In the rarefied world of haute horology, where complexity often reigns supreme, the most profound statements are sometimes made through silence and restraint. This philosophy is masterfully embodied in the latest creation from Glashütte’s most revered watchmaker. A. Lange & Söhne has just expanded its esteemed Saxonia family with a breathtaking new iteration that is as pure as it is luxurious: the Saxonia Thin with a solid black onyx dial.
Limited to just 200 pieces worldwide and offered in two of the brand's most exclusive case materials, this new timepiece is a quiet declaration of what true luxury represents in the modern age – not ostentation, but understated perfection.
The Allure of Absolute Black: An Onyx Dial of Uncommon Depth
The immediate and captivating centerpiece of this new Saxonia Thin is its dial. Moving away from the traditional silver or argenté finishes often seen in dress watches, A. Lange & Söhne has opted for a profound, glossy black. This is not a simple coat of lacquer, but a disc of solid black onyx, a semi-precious stone known for its deep, uniform color and a lustrous sheen that plays with light in a way paint never could.
Crafting a dial from onyx is a feat of patience and skill. The stone is brittle and can easily fracture during the slicing and polishing process. To achieve a flawless, mirror-like surface on a 925 silver base requires the hands of a true master. The result is a canvas of absolute darkness, against which the slim, rhodium-gold hands appear to float with stunning clarity. The dial is stark, featuring only applied index markers and the A. Lange & Söhne signature—a lesson in minimalist elegance.
A Choice of Noble Metals: Honeygold vs. Platinum
A. Lange & Söhne presents this masterpiece in two distinct personas, differentiated by their case materials, references 211.052 and 211.062.
- Reference 211.052: This model is cased in the brand’s proprietary 750 Honeygold. A unique alloy developed in-house, Honeygold possesses a warmer, richer hue than standard rose or yellow gold, with significantly enhanced hardness, making it both beautiful and resilient.
- Reference 211.062: For those who prefer the cool, weighty, and hypoallergenic prestige of the finest metal, the watch is also available in 950 Platinum. Its understated heft and muted gleam perfectly complement the enigmatic black onyx dial.
Both cases measure a classic 40 mm in diameter and an astonishingly slim 6.2 mm in thickness. This ultra-thin profile allows the watch to slip effortlessly under a shirt cuff, embodying the very essence of a refined dress watch.
The Heartbeat of Precision: The Calibre L093.1
Beneath the serene surface of the onyx dial beats a movement that is a marvel of German engineering. The manually wound Calibre L093.1 is a mere 2.9 mm thick, yet it is robust and exquisitely finished to the highest Lange standards.
This movement is a testament to efficiency and precision. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and boasts an impressive 72-hour power reserve—meaning you can take it off for a weekend and it will still be ticking when you put it back on Monday morning. Adorned with 21 jewels, a shock-resistant screw balance, and featuring the brand's signature three screwed gold chatons, the movement is a work of art in itself, visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
For a closer look at the platinum model and its stunning movement, you can explore the official collection on the A. Lange & Söhne website.
Exclusivity and Availability
As with any object of such focused craftsmanship, exclusivity is a given. The new Saxonia Thin with onyx dial is a strictly limited edition of 200 pieces across both case metals, ensuring its rarity. The price for this paragon of minimalist luxury is set at €45,000.
This new release is more than just a new watch; it is a reminder from A. Lange & Söhne that in a world of noise, there is immense power in purity. It is a timepiece for the connoisseur who understands that the ultimate luxury is not having more, but having what is truly and timelessly essential.
