Many openworked dials can feel overwhelming because of the visually complicated movement beneath it and the tricky task of having to figure out where the indications are. This Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase Lumen 139.035F has a smoky dial that gives the wearer an idea of the complication that lies underneath. Additionally, platinum is a rarely seen material within the A. Lange & Söhne collections, as their preferred white metal is typically white gold.
The dial is created from a combination of solid silver and semi-transparent crystal, and what sets this example apart from the usual Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase examples is the addition of luminous material to accent the dial. The luminous moonphase is the first thing the eye is drawn to, and this is complemented by a luminous date indication, alongside luminous hands and indices.
The layout of the dial is still quintessentially A. Lange & Söhne, with asymmetrically placed indications and a large date window. It is intriguing to note that rather than altering the entire layout of the piece, A. Lange & Söhne decided to maintain the archetypal Lange 1 layout, integrating, rather than singling out the moonphase. Additionally, in keeping with the modern tone of the watch, the sub-dials are recessed, providing the dial with more depth and perspective.
The watch is powered by the calibre L095.4, a movement initially introduced in 2009. In keeping with the Grand Lange 1 series, this piece has a case size of 41mm. The aesthetics of the movement are just as impressive as the mechanics, with the chamfering and interior angles superbly hand finished.