I Went To Newport With A. Lange & Sohne For Audrain Concours, Here’s What Happened

As September turned into October, I joined A. Lange  & Sohne in Newport, RI, where  the picturesque city played host to the prestigious Audrain Newport Concours d’ Elegance, and the event was nothing short of a spectacle, thanks in part to the sponsorship of  the German watch brand. Against the backdrop of the iconic Breakers mansion, where the ocean meets luxury, the event showcased 180 of the world’s most spectacular classic cars, while also offering a grand display of A. Lange & Söhne timepieces.

The Newport Concours d’ Elegance seamlessly blended the artistry of classic automobiles with the timeless elegance of A. Lange & Söhne’s exquisite watchmaking. The event took place on the well-manicured lawn of the historic Breakers mansion, overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean. Adding to the allure, the Gilded-age mansions of Newport, such as the Breakers and Doris Duke’s Rough Point, accentuated the event’s sophistication and charm.

Among the highlights of the multi-day Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week event was the Gathering, which took place at Doris Duke’s mansion two days before the Concours. Despite rain and a bit of mud we had to trudge around to get to the outdoor A. Lange & Sohne “beer and pretzel tent,” it was an excellent time. A select group of we press members had the opportunity to enjoy a private tour of the estate, further enhancing our appreciation of the rich history and sophistication of Newport.

That night, press and watch collectors joined for a wonderful dinner, followed the next day by a course in watchmaking presented by A. Lange  & Sohne. On Saturday, we joined the Tour D’ Elegance — riding in a parade of some of the finest cars as we toured small towns and enjoyed ocean views. That night, elegance and fun came together for a gala dinner where guests dressed in elegant “costumes” prior to Halloween, enjoyed tarot card readings, comedians and more. On Sunday, the Concours D’ Elegance was held and thankfully the rain stopped long enough to really take a long walk amongst the vintage automobiles.

Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne, an avid car and watch collector, expressed his passion for the Audrain Concours d’ Elegance, saying, “It is not even the fact that these are classic cars; it’s more about the elegance – the fact that the Concours is really a beauty contest for the cars. We can see the tie in with our watches. It is about craftsmanship and history. Each of these cars has a story, much like our watches. They are collector items, just like watches. We have to focus on those synergies in what we do. And It was time for us to sponsor such an event in America.”

This event marked the first time that A. Lange & Söhne has participated in an American Concours, though it has had longstanding partnerships with Concours events around the world, including the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace and the Concorso D’ Eleganza Villa D’ Este. The partnership for the Newport Concours d’ Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Sohne, celebrates the worlds of meticulous craftsmanship, fine mechanics, and the beauty of classic design.

In the realm of classic automobiles, the Duesenberg SJ (Supercharged) from The Nethercutt Collection, owned by Helen & Jack Nethercutt, claimed the timeless luxury award for its unparalleled elegance and performance. A Delage D8-120 ‘de Villars,’ owned by Fritz Burkard, was crowned the ‘Best of Show’ for this year’s Concours d’ Elegance.

A Lange & Söhne didn’t just add a touch of elegance to the event through sponsorship; they also recognized excellence in the classic car world. Certificates decorated with a hand-engraved golden balance cock, a key watch component known for its meticulous finishings, were awarded to winners in specific categories of the Concours on October 1.

Based in the Saxony region of Germany, A. Lange  & Sohne  is one of the most sought-after watch brands by collectors. Known for its high complications, including repeaters and the famed Triple Split, as well as hand-made individual pieces like its Handwerkskunst, A. Lange & Söhne consistently marries innovation with classic elegance. The brand meticulously crafts all its watches in-house, ensuring that every tiny component, whether visible or not, is finished to exacting standards. Each movement is hand-assembled twice, showcasing the brand’s dedication to excellence.

The partnership between A. Lange & Söhne and the Audrain Newport Concours D’ Elegance embodies a shared commitment to craftsmanship, fine mechanics, and the enduring beauty of classic design. This weekend in Newport was a celebration of the timeless artistry found in both classic cars and exquisite timepieces.