Introducing: Did A. Lange & Sohne Just Drop The Ultimate Tuxedo Watch?

December 07, 2020

The Saxonia Thin is the most basic watch A. Lange & Sohne makes, but this is certainly not the most basic version of that watch. This new limited edition takes the two-hand dress watch and elevates it to another level. The 40mm white-gold case houses a dial made of solid silver coated with something called "black gold flux," which is a type of glass filled with specks of copper to make it sparkle. The technique dates back about four centuries, and we first saw it used by Lange back in 2018 in this similar Saxonia Thin, albeit in a deep blue shade.Importantly, the watch is still powered by the caliber L093.1, the in-house time-only movement that's been the Thin's foundation for years. This is a true high-end movement, with German silver plates, beautiful hand-finishing throughout, screwed gold chatons for a few of the jewels, and the balance cock engraving you'll find on all of Lange's other movements. Yes, this is more affordable than a Datograph, but it's made with exactly the same care and attention to detail.This Saxonia Thin is limited to 50 pieces, is priced at $25,800, and is available exclusively through A. Lange & Sohne boutiques. The dial has a glassy surface with colorful specks of colorful copper inside. Initial Thoughts I'm on the record as a devote of the A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin. Multiple times, actually. The most basic watch from one of the world's great watchmakers delivers everything it promises and more, and it does so at a price that's pretty competitive in the marketplace too. I think that when you put the Saxonia head-to-head with any time-only or time-and-date watch from a major brand, it stands out as a complete package: It wears great on the wrist and has excellent proportions; the movement inside is a true high-end movement with tons of hand-finishing; it looks just distinctive enough to have some personality while still being classic and a worthy long-haul investment.This latest iteration is no different. But while I think the standard silver-dialed Saxonia Thin models are perfect everyday watches, looking just as good with a t-shirt and jeans as they do with a suit, this one is definitely dressy and a bit more niche. It's simple, but sumptuous. The white-gold case and sparkling black dial give it that, "If you serve me anything other than champagne or neat whisky, Im walking out" vibe. But there's a time and place for that. And when it's that time, and you're in that place, I really don't think there's a better watch to reach for than this one.? The Saxonia Thin 40mm with black gold flux dial. To that point, I think this limited edition should have been based on the smaller, 37mm Saxonia Thin. This is a proper dress watch, and it should have those proportions. The 40mm isn't massive by any means, but for my money, a formal watch like this should be sub-38mm. It's my one gripe, but it's a real one. Come at me in the comments if you disagree. It doesn't get much dressier than this. The Basics Brand: A. Lange & SohneModel: Saxonia ThinReference Number: 211.087Diameter: 40mmThickness: 6.2mmCase Material: White goldDial Color: Black gold fluxIndexes: BatonsLume: NoneWater Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: Shiny black leather strap with 18k white-gold prong buckle The Caliber L093.1 is German silver and features traditional finishing throughout. The Movement Caliber: L093.1Functions: Hours and minutesDiameter: 28mmThickness: 2.9mmPower Reserve: 72 hoursWinding: Hand-woundFrequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)Jewels: 21 (3 in screwed gold chatons)Total Components: 167 Pricing & Availability Price: $25,800Availability: Now, exclusively at A. Lange & Sohne boutiquesLimited Edition: 50 piecesFor more, click here.