Lange & Sohne Saxonia Outsize Date

Where does one turn when the typical, minimalist dress watch fails to inspire? To A. Lange & Söhne, of course.

The Glashütte-based manufacture is world-famous for its absurdly beautiful, complicated timepieces, but their simpler watches are similarly the pinnacle of elegance. This Saxonia Ref. 105. 021, with its large case and distinctly Saxon, oversized date complication, sits somewhere in the middle.

Executed in understated yellow gold and housed in a 34mm case, this particular example is compact and subtle, making it a perfect under-the-radar companion. Dating to the late ‘90s/early 2000s, it features a satin silver dial with applied, diamond- shaped yellow gold indices and subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, plus a matching alpha handset. Of course, what makes this particular model stand out is the oversized “digital” date complication below the 12 o’clock marker, controlled via a pusher at 10 o’clock — a holdover from the simply unbeatable Lange 1, which debuted in 1994.

With its sapphire crystal and display case back, 18k yellow gold signed crown, polished matching bezel, and black alligator leather strap with signed 18k yellow gold pin buckle, this Saxonia is the type of watch that — at least aesthetically — pairs well with everything from a t- shirt to a tuxedo. (Though, to be fair, we might opt for something less precious while wearing a t-shirt!) The beautifully finished, in-house Calibre L941.3 ain’t bad to look at, either.

There’s nothing wrong with a classic dress watch from a member of the “Holy Trinity.” But for a modern stunner in excellent condition, this Saxonia is simply unbeatable.

Try it on for size!