to Anthony de Haas, Director Product Development at Lange Uhren GmbH

In a nutshell, besides the founding years 1845 and 1990, the presentation of the first A. Lange & Söhne watch collection of the new era, in 1994, marks the most significant milestone in the company's recent past. The most important events of the following period were the launch of the Datograph, in 1999, featuring the manufactory's first chronograph movement and the start of our own balance-spring production in 2003. With its jumping-numerals display and constant-force escapement, the Zeitwerk, launched in 2009, has all the qualities of a landmark. In 2013, our Grand Complication was the most complicated wristwatch ever made in Germany. This year, the inauguration of the new Lange manufactory building is yet another highlight and temporary peak in our history.

The German company had closed down, but it was resurrected in 1990, how much of the past is present in your watches now?

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The 200th anniversary is an appreciated opportunity to remind us that there is no future without a past. Ferdinand Adolph Lange established the tradition of A. Lange & Söhne as a performance and innovation-driven brand. From this heritage we derive our mission to keep on setting standards in fine watchmaking. With every launch of a technical innovation or a sophisticated complication we revive this spirit.

Which are the five timepieces, according to you, in your repertoire, which have withstood the test of time and why?

The way we develop our watches, every new model is predestined to stand the test of time, and most of our former developments have met this requirement. What I am most proud of is that we have managed to shape five highly profiled and successful watch families: When you take a look at any model of the Lange 1, Saxonia, 1815, Richard Lange and Zeitwerk series, you will immediately realise that each of them represents an important facet of the brand personality.

Who do you think will make a great brand ambassador of your watches from India?

It takes all kinds to make a world. What might be suitable for some watch brands does not necessarily work for a brand like A. Lange & Söhne. A Lange watch stands for itself. Our customers are independent-minded personalities who have developed their own style. Many of them could even be role models for others. That makes every owner of our watches an ambassador of the brand. Therefore, we prefer to concentrate on building close personal relationships with the key people in each market.

Your biggest strength is hand-engraving, also complicated movements. How much time does it take for your most expensive watch (which one is it) and also what does it cost?

The Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst, launched two years ago in a limited edition of 15 pieces, combines two classic complications and displays almost the entire spectrum of our artisanal skills. The dial is crafted from solid white gold and in this special edition it is decorated with a rare combination of tremblage and relief engraving techniques. The rich engravings extend to the movement as well. The time required for producing just one watch is measured in months rather than in days. The retail price of this sold-out rarity was 300,000 Euros.

Lange started as a pocket watchmaker – you have mechanical movements. How tough is that to execute?

Tough enough - with every launch of a technical innovation or horological complication the challenges and expectations are growing. On the other hand, this is what keeps us motivated and inspires us.

What is special about German silver, that your watches have a special sheen?

At Lange, the three-quarter plates and other parts of the framework are made of untreated German silver. This special alloy had already been used by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in the 19th century. It consists of copper, zinc and nickel and is very stable and flex-resistant. The admixture of nickel helps to prevent the oxidation of the material – galvanic post-processing is not necessary, the material can remain "untreated". In the course of time, the German silver takes on a pale golden "patina": this oxidation is intended. Watchmakers say it ages with dignity.

You also have a team of engravers, who can tell who engraved the balance cock of every watch. Tell us about this?

Every engraver has his own style, the same way that every painter has his own inimitable artistic handwriting that can be deciphered by experts. Our engravers can easily recognize the typical handwriting of their colleagues.

Who are your famous celebrity clients?

We feel honoured that many distinguished personalities around the world are wearing our timepieces but we would never use their names.

Tell us about the beautiful watch Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar "Terra Luna"?

The most exact and vivid rendition of the lunar cycle – that is the basic idea behind this development. The Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar "Terraluna" incorporates a patented orbital moon-phase mechanism. The display consists of three partially overlapping rotating discs. It provides a simultaneous and accurate reading of the moon's position and phase. In the overall constellation, the balance occupies the position of the sun. It took us about five years to accomplish this timepiece with all its challenges. It is above all the special combination of the intriguing regulator design and the sophisticated technology of the orbital moon-phase, which make the Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar "Terraluna" so unique. Engineered to run without correction for more than a thousand years, it reflects our striving for ultimate precision.

What are your plans for India? Right now you only retail from multi brand stores.

I am not a sales expert. However, I know that since 2008 the Indian market plays a very important role for us. The market is characterised by a sophisticated watch culture and offers huge potential for A. Lange & Söhne. This summer we extended our presence by opening our fifth point of sale in UB City, Bangalore's largest luxury shopping mall.

Tell us also about your watchmaking school, where one can learn precision, and finish?

Sourcing new watchmaking talent is an important factor of growth and quality assurance. For this reason, we have established the Lange Watchmaking School already in 1997. The school provides training that meets the high standards demanded by the manufactory. Meanwhile, more than 120 young watchmakers have successfully completed the three years' apprenticeship. Most of them work at our manufactory and count among our most talented watchmakers.

You only make 5,000 timepieces in a year, what remains your biggest strength?

Regardless of the number of watches or the complexity of the movements, our watchmakers have but one goal: to build the best timepieces possible. It means that in terms of quality, accuracy and dedication, A. Lange & Söhne makes no difference between a sophisticated complication like the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater and a classic three-hand watch like the Saxonia. Every watch is endowed with an in-house calibre and equipped with a precious case of gold or platinum. All movements are treated with the same attention to detail, from the traditional finishing techniques applied to all watch parts down to the elaborate double-assembly procedure.

Which is your best selling watch and why?

As an all-time classic and brand icon, the Lange 1 and the other models of this watch family are still a major driving force behind the success of the brand.

What is your biggest contribution to horology?

To re-establish a second centre of Haute Horlogerie outside Switzerland is, without doubt, the most sustainable and valuable contribution of A. Lange & Söhne to the world of fine watchmaking.