Lange 1 Timezone in White gold reference 116.039. This beast is unique, functional, and a standout piece from Lange. The Lange 1 overall has now become a cult classic of the brand since their launch in 1994 with its unique dial layout, what I would call it the most symmetrical asymmetrical dial layout. This specific Lange is no ordinary Lange. It is the Lange Timezone. Featuring almost the same size as the Grande Lange 1, measuring at 41.9mm in diameter with thickness rises slightly to 11mm compared to 9.8mm due to the added complication. So what’s the result of slightly added thickness? A secondary timezone, 24 hour indicators, as well as the worldtime function.
The case construction is that of the classic Lange. Great mixture of polished bezel and brushed finish case as well as the typical Lange styled Lugs. When compared with the standard Lange 1 lugs, these lugs are ever so slightly more curved down to the wrist which allows for the watch to hug the wrist better with a bigger case size.
The dial is well organized, functional with the same Lange 1 DNA dial. Lange have utlised the space on the dial to its absolute max with this piece to add the world time disc, secondary timezone as well as 24 hour indicator, while remaining that symmetrical asymmetrical look of the classic Lange 1 featuring off centered time, date, and power reserve. In terms of features, the pusher at 10 o’clock allows for a quick date change function which is the same function for all Lange 1s. I love how the date window slides; it looks like a clip from a film. Unlike the original Lange 1, this timezone features an additional pusher at 8 o’clock, which is to adjust the secondary timezone as well as worldtime disk. Similar to that of Patek's worldtime function, this allows for quick and easy change in time when travelling.
Is it now a standard to expect a high level of finishing with Lange movements, and this is no different. If you have seen the movement of original Lange 1, this movement might look familiar as this caliber L141.1 features the same base movement of the original Lange 1’s L901 caliber. The magic of the L.141.1 is made up of 417 parts, while L901 features 365 parts. So what does the additional 52 parts do for you? GMT and a worldtime.
Initially, the 41.9mm case size made me have second thoughts about the watch. However, on the wrist, it's rather slim profile (for how complicated the watch is) does not give you a feeling that it is a big watch; it will slide underneath just about any cuffs. The dial is pleasingly well organised, and the watch is growing more on me everyday.
This is definitely not for an average Joe. It’s for those who have significant others with different time zones, or businesses in different timezones, or someone with big enough masculinity to pull off something different from the rest; this is it.
