The history of Lange watchmaking artistry is closely related to the company’s Saxon homeland. The roots of its values and ideals that are still valid today date back to the Royal Court of Saxony under the reign of Augustus the Strong. A. Lange & Söhne’s homeland Saxony is famous not only for its inventors and technicians but also for its monumental buildings and magnificent art collections. Ferdinand A. Lange was born in Dresden on 18 February 1815. His father was a gunsmith and described as a “man of course characterâ€. 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. 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. 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 Glashütte. 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.
