Walter Lange remained a vital part of A. Lange & Söhne as a representative and ambassador until his passing on January 17, 2017. He was celebrated for his contributions to the Glashütte watch industry, remembered for his charisma, openness, warmth, modesty, and egalitarian approach. His vision of responsible entrepreneurship and dedication to nurturing the next generation of watchmakers continues to shape the corporate culture at A. Lange & Söhne.
Reviving Saxon Watchmaking
Walter Lange and entrepreneur Günter Blümlein were instrumental in blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques. Their first collection, featuring the LANGE 1, ARKADE, SAXONIA, and TOURBILLON "Pour le Mérite," debuted on October 24, 1994, in the Dresden Royal Palace. The 123 produced pieces quickly sold out, and Lange's advice and experience were sought after until the end of his life. He actively engaged with customers, press, and business partners, maintaining a welcoming presence in Glashütte.
Fostering Future Watchmakers
Walter Lange was passionate about the future of watchmaking. The company began training just two apprentices in 1997, and today, its in-house school is internationally recognized. Walter was always attentive to the needs of aspiring watchmakers, and his legacy continues to inspire the younger generation. In 2022, the in-house school was named the "Walter Lange Training and Further Education Centre" in his honor.
Recognizing Walter Lange's Contributions
Throughout his life, Walter Lange received numerous accolades, including the Prix Spécial du Jury du Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2014 and the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie in 2013. In 2020, to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Glashütte watchmaking, a life-size bronze sculpture of Walter Lange was unveiled. This sculpture, created by Thomas Jastram, stands near the monument of his great-grandfather Ferdinand Adolph Lange. Walter also received honorary citizenship of Glashütte in 1995, the Saxon Order of Merit in 1998, and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany 1st class in 2015.
A Lasting Legacy
A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid reflects on Walter Lange's impact, saying, "He was the beating heart of our Manufacture." Walter Lange's values—precision watchmaking, humility, and a grounded character—are deeply ingrained in the company, guiding its future decisions.
About A. Lange & Söhne
Founded in 1845 by Dresden watchmaker Ferdinand Adolph Lange, A. Lange & Söhne has become a pinnacle of Saxon precision watchmaking. Although the company was expropriated after World War II, Walter Lange revived the brand in 1990. Today, the company produces a limited number of meticulously crafted wristwatches each year, predominantly in gold or platinum, with movements made entirely in-house. With 72 in-house calibres developed since 1990, A. Lange & Söhne remains at the forefront of the watchmaking world, known for groundbreaking models such as the LANGE 1 and the ZEITWERK. The introduction of the ODYSSEUS in 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter for the esteemed brand.
Article source : https://www.richemont.com/news-media/press-releases-news/a-lange-soehne-commemorates-walter-langes-watchmaking-legacy-on-his-100th-birthday/
