German watch design goes under the spotlight at a London watch exhibition
An exhibition at Phillips Perpetual, ‘Made in Germany, a Tribute to the Early Lange 1 and Datograph’, is a showcase of German watch design

An exhibition of A Lange & Söhne Lange 1 and Datograph watch models in London celebrates the clean design codes of German watch design. The exhibition at Phillips Perpetual, ‘Made in Germany, a Tribute to the Early Lange 1 and Datograph’, will showcase Lange 1 and Datograph models from 1994 through to 2008.
‘This exhibition celebrates the scholarship around the early Lange 1 and Datograph,’ says international director of Phillips Perpetual James Marks. ‘Both icons of design, they offered an alternative to the Swiss establishment with supreme levels of finishing and creative efficiency. We have wanted for some time to document and physically display this scholarship for our clients, collectors and lovers of the brand.
Reference 111.025
‘The time period examines the foundations of the reinvention of the brand and, one could argue, German watchmaking. We are shining a light on not only the incredible talents of individuals such as Günter Blümlein, Walter Lange and Hartmut Knothe, but also on the renaissance of watchmaking in Glashütte.’
Early production pieces on display include solid case back watches and early case back engraving watches, in beautiful displays of artistry. ‘There are also limited-edition pieces such as the Lange 1a and Datograph 403.025x Pisa,’ adds Marks. ‘Alongside these, rare examples of gem-set Datograph and Lange 1 cased in steel will be shown, bringing together the scholarship in an unparalleled physical exhibition. To my knowledge, such a collection of early Lange watches has never been shown in London at a public exhibition.’
Over 20 models will be on show, from which a progression in fonts, dials and elegant design ticks can be tracked. ‘This exhibition celebrates the scholarship around the early Lange 1 and Datograph,’ says Marks. ‘Both icons of design, they offered an alternative to the Swiss establishment with supreme levels of finishing and creative efficiency. We have wanted for some time to document and physically display this scholarship for our clients, collectors and lovers of the brand.
Reference 403.025X
INFORMATION
The exhibition takes place from 9 - 14 March at 3rd Floor, 30 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6EX
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
Seven designers rethinking wood at London Design Festival
At this year’s London Design Festival, wood proves itself anything but static. We highlight seven designers shaping, colouring, and engineering it in surprising ways
-
Inside Kazakhstan’s brutalist Tselinny cinema – now a hub for contemporary culture
Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, a modernist landmark redesigned for its new purpose by Asif Khan, gears up for its grand opening in Kazakhstan
-
Oliver Spencer’s orbiting installation offers a meditative shopping experience during London Design Festival
At Oliver Spencer’s Shoreditch store, a sensory light installation by Studio Rhythmics offers a calming moment during LDF
-
Meet Malak Mattar, the Palestinian artist behind the 'Together for Palestine' concert at London's Wembley Arena
The London-based artist curates a landmark concert of music and art in support of Gaza, alongside Brian Eno, James Blake, Jamie xx, Neneh Cherry and more
-
Beloved British screenwriter Dennis Potter inspires an exhibition with a difference at Studio Voltaire
Hilary Lloyd's multi-faceted exhibition at Studio Voltaire considers Dennis Potter's life and work, from much-loved TV classics to power inequalities
-
Ralph Steadman has worked with everyone from Hunter S. Thompson to Travis Scott and Quavo – now, the Gonzo illustrator is celebrated in London
A new exhibition provides a rare opportunity to experience the inimitable work and creativity of Gonzo illustrator Ralph Steadman up close. Just don’t call it a ‘style’.
-
Five of the biggest art exhibitions to see in London in 2026
From Marilyn Monroe, to David Hockney and Tracey Emin – get these art exhibitions in your diary now
-
Out of office: the Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the week
With the return of back-to-school, it's back to business for the Wallpaper* team, who’ve been making the rounds at fashion pop-ups and pavilion launches. Elsewhere, we’ve been indulging in new literature and old restaurants, and taking in a farewell exhibition at a landmark gallery...
-
From art to fashion, and back again: Jonathan Schofield’s figurative work is back in style
After graduating from London’s Royal College of Art, Jonathan Schofield began a career as a creative director at Stella McCartney. Now, he has returned to his first love, painting
-
Watch: artist Shezad Dawood lights up The Gaumont, King’s Road’s creatively focused new hub
In our short film, meet the artist, see his new work in the making, and discover more about The Gaumont
-
Out of office: the Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the week
Here in the UK, summer seems to be fading fast. Moody skies and showers called for early-autumn rituals for the Wallpaper* team: retreating into the depths of the Tate Modern, slipping into shadowy cocktail bars, and curling up with a good book