A. Lange & Söhne F. A. Lange Watchmaking Excellence Award 2015

For the sixth time now, A. Lange & Söhne has awarded an achievement prize to an up-and-coming watchmaker.

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On 7 December, the founding day of Lange Uhren GmbH, the “F. A. Lange Watchmaking Excellence Award” 2015 was presented in Dresden.
Reima Koivukoski, a student of Kelloseppäkoulu – the Finnish School of Watchmaking – received the prize of 10,000 eurosfor his design of a calendar- week display that also emulates the axial tilt of the Earth. He accepted the prize from Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid and company founder Walter Lange at an international press eventin Dresden’s Albertinum gallery.

The assignment of this year’s competition was to create and craft a
calendar-week display. Eight aspiring watchmakers from five countries qualified to compete for the prize. They spent a few days at the manufactory in May, during which they were acquainted with the assignment in detail.

A jury consisting of five experts assessed the entries at the end of November.
In addition to company founder Walter Lange and Anthony de Haas, Director of
Product Development at Lange, the jury members included specialised journalists Gisbert L. Brunner and Peter Braun as well as Peter Plassmeyer, the director of the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments in Dresden. The panel assessed the originality of the idea, its technical functionality, the quality of craftsmanship and aesthetical aspects.

Reima Koivukoski’s design impressed the jury for its creative approach, technical complexity and attention to detail, both in construction and high-quality workmanship.
The fact that Koivukoski’swork displays the axial tilt of the Earth in relation to the Sun impressed the jury. This truly unique feature was inspired by Finland’s geographic position, which is characterised by the contrast between winter darkness and the white nights of summer.