A. Lange & Söhne Celebrates 15 Years At Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este With Unique 1815 Chronograph
The shores of Italy’s Lake Como once again became the stage for one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of automotive excellence as the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este returned for its 2026 edition. This year’s event was particularly significant for A. Lange & Söhne, which celebrated the 15th anniversary of its partnership with the renowned classic car competition.
Held from May 15 to 17 in the elegant gardens of the historic Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, the event brought together around 50 exceptional automobiles competing across eight categories. The coveted “Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show” was ultimately awarded to a remarkable 1937 BMW 328 “Bügelfalte”, owned by Stefano Martinoli.
As has become tradition, the winner received far more than a trophy. During the gala dinner, A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid presented Martinoli with a one-of-a-kind 1815 CHRONOGRAPH “Como Edition”. Crafted in white gold, the special timepiece features a solid pink-gold dial and a hinged cuvette engraved by hand with the coat of arms of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
The choice of a chronograph is particularly fitting given the historical connection between precision timekeeping and motorsport. Inside the watch beats Lange’s manually wound chronograph movement, composed of 306 meticulously finished components, each assembled according to the brand’s exacting standards in Glashütte.
The long-standing partnership between the German manufacture and the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is rooted in a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and technical excellence. Both classic automobiles and fine mechanical watches represent achievements that transcend generations, preserved by passionate owners and collectors who keep these masterpieces alive.
Fifteen years after joining forces, A. Lange & Söhne and the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este continue to celebrate the artistry, engineering, and dedication that define the very best of automotive and horological culture.
