Introducing: The A. Lange Sohne Saxonia Thin Onyx

September 13, 2016

A. Lange & S?hne expands its Saxonia lineup with two striking new versions of the Saxonia Thin. Available in 18K Honeygold and 950 platinum, these limited editions are paired with glossy onyx dials, showcasing a minimalist design taken to its most sophisticated extreme. The black gemstone surface gives the Saxonia Thin Onyx an even more dramatic presence. Both versions are limited to 200 pieces, which I am sure will land with eager collectors in no time.The Saxonia Thin Onyx in contextOriginally introduced in 2011, the Saxonia Thin embodies the less is more design philosophy. Since its debut, the Saxonia Thin has been A. Lange & S?hne s most restrained model - no date, no seconds hand, just hours, minutes, and a whole lot of elegance.Dont confuse aesthetic simplicity with minimalism, though. Although subtle, A. Lange & S?hne infuses the Saxonia Thin with tons of beautiful details that any Bauhaus-influenced designer would surely omit. I, for one, am delighted that ALSs designers are of a different ilk. To me, the line represents a masterclass in aesthetic simplicity, guiding the eye across one lovely feature after another without overpowering or trying to impress.Although some slightly fancier dials have graced the model before, this is the first time we see onyx dials on the Saxonia Thin.A. Lange & S?hne Saxonia Thin Onyx specsThe Saxonia Thin Onyx features a 40mm case with a slim 6.2mm profile, available in either 18K Honeygold or 950 platinum. Its slenderness and gracefully curved lugs ensure a comfortable fit and easy slide under a shirt cuff. Honeygold is Langes proprietary alloy, prized for its warm tone and greater hardness compared to traditional gold. The platinum version, meanwhile, provides a cooler, even more subdued look. Both watches are paired with a glossy black alligator leather strap and matching prong buckle in their respective metals. Inside the Saxonia Thin Onyx ticks the manually wound manufacture caliber L093.1. At only 2.9mm thick, this movement still delivers a robust 72-hour power reserve thanks to its flat mainspring barrel. Its finished to the typical Lange standards, with untreated German silver plates, blued screws, gold chatons, and a hand-engraved balance cock, all visible through the case back s sapphire display.The dial of the Saxonia Thin Onyx is carved from a solid disc of glossy black onyx, creating a mirror-like surface that elevates the straightforward layout. Slim baton appliques and hands made of rhodium-plated gold float above the inky surface.Initial impressionsYou may have gathered by now that I absolutely love the new A. Lange & S?hne Saxonia Thin Onyx. I feel this model almost begs for a stone dial. Its simplicity and clarity, combined with the very classical feel, form the perfect stage for a stone dial to shine. At the same time, it would be out of character for the German house to do a flashy malachite or turquoise dial, making onyx the perfect candidate.So, do I really have nothing to complain about? Well, I guess I would prefer to see these lovely new dials in the 37mm version, but thats just a matter of taste. And who knows? A. Lange & S?hne might still do that someday.All in all, A. Lange & S?hne gives the watch world yet another masterclass in deceptive simplicity. The Saxonia Thin Onyx proves, yet again, that less truly is more sometimes. Lange will produce only 200 examples of each variant, and the price is on request. I m sure that wont keep them from finding new homes quickly.What do you think of the new A. Lange & S?hne Saxonia Thin Onyx limited editions? Let us know in the comments section below!Watch specifications Brand A. Lange & S?hne Model Saxonia Thin Onyx Limited Editions Dial Onyx with applied Honeygold or platinum baton indexesCase Material 18K Honeygold or 950 platinumCase Dimensions 40mm (diameter) 6.2mm (thickness)Crystal SapphireCase Back Display case back with sapphire window Movement A. Lange & S?hne L093.1; manual winding, 21,600vph frequency, 72-hour power reserve, 21 jewels Strap Glossy black alligator leather with case-matching prong buckleFunctions Time only (hours, minutes)Price On request Special Note(s) Limited to 200 pieces per version