A. Lange & Söhne Classics that lead the way

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is considered one of the world’s most exclusive events for rare historic vehicles. The international automobile competition, held annually on Lake Como, will take place from 19th to 21st May this year. A. Lange & Söhne has been involved as a partner since 2012 and will once again donate the “Best of Show” award.

In front of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este during the 2022 Concorso: on the left, the “Best of Show” winner; on the right, a current production Bugatti.

The meeting point: a historic landmark on the shores of Lake Como. The background soundscape: authentic engines and lively conversations. The field of participants: exquisite and select. When some of the most fascinating vehicles of all time arrive in Cernobbio, northern Italy, on the third weekend in May, they are sure to stop once again those present in their tracks. At this prestigious and historically significant competition for historic automobiles and motorcycles, the nominated classics vie for the attention of the jury and the public for three days. This year, the event, jointly organised by BMW Group Classic and the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, includes eight classes representing the entire spectrum of automotive history.

The fascination with fine automobiles and high-quality timepieces

The unique atmosphere of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este offers A. Lange & Söhne a worthy setting to present horological masterpieces. If one delves deeper, one will find that there are many parallels between mechanical timepieces and classic vehicles. A shared passion is reflected in the freedom of expression, the independence to forge new paths and the determination to make the best use of time.

This pioneering spirit is a recurring theme throughout the history of A. Lange & Söhne. More than 175 years ago, the manufactory’s founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange realized his vision of making the remote town of Glashütte the centre of German fine watchmaking. His great-grandson, Walter Lange, continued this vision after the reunification of Germany by rebuilding the company of his ancestors and entering uncharted territories of watchmaking with traditional craftsmanship and innovative engineering skills.

A one-of-a-kind piece for the winner

A particularly clear example of this is the manufacture calibre L951.5, which reflects the historical connection between motorsport and time measurement with its column-wheel control, a snail for the precisely jumping minute counter, and a refined flyback function. The manually wound movement, first presented in 2010, also drives the 1815 CHRONOGRAPH in white gold, which A. Lange & Söhne has created especially for the winner of the Trofeo BMW Group “Best of Show”. The hand-engraved Concorso coat of arms on the hinged cuvette makes the chronograph one-of-a-kind.

Special features of the Concorso Edition include the dial made of solid pink gold and the hand-engraved hinged cuvette featuring the Concorso coat of arms.

As part of the awards ceremony on Sunday evening, Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid will present the winning watch to the overall winner. “Like the works of art on wheels exhibited here, the timepiece combines classic design with masterful mechanics”, explains Wilhelm Schmid. “It is a sign of our admiration for automotive works of art that were way ahead of their time, and their owners, who passionately take care to preserve the timeless elegance of the mechanics.”