For lovers of classic and rare cars, the Concours of Elegance is an essential date in the calendar. Taking place in the grand surroundings of Hampton Court Palace from 2 to 4 September, it brings together some of the finest examples of automotive excellence, many of which have never been seen in the UK before. 

Much of their appeal is in the mechanics, and for those who marvel in the magic of engineering in all its forms, there’s plenty of interest to be found from one of the partners of the event, A. Lange & Söhne. Here, there’s the chance to discover its precision watchmaking up close, in particular its chronographs, in a celebration of the essential role this complication has played in the history of motorsport timekeeping. 

It also presents a unique opportunity to admire a one-of-kind version of the 1815 Chronograph before it is auctioned off in benefit of The Prince’s Trust, which works to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people. The sale will be conducted by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo at the Geneva Watch Auction XVI on 6 November 2022.

As sophisticated and refined in nature as the cars it will be surrounded by, the ‘Hampton Court Edition’ watch is presented in a sleek white-gold case with black dial and sandstone-coloured numerals. Combined, these details bring a classic and timeless nature to the piece, enhanced by traditional features such as the tachometer scale that runs around the periphery. 

Powering the timepiece is the manufacture’s highly precise L951.5 movement, beating at a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5 hertz), and displaying stopped times to an accuracy of one-fifth of a second. Open the hinged cuvette, hand engraved with the Concours of Elegance logo, to reveal its inner workings, with every minute element as impeccably finished as the exterior. 

alange-soehne.com