A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid meets philosopher Wilhelm Schmid

— At a panel discussion, Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid and philosopher and bestselling author Wilhelm Schmid spoke about the careful use of the valuable resource of time. 

The coincidentally matching names and shared interest in the topic of time brought together the Berlin “art of life” philosopher and the host Managing Director of A. Lange & Söhne. Wilhelm Schmid and Wilhelm Schmid met at Schloss Proschwitz near Meissen, Germany, on 11 May to discuss the topic of time. The philosophical debate was moderated by Princess Alexandra of Lippe in a dual role: the publicist and journalist is also the lady of the palace.

Philosopher Wilhelm Schmid regards time as having a grid that holds and supports people. He believes that we have to structure time in order to be productive and live a fulfilled life. And that the art of dealing with time is in creating ritual, cyclical time windows. For Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid, it is the non-structured periods, which can be freely used, that are among the most valuable times. In his system of the “colours of time”, the philosopher describes these phases as “blue hours” dedicated to rest and regeneration. It is during these phases that visions, dreams and ideas are created. He calls the particularly productive phases “golden hours” and assigns the colour pink to the phases of love. He also claims that we have to accept the unavoidable “grey phases”. And that only by recognising that life largely depends on chance can people enjoy true peace.

The panel discussion at Schloss Proschwitz. © A. Lange & Söhne Replica Watches

The second part of the discussion focussed on the relationship with the past. Following the philosophical finding that life becomes more intense if we consider the wealth of our experiences, Wilhelm Schmid from Glashütte reminded us of the parallel historical development of mobility and timekeeping. This has led to the precise time now being so omnipresent that mechanical watches are no longer really needed, yet, as a result of this, are more appreciated than ever. Wilhelm Schmid from Berlin explained this apparent paradox by creating an analogy between precision watchmaking and art. Like works of art, the handmade mechanical timekeepers are unique and coveted for their rarity.

A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin

— New design accents for replica A. Lange & Söhne’s puristic timepiece, the Saxonia Thin. 

  

In 2011, A. Lange & Söhne Replica Watches created a modern classic: the Saxonia Thin. Five years after its debut, the low-silhouette two-hand watch is making a comeback with a subtly reworked dial that reflects the current design of the Saxonia watch family and emphasises the puristic facets of style. Compared with the predecessor model, the solid-gold baton hour markers have been slightly elongated and shifted closer to the bezel. The retouched, argenté-coloured dial in solid silver radiates harmony and balance.

The Saxonia Thin in white gold (ref. 211.027). © A. Lange & Söhne

The new edition of the Saxonia Thin has the familiar case diameter of 40 millimetres and a height of 5.9 millimetres. It is available in pink or white gold. The manually wound calibre L093.1 movement is only 2.9millimetres high but impressively showcases the brand-typical finissage of all components. The classic design elements of each Lange watch, such as the three-quarter plate made of German silver and the hand-engraved balance cock, are lavishly polished and decorated.

 

The Saxonia Thin in pink gold (ref. 211.033). © Swiss Replica Watches

SIHH 2016 Our personal favourites

— Discover our personal favourites from SIHH 2016 each day on watchesjust. 

 

Isabelle Guignet - H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept Funky Blue

My second highlight of the week is the Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept Funky Blue by H. Moser & Cie. What I particularly like about this watch in pink gold with a smoked sky-blue dial is the hand-stitched plaited brown crocodile skin strap. This aesthetic touch goes equally well on the wrist of a woman as on that of a man. Without any numerals, hour markers or date, the audacious purity of this Swiss brand is once again highlighted at the very heart of this timepiece.

 

© H. Moser & Cie

Camille Gendre - Van Cleef & Arpels Sautoir transformable Pompon
On the second day of the SIHH I was seduced by the poetry of Van Cleef & Arpels. Inspired couture, the elegant transformable pendant is a new interpretation of the theme of secret watches, which is a tradition of the brand. The dial is hidden in a string of woven pearls. The time can be read discreetly, because the dial is only revealed by lifting the pompom. This jewellery set, which consists of a pendant, a detachable watch and a magnificent bracelet, can be adapted according to one's needs and the occasion.

White gold, round diamonds, black spinels, onyx, white pearls, white mother-of-pearl, quartz movement, unique piece. © Camille Gendre/World Watches

Michèle Brunner – A. Lange & Söhne Grande Lange 1 Moonphase "Lumen"
A sober timepiece with a mysterious transparency that shows off the carrousel of numbers for the date, an ultra-precise and sparkling moonphase… How can you not be seduced by the charm of this new Grande Lange 1 Moonphase "Lumen"? You almost want to wind up its precious heart, Calibre L095.4, more often than its 72-hour power reserve requires in order to enjoy this platinum timepiece to the full and keep it on your wrist, to accompany your sleep with the tender halo of its luminescence.

 

Grande Lange 1 Phases de Lune "Lumen". © A. Lange & Söhne

Paul O'Neil - Parmigiani Fleurier Tondo Chronor Anniversaire
We’ll have to wait a few years before we see a series-produced watch that uses Parmigiani Fleurier’s revolutionary Senfine technology, which has a totally new regulating organ design that beats at 16 Hz and will eventually offer a power reserve that is measured in months rather than days. But until then the Tondo Chronor Anniversaire offers a worthy alternative. Parmigiani Fleurier celebrates its 20th anniversary with a fully integrated split-seconds chronograph model. Even for a high-end manufacture, this is an achievement in itself, but the fact that the entire movement is made in precious but awkwardly soft and malleable gold is the icing on the birthday cake.

 

Tondo Chronor Anniversary, or rose. © Parmigiani

Brice Lechevalier - Montblanc 4810 ExoTourbillon Slim
To celebrate its 110th anniversary Montblanc presents five new calibres and relaunches its 4810 collection with an inspiration from the transatlantic crossings that led to the birth of the brand. On the ExoTourbillon Slim 4810 with its patented self-winding movement with stop-seconds function, the spirit of the steamship is reflected in the function indicator that recalls the engine room telegraph. Its incredible value for money makes it all the more appealing.

 

ExoTourbillon Slim in red gold with sapphire case back. © Montblanc

If yesterday's choice was difficult, today's was easy. For years I have considered the H. Moser & Cie.'s perpetual calendar to be the finest on the market. For me it is the synthesis of the watchmaking expertise and ingenuity of the brand, legibility and an intemporal elegance. In short, it is my dream watch...
And the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept model is the ultimate expression of this, since the brand has pushed things to the extreme by removing the small seconds, the hour markers and even the logo. And despite all this, the true aficionaod will immediately recognise the Moser perpetual calendar… Assuming that they get chance to see one on the wrist, since this limited edition of just 10 pieces with the smoked rhodium dial will be very exclusive. "Very rare," you say?

 

© H. Moser & Cie.