A. Lange & Söhne Arkade History
The A. Lange & Söhne Arkade superimposed alongside the arcade of Dresden Castle
When A. Lange & Söhne was re-launched in 1994 after the collapse of East Germany, Walter Lange launched 4 new watch models for the company his great-grandfather had founded. One of the four original models released was the A. Lange & Söhne Arkade – a high-end ladies’ wristwatch.
A. Lange & Söhne Arkade/ Credit: Ninanet
The Arkade was somewhat controversial when it was released, at the time there weren’t many timepieces for women that were actually horologically inclined…that is, had movements that matched the price tag. The reality is that most were quartz watches and simply fashion watches by a different name. Made in distinct colours with jewels, diamonds and the like, on the bezel and even dial. The design of the A. Lange & Söhne also stood out, it’s rectangular case shape and large date display unconventional for the time. This design of the case itself was inspired by the arcades in the courtyard of Dresden Castle, that have arcs much like the shape of the Lange Arkade’s case. Dresden Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the East German city, originally built as a Romanesque keep in 1200 and almost destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945. The Arkade was powered by the venerable A. Lange & Söhne Cal. L911.4, that was manual winding with a 21,600 bph rate and a 42-hour power reserve. It also came in a handful of references, all of which were in precious metals.
Somewhat of a maverick in the watch world as one of the few high-end mechanical wristwatches for women when it was released, the A. Lange & Söhne Arkade certainly flies under the radar today. Nonetheless it is relatively important in the context of watch history, perhaps even inspiring other brands to see the potential in the women’s watch market. Who knows, if you’re looking to spend 5-figures for your wife or girlfriend this holiday season – it just might be the perfect gift!
By: Andres Ibarguen
Read more:
“Dresden Castle.” Spotting History, https://www.spottinghistory.com/view/8630/dresden-castle/.
“A. Lange & Söhne Arkade.” Watch Wiki, https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=A._Lange_%26_S%C3%B6hne_Arkade.