ALS_L121_1_Lange1_FS_a4

A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 in white gold.
A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 in white gold.

Despite the name, German silver is actually an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. Sometimes called nickel silver, the alloy has properties ideal for watch movements, being non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant and hard, but easy to machine and polish.

It’s typically used for the largest parts of the movement such as the bridges and base plate, and is most closely associated with German watchmakers like A. Lange & Sohne, which uses the metal for all of its movements, such as the calibre L121.1 that powers the Lange 1.

Calibre 121.1 by A. Lange & Sohne
Calibre 121.1, the movement that powers the Lange 1 by A. Lange & Sohne. Its three-quarter plate is made of German silver.