About A. Lange & Söhne

FERDINAND A. LANGE – THE JOURNEY TO GLASHÜTTE.

Ferdinand A. Lange was born in Dresden on 18 February 1815. His father was a gunsmith and described as a “man of coarse character”. After young Lange’s parents separated, he was brought up by an acquainted merchant’s family. His surrogate family enabled him to attend the Technical Institute of Education in Dresden, where he received training at a level then generally reserved for engineers and technicians.

While he was studying, Ferdinand A. Lange began an apprenticeship with Gutkaes, the renowned master clockmaker. He quickly recog-nised 15-year-old Lange’s horological talent and encouraged the young man who had impressed him with his craftsmanship skills, diligence, and intelligence.

FERDINAND A. LANGE - THE JOURNEYMAN.

After having successfully completed his apprenticeship, he became a journeyman and was employed by Europe’s most prominent clock- and watchmakers. His journey- and workbook provides an impressive account of how he broadened his knowledge and is particular proof of the perfectionism with which he conducted his studies. It contains numerous calculations and detailed drawings for the precise manufacture of movement parts.

With a host of new ideas, Ferdinand A. Lange finally returned to Gutkaes’ manufactory of astronomical clocks in 1841. Thanks to his profound knowledge, he quickly became a driving force in the business and, after having wed Antonia Gutkaes, a co-owner.

A SELFLESS MAN.

In addition to his horological talents, Ferdinand A. Lange distinguished himself as a selfless and compassionate individual. The growing hardship in the Ore Mountains prompted him to give up his privileged position in Dresden to establish a watch manufactory in this region and provide the hunger-stricken people there with wages and bread again.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GERMAN PRECISION WATCHMAKING.

On 7 December 1845, Ferdinand A. Lange established the first production facility for pocket watches in Glashütte and began to train 15 young people from the impoverished region with the aim of turning them into accomplished watchmakers. This courageous step was preceded by long negotiations with the government of Saxony which he had asked to support his venture. Finally, he was granted a repayable loan of 7820 thalers.

From the very beginning, he wanted to craft timepieces of consistently high quality and reliability. Thus, Ferdinand A. Lange introduced the metric system in watchmaking; this change simplified the calculation of movement parts. To craft components with greater accuracy, he fitted the lathes with flywheels instead of the bows that were common-place in those days. And to increase the stability and resilience of watch movements, he invented the three-quarter plate that was to become one of the typical hallmarks of watches made in Glashütte.

After he had trained his apprentices in all basic manufacturing techniques, he encouraged them to specialise in particular technical domains. This is how their individual talents were used to enhance the quality and precision of pocket watches. Several years later, many of them founded their own workshops where pinions, mainspring barrels, or hands were crafted. Eventually, Glashütte became a hub of German precision watchmaking that helped a growing number of people make a decent living.

A MONUMENT FOR HIS GREAT MERITS.

For thirty years, Ferdinand A. Lange fought hard to make his venture a success. In 1875, he died – only 60 years old. During this period, he had established a flourishing manufactory that enjoyed considerable prestige. His venture had brought back modest prosperity to Glas-hütte. In 1895, the town, which he also served as a mayor for 18 years, erected a monument for him in commendation of his great merits.