Updated and Expanded Edition of Walter Lange’s Biography Commemorates His 100th Birthday
To honor what would have been Walter Lange’s 100th birthday on July 29, 2024, Econ-Verlag is publishing an updated and expanded edition of his biography, “When Time Came Home.” The book traces the life of Walter Lange, the founder of Lange Uhren GmbH, and his profound connection to the storied history of Saxon precision watchmaking, initiated by his great-grandfather Ferdinand Adolph Lange in Glashütte in 1845.
Walter Lange’s life was deeply intertwined with the legacy of A. Lange & Söhne. After his family was expropriated in 1948, he fled to West Germany, leaving the brand nearly forgotten. However, the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification provided him with an unprecedented opportunity to revive the brand in its original hometown. The 66-year-old retiree seized this chance, driven by a vision to “build the best watches in the world once again,” a feat he believed could only be achieved at the historic site in Glashütte.
With the enthusiastic support of his business partner Günter Blümlein, Walter Lange, who passed away on January 17, 2017, at the age of 92, successfully revitalized the historic brand after more than four decades of dormancy.
Initially published in 2004, Lange’s memoirs detail key stages of his eventful life across three chapters: from his idyllic childhood in Glashütte and Dresden to his watchmaking apprenticeship in Karlstein an der Thaya, Austria, his harrowing experiences on the Eastern Front during the war, the expropriation of his family’s business, and his escape to West Germany. The memoirs culminate with his triumphant return to Glashütte in 1990, where he resurrected A. Lange & Söhne, restoring it to the pinnacle of international precision watchmaking.
Walter Lange’s biography, “When Time Came Home,” portrays a dedicated cosmopolitan who, despite displacement, steadfastly pursued his vision until it became a reality. The book also paints a vivid picture of a man who interacted with prominent figures in business, politics, and society, yet remained humble, treating everyone with respect and care. As a member of the Lange dynasty, he significantly influenced the company’s corporate culture and served as a powerful role model. His memoirs read like a gripping novel, bringing modern history to life.
The new edition includes a foreword by Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid and an extensive fourth chapter by author Gisbert L. Brunner, an esteemed trade journalist and watch collector who knew Walter Lange since 1976. Brunner’s chapter covers Lange’s life from 2004 onwards, highlighting his entrepreneurial legacy, his dedication to watchmaking training, and his commitment to the town of Glashütte. Walter Lange’s unwavering determination and optimism inspired other manufacturers to establish themselves in the Müglitz Valley, reaffirming Glashütte as the center of German precision watchmaking. Above all, Walter Lange aimed to bring jobs back to Glashütte, earning numerous honors, including honorary citizenship of Glashütte in 1995, the Saxon Order of Merit in 1998, and the Federal Cross of Merit, 1st Class in 2015.
The updated biography also features accounts from employees, memories from Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid, who describes Walter Lange as the “beating heart of our manufacture,” and reflections from Walter Lange’s son, Benjamin Lange. Additionally, the edition includes a glossary of technical terms, an index of persons, a new cover, and an additional picture section illustrating the fourth chapter.
“The best way to honor Walter Lange and his life’s achievements is to keep his memory alive,” Schmid emphasizes. “The new edition of his biography makes a valuable contribution to this, and its importance will continue to grow over time. One of our key objectives is to preserve our historical heritage, to which our company founder made a significant contribution, and to carry it into the future. With this in mind, I am delighted that the last chapter of Walter Lange’s life is being honored and made accessible on his 100th birthday.”
For more information, please visit ALange-Soehne.com.
