Description
The Saxonia Annual Calendar represents A. Lange & Söhne’s dedication to innovation within their historic lineage, introduced as part of the brand’s post-1994 renaissance under the leadership of Walter Lange and Günter Blümlein.
Development and Design Philosophy
The development process of the 330.032 model involved:
- Four years of research and development
- Integration of traditional Glashütte watchmaking principles
- Implementation of modern manufacturing techniques
- Over 5,000 hours of testing before market release
Case Architecture
The case construction features multiple sophisticated elements:
External Components
- 18-karat white gold case (750/1000 gold alloy composition)
- Precise measurements:
- Diameter: 38.5mm (±0.1mm tolerance)
- Height: 9.8mm (±0.05mm tolerance)
- Lug-to-lug distance: 45.7mm
- Lug width: 20mm
Case Construction Details
- Three-part case construction:
- Bezel with integrated crystal
- Central case band
- Screw-down display back
- Polishing specifications:
- Mirror polish on flat surfaces
- Satin finish on case flanks
- Hand-polished angles and transitions
Crystal Specifications
Both front and rear crystals feature advanced optical properties:
Front Crystal
- Domed sapphire crystal with 1800 Vickers hardness
- Multi-layer anti-reflective coating:
- 9 layers on external surface
- 13 layers on internal surface
- Thickness: 1.6mm at center
Display Back Crystal
- Flat sapphire crystal
- Anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Thickness: 1.2mm
Dial Construction
The dial features multiple layers and sophisticated finishing techniques:
Base Layer
- Solid silver (925/1000) base plate
- Thickness: 0.5mm
- Multi-step galvanic treatment:
- Initial copper plating
- Silver plating
- Protective coating
Dial Elements
- Applied hour markers:
- 18-karat white gold construction
- Rhodium plated
- Hand-polished facets
- Height: 0.35mm
- Calendar apertures:
- Precision-cut openings
- Polished chamfers
- Frame thickness: 0.2mm
Movement Technical Details
The L085.1 SAX-0-MAT movement represents the pinnacle of mechanical sophistication:
Base Caliber Specifications
- Movement dimensions:
- Diameter: 30.4mm
- Height: 5.4mm
- Total components: 378
- Jewel specifications:
- 51 synthetic ruby jewels
- 7 gold chatons
- Diameter tolerance: ±0.02mm
Movement Components
- Mainspring assembly:
- Barrel diameter: 10.5mm
- Spring length: 400mm
- Spring height: 1.15mm
- Balance wheel:
- Free-sprung balance with 6 eccentric poising weights
- Diameter: 10.5mm
- Inertia: 12.5mgcm²
Annual Calendar Mechanism
The calendar mechanism comprises several sophisticated systems:
Technical Components
- Program wheel system:
- 48 teeth for month lengths
- Maltese cross mechanism
- Safety systems for date changes
- Quick-set mechanisms:
- Patented zero-reset system
- Individual correctors for each display
- Anti-backlash springs
Finishing Specifications
Every component receives extensive hand-finishing:
Movement Decoration
- Three-quarter plate:
- German silver composition (maillechort)
- Glashütte ribbing at 22-degree angle
- Hand-polished gold chatons
- Balance cock:
- Free-hand engraving
- Traditional floral pattern
- Black polished steel cap
Quality Control Standards
Each timepiece undergoes rigorous testing:
Testing Protocols
- Chronometric testing:
- Six positions
- Three temperature ranges
- 12-day testing period
- Water resistance testing:
- Static pressure test at 3 ATM
- Dynamic pressure test
- Condensation test
Authentication and Documentation
Each watch includes comprehensive documentation:
Documentation Package
- Individual numbering system:
- Unique movement number
- Case number
- Quality control certificates
- Warranty documentation:
- International warranty card
- Extended service options
- Authentication papers
Market Position and Value
The watch maintains its position as a significant investment piece:
- Limited annual production of approximately 100 pieces
- Steady value appreciation of 3-5% annually
- Recognized as a significant piece in modern horology
- Strong presence in auction markets
Care Instructions
Detailed maintenance requirements for optimal performance:
- Professional service intervals:
- Complete overhaul every 5 years
- Annual water resistance check
- Calendar mechanism inspection every 2 years
- Daily care guidelines:
- Winding procedures
- Storage recommendations
- Calendar adjustment protocols