Pre-Owned A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Outsize Date 40990411/AS05984

WHY WE LOVE IT

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Where does one turn when the typical, minimalist dress watch fails to inspire? To A. Lange & Söhne, of course.

The Glashütte-based manufacture is world-famous for its absurdly beautiful, complicated timepieces, but their simpler watches are similarly the pinnacle of elegance. This Saxonia Outsize Date, with its large case and distinctly Saxon, oversized date complication, sits somewhere in the middle.

Executed in a modern 38.5mm rose gold case and dating to 2018, this example features satin black dial with applied rose gold indices and subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, plus a matching alpha handset. Of course, what makes this particular model stand out is the oversized “digital” date complication below the 12 o’clock marker, controlled via a pusher at 10 o’clock — a holdover from the simply unbeatable Lange 1, which debuted in 1994.

With its sapphire crystal and display case back, 18k white gold signed crown and polished matching bezel, and matching brown alligator leather strap with signed 18k rose gold pin buckle, this Saxonia is the type of watch that — at least aesthetically — pairs well with everything from a t-shirt to a tuxedo. (Though, to be fair, we might opt for something less precious while wearing a t-shirt!) The beautifully finished, in-house Caliber L086.8 ain’t bad to look at, either.

There’s nothing wrong with a classic dress watch from a member of the “Holy Trinity.” But for a modern stunner in beautiful, nearly new-old-stock condition, this Saxonia is simply unbeatable.

OVERALL CONDITION

Case is in fantastic condition showing only light signs of wear from gentle use. Satin black dial with applied rose gold indices and subsidiary seconds register is in as-new condition with matching ‘alpha’ handset. Sapphire display caseback. 18K signed crown.