Cars & motorsport
A. Lange & Söhne Brings Two New Saxonia Thin Models to the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week
As the closing pinnacle of the watchmaker’s partnerships in the world of classic cars concours events, the recent Newport show offered a motherlode of automotive fascination to attendees, as well as a horological surprise – or two.
By Mike Espindle
Executive Editor
With last week’s unexpected “summer-in-October” weather in the Northeast US, there was no better canvas upon which to paint the culmination of the Glashütte-based fine watchmaker’s series of sponsorships of important global concours events, the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week, presented by A. Lange & Söhne.
Since 2023, A. Lange & Söhne has been the presenting partner for this classic car event’s marquee Concours d’Elegance awards ceremony, which, this year, capped off a week of automotive splendor showcasing over 200 vintage automobiles against the stunning backdrop of New England in the autumn.
“Each year, Lange friends in the region generously reserve some of their precious time to join us for the event. With them comes an extraordinary energy for fine watchmaking and for our watches,” said A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid. “If you love the craftsmanship, design, and heritage on view at a world-class Concours of Elegance, it’s not so much of a stretch to say that you might find the same joy and sense of purpose in high-end mechanical watches.”
In a private conversation with Schmid, he confirmed an overall satisfaction with his company’s involvement in concours events. And while he said it was too early to discuss any firm plans for the next season, he also indicated that he was equally satisfied with the brand’s decision to, for the first time, present timepiece novelties in concert with the events, including two new limited edition Saxonia Thin models, one in 950 platinum and the other in 750 Honeygold.
The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin Watch Moment
The two new Saxonia Thin models that the watchmaker debuted during Audrain bring Lange’s count of watch novelties unveiled during this concours season to a whopping five.
First, we saw a unique Zeitwerk Date in rose gold debut at the Concours of Elegance Germany in July. Then, in September, both a deep black-enamel version of the 1815 Tourbillon and a pink-gold dial on white gold execution of the technical Richard Lange Jumping Seconds arrived in style at the UK’s Concours of Elegance Hampton Court
However, in these new Saxonia Thin models, “elegance” is truly the watchword.
Created in both brand-proprietary 750 Honeygold and classically sophisticated 950 platinum, the Lange design team has notably elevated the familiar format of a sophisticated evening two-hander onto a new plateau.
With dials of meticulously selected jet-black onyx, the nighttime glamour is made even more potent. Moreover, their minimalist “less is more” approach to the models’ applied indices, hands, and badging offers abundant dial real estate to admire the dark.
Eyewitness
The Honeygold version adds a sense of warmth to the presentation, which not only brings higher scratch resistance owing to the properties of the proprietary alloy, but it also plays with light in such a way that it is difficult to “pin down” visually.
At once deeply golden, then appearing lighter and more metallic in certain light, the 40mm case is in a state of constant, artful visual shimmer on the wrist. Of course, in gleaming platinum, the Saxonia Thin finds its most elevated position for your wearing pleasure.
Powered by a slender, exquisitely finished manufacture movement (the total watch height is 6.5mm), and presented on a polished black alligator strap, the Saxonia Thin creates an unmistakable wrist presence, regardless of the noble metal used for its construction.
We caught up with A. Lange & Söhne’s Director of Product Development, Anthony de Haas, for an exclusive walkthrough of the new Saxonia Thin models in this video below, which also shares some of the exciting highlights from the big trophy-awarding event of the week, the Concours d’Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne.
Winners’ Circle
At such an outstanding concours event, all of the multiple classic car class winners were a sheer delight to watch as they pulled up the lawn of the iconic Breakers mansion to the trophy podium.
This year's edition culminated with the presentation of the historic Vanderbilt Cup-inspired “Best of Show” award on Sunday. Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid presented the owner of this immaculate 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Rimoldi Corto Spyder with the coveted prize. (On a personal note, I am a fervent fan of the sometimes-overlooked vintage Alfas, so I was truly blown away by this vehicle.)
Schmid also awarded the winners in the “30 Under 30” category to honor younger car collectors and recognize the important next generation of enthusiasts. He also awarded the “Timeless Elegance” prize – appropriate, given the nature of the Saxonia Thin watches that debuted and Lange’s dedication to extraordinary craftsmanship.
Jay Time
We were honored to spend a little time with entertainment legend Jay Leno, who is both a big fan of the Audrain event and of A. Lange & Söhne, during the proceedings. He confessed that cars have always dominated his personal interests, and appreciation of fine timepieces came a little later.
“I kind of started down this road with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso years ago, but what I like about Lange watches is that combination of classic design and edgy, hand-made technology,” Leno told us. “Also, when you own a Lange watch, you don’t have to go anywhere else…you’re there.”
A frequent attendee of classic car concours, Leno also shared his particular affection for Audrain: “This show is like Pebble Beach was 20 years ago…fun, easy to experience and walk around, friendly, more social.”
You can take an even deeper dive into A. Lange & Söhne’s commitment to and passion for classic cars (with a particular focus on concours events) at this dedicated page.