Description
The A. Lange & Söhne Moonphase Men’s Watch 109.025 represents the pinnacle of German watchmaking excellence, combining sophisticated engineering with elegant design aesthetics. This masterpiece from the renowned Glashütte-based manufacturer continues the legacy of Ferdinand A. Lange, who established the company in 1845.
Heritage and Background
A. Lange & Söhne has been at the forefront of German watchmaking for over 175 years. After being expropriated following World War II, the company was brilliantly revived in 1990 by Walter Lange, great-grandson of the founder, and has since reclaimed its position among the world’s most prestigious watchmakers.
Design and Construction
This exquisite timepiece features a pristine white gold case measuring 38.5mm in diameter, offering a perfect balance between presence and wearability. The silvered dial showcases the brand’s signature attention to detail with its carefully executed finishing and optimal legibility.
Case Details
- 18-karat white gold construction
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Water-resistant to 30 meters
- Stepped bezel design
- Polished and brushed finishing techniques
Dial Features
- Applied gold hour markers
- Lancet-style hands in blued steel
- Outsize date display with individual windows
- Concentric guilloché pattern
- Harmoniously balanced subdials
Movement
At the heart of this masterpiece lies the manually wound L096.1 caliber movement, meticulously crafted in-house by A. Lange & Söhne’s master watchmakers.
Technical Specifications
- Hand-decorated German silver plates and bridges
- 72-hour power reserve
- Precise moonphase complication
- Advanced stop-seconds mechanism
- 21,600 vibrations per hour
- 31 jewels
- Hand-engraved balance cock
Moonphase Complication
The watch’s moonphase display is not merely decorative but highly accurate, requiring correction only once every 122.6 years. This remarkable precision demonstrates A. Lange & Söhne’s commitment to horological excellence.
Moonphase Mechanism
The moonphase display operates through a precisely calculated gear train that moves the golden moon disk incrementally each day. The mechanism accounts for both the synodic month (29.5 days) and the subtle variations in the moon’s orbit.
Distinctive Features
- Outsize date display at 12 o’clock
- Small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock
- Moonphase indicator integrated within the small seconds
- Hand-stitched alligator leather strap
- Deployant buckle in white gold
- Double-assembled movement construction
Craftsmanship
Each component of the watch is finished to the highest standards, including hand-engraved balance cock, polished anglage, and Glashütte striping on the movement parts. This level of detail exemplifies the brand’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship.
Finishing Techniques
- Hand-polished chamfers
- Circular graining on wheels
- Straight graining on lever arms
- Perlage on base plates
- Hand-engraved balance cock with floral pattern
Market Position and Investment Value
As a limited production timepiece, the 109.025 represents a significant investment in both horological artistry and value retention. It competes with the finest offerings from Swiss manufacturers while maintaining its distinctive German character.
Collector’s Perspective
The watch has gained significant attention from collectors due to its:
- Limited annual production numbers
- Exceptional finishing quality
- Technical innovation
- Brand heritage
- Investment potential
Care and Maintenance
To maintain its impeccable performance and appearance, the watch requires:
- Regular servicing every 3-5 years
- Professional cleaning and lubrication
- Careful handling of the crown when winding
- Protection from magnetic fields
- Storage in a watch winder or proper watch box
Conclusion
The A. Lange & Söhne Moonphase Men’s Watch 109.025 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence in watchmaking. It combines technical sophistication with aesthetic refinement, making it a coveted piece for serious collectors and enthusiasts of fine timepieces. The watch represents not just a timekeeping instrument, but a piece of horological art that showcases the pinnacle of German watchmaking tradition and innovation.
With its perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering, this timepiece continues to captivate watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, securing its place among the most prestigious watches in contemporary horology.
