Attending (and winning) at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este

Early May, an email popped up on my computer screen asking if I would fancy attending the Concorso as guest of A. Lange & Söhne. Knowing the passion for mechanics of Mr. Wilhelm Schmid (A. Lange & Söhne’s CEO) and anticipating privileged moments with the man, its team and few guests (including esteemed colleagues), I had to say yes! I think my exact words were, “Let me catch a flight to Europe and I will be there on time”.
 

At the moment I stepped in the Grand Hotel Tremezzo I immediately sensed a very Germanic organization of things. Everything was impeccably prepared. 

I only had a brief time to go to my room to change and then off to meet the team to receive a special watch. Prior to the weekend, being in a sport-chic mood, I pre-selected the Datograph Perpetual to wear throughout weekend. I must admit, the watch did NOT disappoint, despite normally wearing only white metals. With its white dial and rose gold case with matching brown strap paired perfectly with the environment I found myself in. 
 

I’ve always been a “PP” guy, and this was my first real “test drive” with a Lange and I liked it.

Ok you will tell me it’s an easy pick because it’s among the sexiest references the brand has… But I will simply reply that you are absolutely right! The movement is spectacular (a small city viewable under the sapphire caseback), the dial is neat and easy to read. The Datograph Perpetual boasts a chrono, and perpetual calendar with a big date all displayed in an outrageously readable way.

Having the watch on my wrist day and night, gave me the time to think about the brand, its origins of non-Swiss high-end manufacturing. Lest we forget the brand’s latest amazing results at charity auction. Another thing that really attracted me is the fact that the overall low production numbers makes Lange’s timepieces even more desirable.
 

How does one profile the clients of A. Lange & Söhne? Spending time in Italy among real Lange collectors made me understand the wide variety of “friends of the brand.” From a very cool (and young) venture capitalist from Silicon Valley (and serious “Burner” btw - a guy who really know how to live Burning Man) to an important and very classic collector from Singapore. But also, a German gentleman living on Lake Como or a renowned British racing driver. These various and unique profiles (and probably lifestyles) all but gave me a unique explanation of “why Lange”. The one common element is that these gentlemen (and ladies!) all share the same common attraction to beauty and rarity.
 

The second (amazing) reason why I attended the festivities in Lake Como wasn’t to be a spectator. Later in the weekend, the event took an all different flavor. I have the chance to be close to a young and familiar car collector, a keeper of hidden treasures. The gentleman driver is @ROSSOMIURA and once again he brought the Bull out for a very stylish ride. 

I may be biased, but this is probably the most incredible example of Lamborghini Miura P400 SV you can see out there. Completely preserved. Untouched. Nothing has been replaced or restored. Produced in 1971 and first sold in Sicily, only the passing years have gently added a very sexy patina to the car. This car is so special that it got prizes in Pebble Beach and won Best of Show at the Concours d’Elegance Suisse in 2016.
 

After the car was reviewed by a team of international judges on very specific criteria (the Miura participated as #76 in the 80 years of Automotive Archaeology) you patiently wait (having an uncertain number of Negronis in exquisite company) for the moment when you have to line up and drive in front of the judges and spectators. I must say that it’s quite emotional to be in the car looking at the crowd applauding, getting their pictures, and the most passionate getting closer to congratulate you from the open window.
 

As a car enthusiast, I can clearly understand the thrill of participating in such an event. There is for sure a part of pride (I don’t mean to show-off! Believe me you will always find somebody next to you that owns an unreachable unicorn so…) in having your machine on the lawn of Villa d’Este, but it’s also about sharing your passion of mechanics. 

All this is very close to horology don’t you think? Even if I did not attend the full program for entrants, I could experience something quite unique. 

Being part of the show and winning a prize? Priceless.
 

Sunday, after a morning visit to Villa Erba and a fantastic boat ride to the hotel, I had the chance to sit for a privileged discussion with Wilhelm Schmid. I wanted to know more about the brand, the projects and of course the sponsorship of the Concorso. Very pleasant. The man has a great knowledge of the brand and a clear vision for its future. He further explained to me why Lange is so special to him and to the brand’s clients. I invite you to read to full interview here. 
 

For the closing gala of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, a white metal was needed, almost necessary (it was a black-tie affair). So, I exchanged my Datograph Perpetual for a more dressed up Lange 1. What an evening! A sudden storm with rain and hail. Imagine the terror of the owners and their finalist cars outside with ice coming down from a black skies!? The storm stopped but the suspense was rising. Who is the 2018 Best of Show? The winner was the amazing 1958 Ferrari 335 SPORT #60! Astonishingly restored. Another unicorn only seen at Lake Como…
 

So how can I wrap up this amazing weekend? I should say that, participating at the Concorso in Villa d’Este with an Italian iconic car, getting a prize from a British gentleman, and having a German brand hosting me in Italy with a Saxon timepiece on my wrist is just proof that passion for mechanics has no boarders. Now I better understand why, year after year, A. Lange & Söhne is actively participating in this very unique event. And I am glad that I could better understand the beauty of Saxon horology. 

And… just for the record, my best pick was for the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB in Grigio Conchiglia #50 belonging to an American collector from Chicago.

A big thank you to A. Lange & Söhne, the team of course to @rossomiura for sharing his passion and dedication to incredible automobiles (and for taking good care of them).