A. Lange & Shne was founded by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in 1845 in the town of Glashütte, located in the eastern Ore Mountains of Germany.

Ferdinand Adolph Lange had a vision to create high-quality pocket watches that would rival the craftsmanship and precision of the Swiss watchmakers. He established his watchmaking workshop in Glashütte and began training local artisans in the art of watchmaking. His commitment to excellence and innovation laid the foundation for A. Lange & Shne's reputation for exceptional timepieces.

Under Ferdinand Adolph Lange's leadership, A. Lange & Shne quickly gained recognition for its remarkable pocket watches. The company became known for its precision, attention to detail, and technical advancements. A significant milestone in Lange's history was the invention of the three-quarter plate, a design element that enhanced stability and durability in their movements.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, A. Lange & Shne continued to thrive and expand its offerings. The company introduced various watchmaking innovations, such as the patented "outsize" date display, which featured prominently in their wristwatches. A. Lange & Shne's timepieces were highly sought after by watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

Unfortunately, like many other luxury watchmakers, A. Lange & Shne faced significant challenges during the 20th century, including economic downturns and political upheavals. The company's original workshops were expropriated after World War II due to the division of Germany. The brand ceased to exist as a separate entity when the German watch industry was nationalized in 1951.

However, the legacy of A. Lange & Shne was revived in 1990 when Walter Lange, Ferdinand Adolph Lange's great-grandson, reestablished the company after the reunification of Germany. Alongside watch industry veteran Günter Blümlein, they set out to revive the brand's heritage of precision watchmaking.

In 1994, A. Lange & Shne unveiled its first collection of wristwatches after its revival. The Lange 1, with its distinctive asymmetric dial and outsized date, became an instant icon and laid the foundation for the brand's modern success. The Lange 1's innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship garnered widespread acclaim, firmly reestablishing A. Lange & Shne as a leading manufacturer of haute horlogerie.