Saxonia Automatic Review

Hi all, this is my personal review of the Saxonia Automatik.

The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia family is ALS’ Germanic take on the modern and discreet dress watch. Introduced in 1994 alongside the Lange 1, Arkade and 1815, the Saxonia family has been a staple for Lange. From the simplest Saxonia Thin to the flagship Triple Split, the Saxonia family has earned a place for itself in ALS history.

Dial Design

Generally speaking, dress watches have intentionally spartan dial designs. They are meant to compliment your attire when seen but not be the actual center of attention.

When there is this little on a dial, everything on that dial and how it is executed matters that much more.

What I find most pleasing about this dial is the balance of all the elements. To start off with, the dial is made from a solid disc of 924 Sterling silver. The thin polished 18k gold baton markers sitting on top are long enough to have presence but thin enough to avoid being heavy handed. The gold cabachon dots above the baton indices add just a touch of character.

The black minute track rim gives the dial structure and visually anchors the gold batons in place while the finely grooved and recessed small-seconds sub dial add additional depth.

The long slender alpha hands that are synonymous with Lange’s design language completes the package.

Case Shape

The 38.5mm 18k pink gold case shape and stepped out tapered lugs are the mark of nearly all Lange watches. The puck-like shape itself is akin to an extruded pocket watch with a high polish all around. At just 7.8mm thick the Saxonia Automatic will comfortably fit beneath any shirt cuff.

Movement and Finishing

As with all A. Lange & Söhne watches, the price of admission affords you a view to one of the most highly detailed hand-finished movements you’ll ever lay your eyes on.

The L086.1 movement is Lange’s thinnest automatic caliber at just 3.7mm thick and offer a 72 hour power reserve. The 3/4 plate and bridges are made of untreated German silver and adorns the now famous Glashütte stripes. Engine turned perlage can be seen beneath while the 22k yellow gold plated rotor with 4 fire blued screws attaches a solid platinum mass at the rotor’s edge.

The hand-engraved flourishes on the balance paired with a black polished swan-neck regulator completes the breath-taking view. Photos don’t do the movement justice. You can spend hours beneath a high-magnification loupe and still find a hand-finished detail you didn’t see before.

Final Thoughts

I love the balance and simplicity of this dial. The case shape is both reserved and striking at the same time. The Saxonia is both comfortable to wear and is discreet enough that I can get by in most situations (with the exception of watch enthusiasts who seem to almost spot it immediately) without a single person asking about the watch.

I’m looking forward to many more years of time keeping with the Saxonia and the memories that have yet to come.