When A. Lange & Söhne introduced the compact 34mm 1815 earlier this year, collectors applauded its restrained charm. Still, there was a missing note in Lange's lineup: a larger dress watch that kept the house's spare, classical language intact. The new Saxonia Thin Onyx answers that call with two limited editions, one in 18K Honeygold and the other in 950 platinum, each limited to 200 pieces.
A clear design intent
Saxonia Thin has always been about less, not less as an absence but less as discipline. No date, no seconds hand, only hours and minutes floating above a calm surface. Here Lange opts for a dial carved from solid black onyx over a 925 silver base. The onyx gives a reflective, almost glass-like finish without the artificial gloss of lacquer. When light moves across it, the dial shifts in tone, offering subtleties you might only notice after wearing the watch for a day or two.
The Honeygold case brings a warm, slightly pinkish presence, but it does not read as loud gold. It sits somewhere between classic yellow and a refined rose. The platinum version reads cooler and more formal. Both share the same proportions: 40mm in diameter and 6.2mm in thickness. Those dimensions make the watch modern, yet the slim profile keeps it elegant under a shirt cuff.
Honeygold is a special ingredient in Lange's palette. It is hard to machine and used sparingly, which makes each Honeygold release feel like a small event. If you have ever handled a Honeygold piece, you know it behaves differently under the light compared with standard 18K gold. Platinum offers a different kind of appeal: weighty, composed, and quietly authoritative. The decision to pair onyx with these two metals is thoughtful. Black dials and gold cases have a deep vintage pedigree, but stone dials add a natural depth that modern finishes rarely achieve.
Each watch comes on a glossy black alligator strap with a prong buckle matched to the case. That small detail matters; Lange rarely leaves an element to chance.
Under the caseback
Inside is the manually wound Caliber L093.1, a movement introduced in 2011 that continues to make sense here. It measures 28mm in diameter and just 2.9mm thick, yet it stores a generous 72 hours of power. The finishing is classically Lange: untreated German silver plates, blued screws, gold chatons, and a hand-engraved balance cock. The movement's slimness complements the case proportion and gives the watch an overall sense of harmony. You might notice the small diameter of the movement through the display back, but that does not diminish the visual impact; it reinforces the idea that refined engineering can be compact.
Why onyx works here
Black has always been a powerful choice for dress watches. The contrast between dark dials and precious metals is immediate and timeless. Using onyx raises that contrast from a graphic trick to a tactile experience. Unlike lacquer, onyx is natural and a little unpredictable. That small unpredictability is part of the charm: tiny variations make each dial slightly unique. You may be surprised at how much personality a stone surface can lend to a sober, almost ascetic design.
Collectibility and verdict
Limited to 200 pieces per metal and priced around €45,000, these Saxonia Thin Onyx pieces will land with collectors quickly. Honeygold adds a layer of scarcity given the material's machining challenges. Tony de Haas has noted that Lange tested many metal-dial combinations before settling on these two; white gold did not feel special enough, but Honeygold and platinum did. That kind of restraint is reassuring. Lange is not chasing trends; it is curating a long-term collection.
This release is not about spectacle. It is about a careful convergence of material, finish, and proportion. If you love quiet elegance and craftsmanship that reveals itself over time, the Saxonia Thin Onyx is a compelling option. If you prefer louder statements, you may pass. Either way, Lange has delivered a refined study in simplicity.