A. Lange & Söhne: Interviews with Anthony De Haas and Wilhelm Schmid
Two interviews with key figures at A. Lange & Söhne offer insights into the brand's product development philosophy and strategic partnerships. Director of Product Development Anthony De Haas discusses the challenges and joys of creating complex watch movements, the brand's approach to case sizing, and the importance of collaboration within his team. CEO Wilhelm Schmid elaborates on the brand's long-standing partnership with the Concours of Elegance and the strategic rationale behind aligning with high-end automotive events, while also touching upon market dynamics and personal preferences for complications.
Anthony De Haas highlights the surprise factor as a key element in new watch releases, citing the Cabaret Tourbillon Honeygold as an example.
De Haas explains the brand's decision to develop smaller annual calendar watches in a 36mm case, challenging movement designers to achieve this size.
The brand's movements are noted to be approximately 0.4mm thicker than Swiss movements due to the inclusion of gold chatons, which require longer screws.
De Haas expresses a personal fascination with minute repeaters and grande sonneries, considering a grande sonnerie to be the ultimate A. Lange & Söhne watch.
Wilhelm Schmid explains that A. Lange & Söhne's partnership with the Concours of Elegance, now in its eighth year, was a strategic decision to find a platform close to the brand's values for customer entertainment and client recruitment.
Schmid entered his AC Ace-Bristol into the Concours of Elegance, noting it's an 'oddball' car known for its chassis and body, which Carroll Shelby used as the basis for the Shelby Cobra.
Schmid believes that brands must define their identity and direction to remain successful, likening the brand's internal structure to a soccer team with strong communication.
Schmid's favorite complication is the chronograph, finding it appealing because it provides tangible feedback after activation.