Some brands are defined by their icons – Speedmaster for Omega, Submariner for Rolex and Navitimer for Breitling. For A. Lange & Sohne, the Lange 1 stands a titan as a flagship for the Saxony watchmaker. While it is inevitable that some luxury watches become analogous symbols for the watchmaker as a result of popularity, others are diamonds in the rough, waiting for their moment to shine: Enter the A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Annual Calendar.

New Luxury Watch: A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Annual Calendar

Though the Saxonia collection debuted with brethren like the famed Lange 1, the collection lacked A. Lange & Sohne’s signature high complications like split-second chronographs, and tourbillons. These prestigious symbols of vaunted Saxony watchmaking prowess could be found in other collections and it was only in 2010 that Saxonia would find favour in the addition of a new Saxonia Annual Calendar, recognising differing lengths of the months (but not the leap year) unlike but similar to a perpetual calendar.

Current series production model Saxonia Annual Calendar models available in white, rose gold and platinum before the new 2018 white gold Limited Edition model with sublime slate grey dial

Available in white and rose gold since 2010, the A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Annual Calendar was finally introduced in platinum at SIHH 2013. For 2018, the new Saxonia Annual Calendar is visually identical but not a re-issue of the original, especially with sublime slate grey dial standing in splendid contrast of its white gold case. Combined with black rhodium finished oscillating weight decorated with circular graining, the latest Saxonia Annual Calendar is a limited 25 piece edition that is bound to sell out.

Available exclusively through Lange’s U.S. New York City, Costa Mesa, California boutiques, the limited edition new Saxonia Annual Calendar is powered by an automatic Sax-O-Mat caliber, and Lange signature big date display. The latest Saxonia Annual Calendar returns with its iconic legible display of calendar functions, indicating the date, the month, the day of the week and the phases of the moon. While the elaborate annual calendar mechanism automatically recognises which months have 30 and 31 days, it does not recognise leap years like a perpetual calendar.

Measuring 38.5mm wide by 9.8mm thick, the new 25 piece US limited edition Saxonia Annual Calendar’s gorgeous brushed grey dial with the matching white-on-grey date discs distracts a little from the 476 component manufacture calibre. Returning on this latest Saxonia Annual Calendar limited edition is the brand’s patented zero reset mechanism where pulling crown out not only stops the movement but triggers a series of levers which automatically resets the second hand to zero, allowing for precise setting. It’s a joy to watch the ingenious zero reset mechanism in action when I had my hands on a production model A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Annual Calendar.

Limited Edition New Saxonia Annual Calendar Price and Specs

Movement Automatic L.085.1 manufacture calibre with 46 hours power reserve
Case 38.5mm white gold case with 30 metres water resistance
Strap Leather
Price US$54,500, limited edition 25 pieces