Behind the Scenes of A. Lange & Söhne - Eight International Young Watchmakers to Apply for the F. A. Lange Excellence Award

Behind the Scenes of A. Lange & Söhne
Eight International Young Watchmakers to Apply for the F. A. Lange Excellence Award

Glashütte, July 2012

The task for the participants of the F. A. Lange Excellence Award 2012: To discover the art of fine watchmaking with curiosity and enthusiasm. Eight young watchmakers from Austria, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA line up for the 10,000 euros prize money. In return, they have to construct a date display on the basis of an ETA 6498 movement. A. Lange & Söhne is sponsoring the award for the third time in a row.

From 16 to 20 July 2012 the participants used the opportunity for getting exclusive insights into the art of fine watchmaking made by A. Lange & Söhne. In several workshops they learned details about finish techniques, like flat polish, perlage or engraving and the Lange way of assembling a movement. To experience the art of fine watchmaking they engraved a balance cock and assembled a Lange calibre. Martin Schetter, chief product designer at A. Lange & Söhne, supervised the group and explained the philosophy of Lange design.

Until 9 November 2012 the prospective watchmakers have time to assimilate with the new impressions and send in their competition entry. A jury of watch experts will examine their works carefully. The assessment criteria are innovation and originality of idea, functionality, technical quality and craftsmanship as well as artistic realisation. The winner of the competition will be announced on 6 December 2012. The prize money is earmarked to supporting their future watchmaking skills.