Only once before this have we ventured into the Saxonia range and that was to look at the gorgeous Langematik Perpetual – a timepiece for collectors and aficionados alike that expect nothing less than perfection from their perpetual calendar timepiece. This new Saxonia Moon Phase is a piece that is as much about German efficiency and precision as it is about balance and elegance. The new Saxonia Moon Phase for the first time is now available with a black dial, instead of the more accustomed Argenté dial.
Most watch manufacturers round two moon phases but we all know Lange isn’t just most watch manufactures. The Saxonia uses the moon phase down to a couple of seconds and has a continuously moving moon phase disk, which naturally requires additional gears. So instead of using a jumping disk that is cheaper to make and conveniently covers up the inaccuracies Lange have gone the whole nine yards – so to speak.
The new Saxonia Moon phase of course incorporates Lange’s signature outsized date window at 12 o’clock but additionally it makes use of matching date apertures, with white date numerals against a black backdrop. More importantly, the iconic Lange outsized date is a feature of the model, which so far has only been available with an argenté-coloured dial. The actual moon phase itself is intricately decorated with 852 stars.
The moon phase is placed within the running seconds sub-dial. The moon-phase display is the epitome of precision as mentioned above. It deviates from the true position of the moon by merely one day every 122.6 years, this is assuming the watch runs without interruption.
The new Saxonia Moon Phase is a very elegant timepiece and this elegance is continued with the use of applied stick-like markers throughout and Alpha hands marking the hours and minutes. The case measures a very comfortable 40 mm and is only 9.8 mm in thickness that features highly polished bezel and lugs, with the standard Lange brushed case band.
At the heart of the new Saxonia Moon Phase is Lange’s, hand finished, calibre L086.5, which features a bidirectional delicately embossed large central rotor with a centrifugal mass in platinum. This mass builds up the maximum power reserve of 72 hours after only a short time on the wrist. Details of the meticulously finished movement, such as Glashütte ribbing, blued screws and circular graining, can be admired through the sapphire-crystal case back.
The Saxonia Moon Phase is the quintessence of precision and is in my opinion arguably one of the finest Moon Phases in the business. There are a lot of minute details to admire, none more so than the moon phase disc but the all black backdrop of this new piece just makes it a little more alluring.
The new Saxonia Moon Phase with black dial is available in pink or white-gold for approx. £21,000. For more information on the new Saxonia Moon Phase, visit the A. Lange & Söhne website.