A. Lange & Söhne Introduces the Saxonia Outsize Date

Simplicity in silver.

First unveiled in 2018 in either pink or white gold with black dials, the Saxonia Outsize Date is now offered in the chromatic opposite, once again in both metals but with a silver dial.

Characterised by a no-frills design centred on the extra-large date display, the new Saxonia is identical to the earlier version. The case remains the same compact 38.5 mm in diameter, and contains the L086.8 movement (which is a close relative of the L155.1 in the Odysseus sports watch).

Initial thoughts

Very much typical of A. Lange & Söhne in style, the new Saxonia is a clean, serious-looking wristwatch with a high level of fit and finish, packaged in a modestly-sized, 38.5 mm case. It is simplicity done well.

While the original version in black had a stark and decidedly more modern look found in few Lange watches, the new Saxonia has a more classical aesthetic that is more in keeping with the brand’s house style, which should please traditionalists.

Priced at a bit over €26,000, or about US$30,000, the Saxonia Outsize Date is reasonable value given its quality, both inside and out; the movement is finished to Lange standards, while the dial is solid silver with solid-gold hands and markers.

The only thing that might be a minus is the L086.8 movement, because it is not as elaborate as the first-generation Lange automatic movement, the L921 “Sax-O-Mat” that is now only found in the Langematik Perpetual Calendar (as the L922.1) and Saxonia Annual Calendar (L085.1).

The newer L086.8 is a functionally superior calibre – most notably its power reserve is 72 hours as opposed to 46 hours – but it lacks the zero-reset hacking seconds of the “Sax-O-Mat”. And the first-generation movement is also more attractive to me eye, with its unusual layout featuring a micro-rotor.

The L086.8 in the Saxonia Outsize Date

Argenté

Despite being a German watchmaker, Lange labels its silver-tone dials argenté, which is French for “silver”. Though simple in style, the dials on the new Saxonia are expensively made, like all Lange dials. The argenté dials are actually solid silver – true for nearly all Lange dials regardless of colour – while the hands, hour markers, and frame for the date are solid gold.

The L086.8 movement is a full-rotor automatic with a three-day power reserve and hack seconds. And it is finished in the typical Lange style, with stripes on the German silver bridges, a hand-engraved balance cock, as well as a rotor with a platinum rim.

Key facts and price

A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Outsize Date
Ref. 381.026 (white gold)
Ref. 381.032 (pink gold)

Diameter: 38.5 mm
Height: 9.6 mm
Material: 18k white or pink gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: L086.8
Functions: Hours, minutes, second, and date
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Crocodile with pin buckle

Availability: Starting December at boutiques and retailers
Price: €26,300 including 19% German VAT; or 39,700 Singapore dollars including GST

For more, visit Alange-soehne.com.