By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe-

Just in time for the splendid colors of autumn, esteemed luxury watchmaker A. Lange & Sohne announces two radiant gem-set variations of its rectangular Cabaret timepiece. An especially feminine interpretation of this sophisticated wristwatch with a hand-wound movement and Lange's patented outsize date display, the Cabaret Soiree presents 18-karat white gold cases, a bezel fenced with 70 round brilliant diamonds, and exquisite solid silver dials upon which is overlaid a layer of mother of pearl.  

The combination of the shimmering nacre and diamonds truly make the Cabaret Soiree watch stand out from its prestigious peers within this classic A. Lange & Sohne model family. Choosing between the available pink or white color schemes may prove a pleasantly difficult decision for the woman entranced by the Cabaret watch, but both dial colors are equally adept at revealing the opalescent beauty of the nacre. The use by A. Lange & Sohne of a silvery white or rose pink background gives additional intensity to the hues displayed by these carefully selected mother of pearl dials. A. Lange & Sohne's classic alpha hour and minute hands are crafted from polished and rhodium-plated gold, as are the hour markers, which distinctively alternate Roman numerals with faceted diamond-shaped indexes. Directly above the small seconds subdial is the stately gold frame of the Lange outsize date indicator. First debuted on the manufacture's famous Lange 1 timepiece from 1994, this prestigious mechanism incorporates twin numbered discs; it provides a particularly legible and sophisticated interpretation of what is quite possibly the most useful supplemental function a timepiece can provide its owner.

A transparent flat sapphire crystal window is provided in the screw-secured caseback of the Cabaret Soiree watch. This portal reveals the exquisite A. Lange & Sohne manufacture L931.4 caliber. Shaped in a rectangular form to match the case, this mechanism comprises 237 hand-finished parts. Of the 30 jewels, three are set in polished gold chatons; these visually pleasing elements are affixed to the German silver bridge with elegant triads of blued steel screws.  

Other refinements which pay homage to the great traditions of Saxon classical watchmaking include a hand-engraved balance cock, a polished swan-neck fine adjustment spring, and bridges with the shimmering Glashutte ribbing patterns.  Also adorning the bridges are gold-inlaid engravings which denote the A. Lange & Sohne manufacture, and the technical specifications of the caliber. The balance with weighted gold screws completes 21,600 vibrations per hour, and power reserve is 42 hours.

Functionality provided by the movement is as impressive as the level of aesthetic refinement. Adjustments to the date are easily accomplished via a recessed pushpiece above the winding crown, and the small seconds hand features a hacking function. This means that whenever the owner pulls out the crown to adjust the time, the second hand stops. In this way, setting the watch precisely is an extremely simple to accomplish.

Both A. Lange & Sohne Cabaret Soiree watches are limited to an edition of 10 pieces. Fitted to each is a fine, hand-sewn crocodile strap in a subtle shade matching the mother of pearl dial. Joining the watch securely to its wearer is the massive A. Lange & Sohne ardillon buckle in 18-karat white gold.

Source: ViaLuxe