The watch world is full of complicated masterpieces, but sometimes, true artistry is found in what is left out. The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin 37mm (Reference 201.027) is a perfect paradox: it is often considered the brand’s “starter watch,” yet it represents one of the purest and most profound statements in high horology.
This unassuming two-hand dress watch in 18k white gold is much more than an entry point; it is a direct line to the heart of German watchmaking heritage and a collecting choice that demands respect.
From Ashes to Argenté: The Glashütte Resurrection
To understand the Saxonia Thin, you must first understand the spirit that forged it. The A. Lange & Söhne story began in 1845 in the Saxon town of Glashütte under the vision of Ferdinand Adolph Lange. The brand flourished, establishing Glashütte as the German capital of precision watchmaking—until the very last day of World War II, when the main factory was destroyed by Soviet bombs.
For nearly 50 years, the Lange name was expropriated, nationalized, and silent behind the Iron Curtain.
The rebirth is perhaps the most romantic chapter in modern watchmaking. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification, Walter Lange, the great-grandson of the founder, returned to his ancestral home. On December 7, 1990—145 years to the day after the company’s founding—he resurrected the brand with the help of industry visionary Günter Blümlein.
The first four watches of the new era were launched in 1994: the Lange 1, the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite, the Arkade, and the Saxonia. The Saxonia collection, whose name honors the brand’s Saxon origins, was thus established as one of the foundational pillars of the reborn manufacture, dedicated to classical symmetry and German precision. The Saxonia Thin 37mm carries this foundational DNA in its purest form.
Purity of Purpose: The Perfect Proportionality
The Saxonia Thin (Ref. 201.027) in white gold is an exercise in deliberate minimalism. Its appeal lies not in complex mechanics, but in its perfect execution of simplicity.
The Superior 37mm Case
For many purists, the 37mm case diameter, coupled with a barely-there height of just 5.9mm, is the definitive dress watch proportion. It slides effortlessly under a cuff, acting as an understated accessory rather than a wrist-bound statement. The case is solid 18k white gold, complemented by an argenté (solid silver) dial, finished with long, slender baton appliques and hands also crafted from solid gold. The two-hand architecture—hours and minutes only—is a refined expression of reduction, forcing the wearer to appreciate the quality of the display, not the quantity of information.
The Gateway, Not the Compromise
As A. Lange & Söhne’s entry-level model, the Saxonia Thin is the brand's gateway, yet there is zero compromise on the watchmaking standards. The cost savings come from the absence of complications (like the outsize date or perpetual calendar), not from any reduction in finishing quality. This allows a new collector to access the highest tier of German Haute Horlogerie and immediately appreciate the legendary movement finishing—the brand’s true specialty—without the accompanying cost of complex mechanics.
German Haute Horlogerie, Deconstructed
Flip the watch over and you encounter the core of its collectibility: the manually wound Calibre L093.1.
The Ultra-Thin Engine
At only 2.9mm high, the L093.1 is an engineering feat that directly enables the watch’s incredibly svelte profile. Despite its compact, single-barrel construction, the movement boasts a remarkable 72-hour power reserve, meaning you can take it off for a long weekend and it will still be ticking come Monday morning—an impressive achievement for an ultra-thin timepiece.
The Hallmarks of Glashütte
Visible through the sapphire case back, the L093.1 proudly displays the aesthetic and technical hallmarks unique to Saxon watchmaking:
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The Three-Quarter Plate: This large plate, which covers roughly three-quarters of the movement, is a signature of Glashütte watchmaking, introduced by F.A. Lange himself. It lends immense structural rigidity and stability to the gear train.
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Untreated German Silver: The bridges and plates are crafted from German silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc). Lange uses this material unfinished, allowing it to develop a subtle, warm, golden patina over time, making each movement truly unique to its owner.
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Hand-Engraved Balance Cock: Perhaps the most personal touch, the small bridge holding the balance wheel is individually hand-engraved with a floral motif, ensuring that no two Lange watches are exactly alike.
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Gold Chatons and Blued Screws: The bearing jewels are secured in solid gold chatons (settings), which are in turn fixed by tiny, thermally blued screws. This combination of materials and traditional finishing techniques is the definition of high watchmaking.
The Saxonia Thin 37mm is a masterclass in controlled perfection. It’s a collectible not because of flashing dials or revolutionary mechanics, but because it is a flawless vehicle for displaying the foundational art of A. Lange & Söhne—a testament to history, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of uncompromising craft.
Explore the : A Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin
Watch Our Full Video Review
For a detailed look at the craftsmanship and feel of this exceptional watch, be sure to watch the full video review below.