A. Lange and Sohne have a long and prestigious history making luxury watches, dating back to 1845, when it was founded by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in Germany. The A. Lange & Söhne company was one of the first watch making companies to bring precision watchmaking to Saxony.

After completing a decade-long apprenticeship under some of the most renowned watchmakers in Saxony, Ferdinand Adolph Lange launched his own company in 1845. Lange recruited the best watchmakers in the region and invested heavily in the latest technology and machinery.

Lange’s leadership propelled A. Lange and Cie to become one of the most respected watch brands in the world. In 1846, he invented the three-quarter plate design that continues to form the basis of their movements today. He also introduced the millimeter to watchmaking and became mayor of Glashutte in 1848. His impact was widespread and evident.

The company was known for its precision and beauty, and it gained a royal clientele in Europe, including the King of Bavaria. His son Richard joined the business in 1871, followed by his brother Emil in 1872. The name was changed to A. Lange & Sohne that year, and the sons used their artistic and marketing skills to help the company scale new heights.

In 1875, Ferdinand Lange died and passed the family business entirely to his sons. They took their father’s company in a new direction by securing many patents for new timepieces and creating their most complicated watch yet: Grand Complication No. 42500, an exceptionally complicated yet beautiful pocket watch that was manufactured as a one-off.

Under the leadership of the Lange sons, the Manufacture continued to thrive, but its success was interrupted by World War I.