A. Lange & Sohne platinum watches: Compelling luxury that speaks softly

For me, platinum is a captivating metal. Brilliantly white, shiny, and extremely heavy, it’s much more expensive than gold, and would be mistaken for stainless steel by the vast majority of casual viewers. These are only some of the reasons I love it. While some say “why the hell pay so much for a metal that has all the allure of steel?” I think that’s rather the whole point, as strange as that sounds. Like mechanical watchmaking itself, which is an exercise in the impractical in today’s modern age, platinum is something that will only be understood by a comparative few.

While platinum can make almost any fine watch special, the timepieces of A. Lange & Sohne exemplify the appeal of platinum, at least for me. A. Lange & Sohne watch cases are renowned for their fine finish and delicious heft, and of course, platinum magnifies that latter aspect to the highest degree. I’m also a huge fan of platinum because unlike 18K white gold, which is often plated (although A. Lange & Sohne does not do so), platinum’s color always retains its brilliance, and when it is scratched, does not “lose” material; platinum merely displaces. Then of course, there’s the satisfying aspect that the platinum is nearly 100 percent pure (.950) as a material. And for those who say there’s no difference between it and white gold in looks, I assure you there is, if you examine the two side by side. Platinum is distinctly brighter in tone, and has a stunning brilliance that makes it unique. Naturally, a very understated brilliance, which is part of the charm.

From unique tour-de-force complicated watches like the Tourbograph and the Lange 31 watches, to simple dress pieces like the Arkade, A. Lange & Sohne timepieces eloquently reveal how platinum can make the finest creations of watchmaking art truly ethereal. For many collectors, their treasured watches are a very private joy–for those who feel this way, platinum is probably the ideal material.