Honeygold Takes Center Stage Across the Case and Dial in This Lesser-Known A. Lange & Söhne Collection, the Cabaret

It’s been a few years since we last saw A. Lange & Söhne fold one of its lesser-known collections back into its catalog: the Cabaret. Making a comeback, the newest addition marks the only rectangular model among the brand’s current offerings. It also puts the maison’s proprietary alloy, Honeygold, on full display across the case as well as the dial for only the second time, with the first being the Tourbograph Perpetual Honeygold “Homage to F.A. Lange” from 2020.

The rectangular case shape of the Cabaret is certainly unique for A. Lange & Söhne, who’s become synonymous with more traditional round designs like its instantly recognizable Lange 1. However, for me, despite the highly wearable 29.5mm x 39.2mm x 10.3mm proportions, the material composition and finishings of this model are really the star of the show. Here, you have the pleasing alloy – not quite yellow gold, not quite white gold, not quite pink gold but a soft and beautiful shade all its own – featured in its original form across the case and dial accents. The material is also used for the dial but has received a black-rhodium treatment. 

At first glance, this looks like just another handsomely executed A. Lange & Söhne dial, but upon closer inspection, there are more layers to unpack (literally). The result is four subtle elevations on the dial giving it interest and depth. This dial composition consists of three parts: the main dial plus two auxiliary dials for the seconds and the power-reserve indicator that feature grained surfaces. Both frames, the scales, and the brand name are sculpted or milled from the dial material, creating one of the layers as a relief with a height of 0.15mm. In the following step, the three dial parts are black-rhodiumed, after which the finishers carefully grind the raised elements by hand, allowing the Honeygold to reappear – this contrast against the dark rhodium finish further enhances the depth. In the left and right corners, “Made in Germany” and “Glashütte I/SA” are then milled into the surface of the dial. Next up, the polished Roman numerals, lozenge-shaped hour markers, and the frame for the outsized date are applied – adding another layer enhanced by contrast finishing to the matte dial. Finally, the auxiliary dials are connected with the main dial from the back.