Review - A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moonphase
The Watch
As a dress watch kinda guy, A. Lange & Söhne is my go-to brand (he says, walking towards the Tesco reduced section). However, there seems to be less demand for ALS watches in the rep world. I say that because it seems like most models on offer have some sort of obvious spelling mistake or another. Or that the factories believe that ALS has moved to Swtizerland
The closest rep watch I found is the Saxonia Thin which I will get at some point. The Saxonia Moonphase is a close second.
Gen RRP: £25,000
The Rep
Got this lovely watch on M2M from garyepw. He bought the watch last August from theonewatches.ru, so the watch is about 8 months old at this point. But it has no scratches, no signs of wear: practically mint condition on arrival. Bargain!
TD Specs (theonewatches.ru)
One of the best Alange Sohne replica up to date!
MOVEMENT: Asia 23J Automatic with decorated & signed Gold Rotor & decorated bridges/swan neck regulator
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
THICKNESS: 14mm
DIAL COLOR: White Dial with SS Stick Markers (Date window at 12:00)
CASE MATERIAL: Solid Stainless Steel 316L
BRACELET: Leather strap with Tang Buckle
FRONT GLASS: Sapphire Crystal
CASE BACK: Display case back with detailed engraving
CLASP TYPE: Tang Buckle
DATE INDICATOR: At 12:00 (Adjusted via pusher at 11:00 & recessed pusher at 4:00 - Each adjust one side of the date wheel)
OTHER REMARKS: Waterproofed to 10m direct from Factory
Dimensions The gen is 40mm in diameter and 9.8mm thick. For my watch, they've got it pretty spot on for diameter but thickness is 13.5mm. The watch is a beast when looking at it sideways. Dial Very beautiful dial. I love the detail in the seconds subdial and moonphase. Overall I think they've got the "essence" of what an ALS watch looks like. Sure, the date window is smaller and lower in the rep. The details on the moonphase is not as finished as the gen probably. But for 150 quid I say it's pretty spot on! Movement Not 100% sure which specific movement used in this watch but it is decorated. Quite a bit of effort has been put into decorating it but I'm sure there's a few tell-tale signs. But who cares, I'm not taking this watch off for anyone to inspect. Thank goodness there are no spelling mistakes nor any references to Swiss-made on the caseback! The small second hand has a very smooth sweep. But that rotor! Sounds like a chainsaw on my wrist whenever I shake it. Will probably benefit from a tiny bit of oiling. Functions The pusher at 11:00 is for the date and works fine. Recessed pusher at 4:00 is for the moonphase, easy to use. Played around with the moonphase and it's moving smoothly. Strap I'd say the leather strap is of moderate quality. Nice, sturdy strap printed with the brand. Definitely not a cheap plastic strap. Accuracy No idea, get a quartz. Not too fussed with the moonphase accuracy either. It'll be off if I don't wear it for a few days anyway. But I did find this site useful for setting the moonphase when needed. Gives a visual reference on how your moonphase should look like presently. http://www.giangrandi.ch/soft/mooncalc/mooncalc.shtml Overall It is an elegant dress watch! I do have some concerns on the thickness but it seems to be fine under my shirt cuffs. Loud rotor. But all these negatives evaporate when I look at that beautiful dial! If you're an ALS fan and somewhat fussed about accurate details, the Saxonia Moonphase would be your best bet.
MOVEMENT: Asia 23J Automatic with decorated & signed Gold Rotor & decorated bridges/swan neck regulator
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
THICKNESS: 14mm
DIAL COLOR: White Dial with SS Stick Markers (Date window at 12:00)
CASE MATERIAL: Solid Stainless Steel 316L
BRACELET: Leather strap with Tang Buckle
FRONT GLASS: Sapphire Crystal
CASE BACK: Display case back with detailed engraving
CLASP TYPE: Tang Buckle
DATE INDICATOR: At 12:00 (Adjusted via pusher at 11:00 & recessed pusher at 4:00 - Each adjust one side of the date wheel)
OTHER REMARKS: Waterproofed to 10m direct from Factory
Dimensions The gen is 40mm in diameter and 9.8mm thick. For my watch, they've got it pretty spot on for diameter but thickness is 13.5mm. The watch is a beast when looking at it sideways. Dial Very beautiful dial. I love the detail in the seconds subdial and moonphase. Overall I think they've got the "essence" of what an ALS watch looks like. Sure, the date window is smaller and lower in the rep. The details on the moonphase is not as finished as the gen probably. But for 150 quid I say it's pretty spot on! Movement Not 100% sure which specific movement used in this watch but it is decorated. Quite a bit of effort has been put into decorating it but I'm sure there's a few tell-tale signs. But who cares, I'm not taking this watch off for anyone to inspect. Thank goodness there are no spelling mistakes nor any references to Swiss-made on the caseback! The small second hand has a very smooth sweep. But that rotor! Sounds like a chainsaw on my wrist whenever I shake it. Will probably benefit from a tiny bit of oiling. Functions The pusher at 11:00 is for the date and works fine. Recessed pusher at 4:00 is for the moonphase, easy to use. Played around with the moonphase and it's moving smoothly. Strap I'd say the leather strap is of moderate quality. Nice, sturdy strap printed with the brand. Definitely not a cheap plastic strap. Accuracy No idea, get a quartz. Not too fussed with the moonphase accuracy either. It'll be off if I don't wear it for a few days anyway. But I did find this site useful for setting the moonphase when needed. Gives a visual reference on how your moonphase should look like presently. http://www.giangrandi.ch/soft/mooncalc/mooncalc.shtml Overall It is an elegant dress watch! I do have some concerns on the thickness but it seems to be fine under my shirt cuffs. Loud rotor. But all these negatives evaporate when I look at that beautiful dial! If you're an ALS fan and somewhat fussed about accurate details, the Saxonia Moonphase would be your best bet.