A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Moonphase Lumen 139.035F

Grand Lange 1 Moonphase Lumen — 139.035F

The Zeitwerk, and the Zeitwerk "Phantom" Lumen that followed in 2010, brought a new dimension to A. Lange & Söhne. Until then, the brand was mostly focused on delivering spectacular new calibres for special and limited editions, emphasizing the engineering feats of the manufacture. Dial adventures were limited to guilloché; or a handful of other materials, mother of pearl, aventurine, and the like. I often refer to the Zeitwerk as the "second renaissance" of A. Lange Söhne, as the collection surfaced an entirely new identity for the brand: bolder, less classically bound when it wanted to be, and more self-assured. The Lumen Collection is the start of this new era, and the Grand Lange 1 Moonphase Lumen is the third arrival from this very special line.

Introduced in 2016, the Grand Lange 1 Moonphase Lumen builds on its predecessor, reference 117.035, with the addition of a phenomenal moonphase display within the main sub-dial. In my opinion, following the Zeitwerk Lumen, the Moonphase Lumen truly defined the character of the series: lume something functional! Starting with this piece, the luminous treatment was extended beyond just numerals and indices, to moonphase displays, and later to chronograph registers and calendar markers across the collection. And really, what is more fitting than illuminating the night sky on a watch?

The platinum case measures 41 x 9.5 mm, an extremely sleek and wearable size. The thinner bezel and lugs open more space for the black sapphire dial to breathe. Working like a reverse sunglass, the black sapphire allows UV rays to pass through and charge the lumed displays beneath the dial while reflecting the rest of the spectrum. During the day it transforms into a smoky façade; in the dark, it releases that lovely green glow.

Limited to 200 pieces, the Grand Lange 1 Moonphase Lumen reference 139.035F stands as the, "simpler" Lumen, with all the charm. Recently sold at Langepedia.com with original box, papers, and deployant buckle.