A. Lange & Söhne’s Guide to the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week

Established in 2019, the annual Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week, running October 2 to 5 this year, marks its third year of sponsorship for watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne. In fact, Sunday’s big trophy event is titled the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance, sponsored by A. Lange & Söhne, and should be number one on your don’t-miss list (but more on that in a minute).

Having built a reputation as one of the more high-quality, yet accessible, automotive car concours events in the US, its location in Newport, Rhode Island, also adds to the charm and appeal of the exciting happenings.

With its history as a Gilded Age retreat for 19th-century East Coast elites, the rarified spirit of Newport means the whole town gets in on the fun during the Audrain event. Yes, you will get an unparalleled chance to review the impeccable cars on exhibit, but you are just as likely to spot some impressive classic cars owned by well-heeled locals who are just driving around town that weekend.

Here’s an insider preview of some more don’t-miss highlights for your Audrain plans.

If you’ve been following Watchonista’s coverage of Lange-sponsored concours events, you already know that the Saxony watchmaker has debuted three new watch models in concert with its car show calendar this year. First, we saw an impressive Zeitwerk Date in rose gold revealed at the Concours of Elegance Germany in August.

Then, earlier this month, the watchmaker debuted both a black gran feu enamel and platinum 1815 Tourbillon and a joyful Richard Lange Jumping Seconds timepiece in white gold with a pink gold dial at the UK’s Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace.

Will there be additional horological news in Newport? We think it is a pretty safe bet.
 

Another safe bet is that what Lange has in store will bring an added dash of elegance to the proceedings, elevating the very nature of the event itself. After all, sartorial elegance is a big part of Newport’s atmosphere.

Lange’s charming Director of Product Development, Tony de Haas, will also participate in a Seminar Series talk with former GM Head of Design, Michael Simco, probing the idea of “Designing with Purpose, on the Road & on the Wrist” on Friday afternoon.

We are also told that you might want to leave a space in your calendar on Sunday for potential private viewing appointments of the watchmaker’s novelties, limited editions, and core collection – yet another don’t-miss opportunity.

The base camp for the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week is at the charming and historic grounds of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which is right in the center of town. And, this year, the sporting connection is not lost at all.

The focus of the popular “center-court” exhibition lawn this year is on “100 Years of Racing,” with superb examples of historic race cars on display, including a 1997 Ferrari F310b Formula 1 car that was piloted by Michael Schumacher.

Also, keep an eye out for forward-looking exhibits and displays from both Corvette and Cadillac at the Hall of Fame.
 

Held on the grounds of Doris Duke’s historic seaside estate, Rough Point, the focus of the Audrain event is pulled to a social garden party celebration on Friday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm called The Gathering.

You can expect a bevy of car displays as well as samples of some of the best local food and beverage offerings. This year, The Gathering will sport a fun 1950s “American Bandstand” theme.
 

The annual vintage car auctions at Audrain, expertly conducted by the Bonhams auction house, are held throughout the event and represent an unrivaled opportunity to acquire a souvenir or two for your own garage.

The most notable lot is perhaps this rare 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ Coupe, which is predicted to go for as much as $5.4 million.
 

With unforgettable concours partnerships in Italy, Germany, and the UK, with the addition of this Newport concours (you can expect upcoming post-event coverage here in The Lounge by Watchonista), Lange has created a meaningful program that draws powerful connections between the beauty and craftsmanship of the automotive and horological worlds.

Not only that, but the program for this upcoming concours may best underline the exquisite points of intersection for the enthusiastic fans of both. This speaks to A. Lange & Söhne’s enduring passion for classic cars, with a laser focus on important global concours events specifically. This adds a unique vision to its recognized dedication and heritage of fine watchmaking.
 

Frankly, here at Watchonista, we can’t wait to see what happens in Newport.