two hand pure class. But more solid looking and better finished.
Classy option…
Time for a SOTC!
Forgive me, but what’s SOTC ?
State of the collection
Did they really increase almost 30% price hike at one point? I heard almost all brand increased less tha 10% price but almost 30% increase is crazy imo..
I know that inflation has been rampant recently, to compound the other supply chain issues etc. but when you’re talking about the absolute numbers in terms of watch prices - increases of several thousands of pounds - it really does hit home…
13k for a brand new Lange 😭 trying to get one now
When you say Casio, you mean Seiko right?
For me there's a big difference. That's all.
Yikes. Did I say Casio? Sorry. Well noted. I meant Seiko 💯🎯
Thank you for pointing out my error. #slipofthetongue
If I can buy only one watch, it would be this in white gold, but I will not pay 22,900 pounds for it.
It’s beautiful. What you say is interesting to me… given I paid less (£13,900) for my Saxonia Thin, to me, in my mind, that’s what it’s worth. Frankly, I wouldn’t pay £22,900 for it either. However, regarding other watches (e.g. FPJourne Chronometre Bleu) I’m in a different situation having missed the opportunity to pay far less for that watch several years ago when it was both less dear and available, but now… I’m seemingly ready to give the proverbial arm and leg for it. 😳
I admire your taste for A.Lange und Söhne, but am in disbelief about your choice for Bremont watches.
He's a Brit, he's probably going to tell you Jaguar makes great cars too !
@@mebiuspower Jaguar is owned by an Indian investor company.
exactly!
I love what Bremont are doing. Very few houses do what they are striving to achieve. You’ve got to admire that and I am proud to be a supporter. Not to mention, some of my all time favourite watches are Bremonts… especially, the Longitude 🔥
Jaguar make great cars too! 😜
Its a dw
How does this watch compare with Grand Seiko?
If you’re referring to my SBGY003, then I can feedback that they’re completely different propositions. The Lange feels undeniably more luxurious and more obviously traditional mechanical. The SBGY003 is lighter (being stainless steel) and you feel that on the wrist. Totally different vibe, given the Spring Drive movement. I love them both, but they have very different offerings IMHO. If you put me on the spot and I had to choose one over the other ? It would be the Lange Saxonia Thin for me.
14:41 I do not think it feels bigger than your Zeitwerk, due to the case size
It is a very nice looking watch , but maybe a bit thicker . The Saxonia porky perhaps
Lovely dress watch, though overpriced for what it is (a lot of Lange/dealership profit there). To add, those Bremont watches are ridiculously thick; they look ugly. Completely unnecessary considering they are just chronographs. What do they fill the excess case with? :) There are full perpetual calendars that are slimmer.