The Caliber L001.1 is a historic and highly significant movement for A. Lange & Söhne. It was the very first movement developed, produced, and assembled after the brand’s legendary re-founding in 1990 by Walter Lange, the great-grandson of Ferdinand Adolph Lange.
This manual-wind movement made its debut in the Saxonia collection, serving as the foundation for the brand’s modern-era identity. It embodies the core principles of Lange watchmaking: traditional craftsmanship, a three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver, Glashütte ribbing, hand-engraved balance cocks, and meticulous finishing.
Technical Specifications Table: A. Lange & Söhne Caliber L001.1
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber Number | L001.1 |
| Brand | A. Lange & Söhne |
| Origin | Glashütte, Germany |
| Movement Type | Manual Winding |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 72 hours (3 days) |
| Frequency | 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour (3 Hz) |
| Jewels | 29 |
| Components | 167 |
| Finishing & Decoration | • Three-Quarter Plate in German silver • Glashütte Ribbing (stripes) on the plate • Hand-Engraved Balance Cock • Blued Steel Screws • Polished Steel Lever Escapement • Chamfered and Polished Edges |
| Special Features | • Lever Escapement • Shock-resistant Swan-Neck Regulator for precise rate adjustment • Massive Rotor (for the mainspring barrel) |
Images of the Caliber L001.1
The beauty of the L001.1 lies in its classic Lange finish. Here are images that showcase its distinctive features:
- The Full Movement View:
This is the iconic view that established the modern Lange aesthetic. You can clearly see the large three-quarter plate in German silver, which will develop a unique patina over time. The hand-engraved balance cock and the swan-neck regulator are the stars of the show. - Close-up on the Balance and Regulator:
This detail shot highlights the exquisite craftsmanship. The floral hand-engraving on the balance cock is unique to each movement. The blued steel screw and the fine adjustment mechanism of the swan-neck regulator are perfectly visible.
Historical Context and Legacy
The L001.1 is more than just a movement; it is a symbol of resurrection. When it was unveiled in the first collection of the reborn A. Lange & Söhne in 1994, it sent a clear message to the Swiss-dominated watch world: German high-end watchmaking was back, and it was a force to be reckoned with.
While the L001.1 itself is no longer in production, having been succeeded by more recent and technically advanced calibers (like the L941.1 and L941.8 in the Saxonia), its DNA is present in every Lange movement made since. It set the standard for quality, finishing, and architectural design that defines the brand to this day. Watches powered by the L001.1 are considered highly collectible as they represent the very beginning of Lange’s modern history.