The author had long been familiar with Newport, Rhode Island—its Gilded Age architecture, its rich history with the America’s Cup spanning more than fifty years, and even the Tennis Hall of Fame, where a close friend once worked as the resident professional. However, the Museum and Concours had somehow escaped their attention until a few years ago, when the watch brand A. Lange & Söhne began participating in the event. This year marked the brand’s third as title sponsor, and it was a special occasion for the author, who was invited to experience a weekend immersed in cars and watches for the first time in this storied seaside town.
Not all car events are created equal. This may seem self-evident, yet the author maintains that even a casual gathering with friends can feel like an elevated experience. When meaningful conversation, good coffee, or the opportunity to reconnect with someone after a long time are added to the mix, the experience becomes even more enjoyable—no crowds, no pomp, no circumstance. There are also events that embody all three of those elements and still manage to be enjoyable. Both types can exist, and both can be great fun. On rare occasions, they coexist, which is precisely why the author considers Audrain to be special—it strikes every chord.
It is often said that location doesn’t matter—that it is the people who make an experience. While that may be true, Newport stands out as an exceptionally distinctive place, even before the arrival of the cars. The author already felt a sense of nostalgia on the drive from Boston’s Logan Airport, as the roads evoked memories of those outside their hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina—landscapes always missed at this time of year. With autumn foliage just beginning to turn and open fields glowing under the September sun, the scenery offered a warm welcome after a cross-country journey. That same beauty would continue to appear throughout the weekend at each of the historic venues.
Friday morning featured The Gathering at Rough Point, the estate of Doris Duke, serving as a preview lawn party for Sunday’s concours. A vintage Citroën camper van had been transformed into a champagne booth that greeted guests upon arrival. Several businesses occupied tents to display and sell their products. Strolling across the undulating property was an impressive experience, especially when considering that it once served as a single family’s summer home—the manicured green lawns perfectly complementing the smooth, refined surfaces of the automobiles poised before the Atlantic.
It was the kind of scene that might suggest formality or pomp, yet under the bright sun and nearly cloudless sky, the atmosphere felt relaxed and authentic. While the author wore a dress shirt and chinos, others appeared in suits, and many chose casual attire, yet everyone seemed to fit right in. Much like the range of cars spread across the lawn, the crowd spanned generations, and the mix felt effortless and natural. The greatest challenge, perhaps, was managing the bright light—a photographer’s dilemma, but a pleasant one that comes with the territory.
As the sole creator behind STANDARD H, a brand producing apparel and hosting a podcast focused on timepieces, the author was delighted to have the opportunity to interview A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid. Together, they walked among the impressive array of automobiles displayed on the Rough Point lawn, discussing the brand’s involvement in the event, Schmid’s personal connection to cars, and even which vehicle he would choose to drive home if given the chance. Quality was abundantly evident in Newport—not only in the cars, but also in the exquisite watches crafted and showcased by A. Lange & Söhne.
At the Tennis Hall of Fame, several of the grass courts had been transformed for an exhibition titled Race Cars Through the Ages—a collection of a dozen or so remarkable machines spanning multiple decades. The display was almost surreal, a reminder of the exceptional quality present throughout the weekend. Among the highlights were Michael Schumacher’s 1997 Formula 1 car, a 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, a Cunningham Le Mans entry, and a pair of striking Alfa Romeos that particularly drew the author’s attention. The lineup alone could have easily stood as a concours in its own right.
Inside the nearby Casino Theatre, Donald Osborne hosted a discussion featuring Michael Simcoe, former Head of Global Design at General Motors, and Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne. Listening to two highly respected figures explore the nature of design and its influence on brand identity offered a level of depth and insight rarely found at a typical cars-and-coffee gathering.
In terms of growing brands, the weekend also marked the debut of two special timepieces from the title sponsor. The Saxonia Thin was introduced in two new case materials: platinum and Lange’s patented Honey Gold. Both versions featured new onyx stone dials so dark they resembled Vantablack™, leaving the author nearly speechless. Even in these minimalist, two-handed designs, Lange demonstrated an extraordinary attention to detail. Through the sapphire case back, one could glimpse what is arguably some of the finest finishing in all of watchmaking. Much like with automobiles, such craftsmanship is best appreciated up close—an idea that perfectly illustrates why a brand like Lange would choose to partner with such a distinguished event. It was, in every sense, a celebration of mechanical artistry.
The Audrain Tour d’Elegance commenced at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, perfectly capturing the spirit of what makes weekends like this so special. Seeing the cars was a pleasure; viewing them up close was even better—but witnessing them in motion was something else entirely. Had the twelve-year-old version of the author been told that all these cars would one day gather in one place, disbelief would have been the only response. There were not just one, but several Ferrari 250 SWBs, numerous pre-war automobiles, and even a Lamborghini Countach police car—scenes that could have existed only in childhood imagination.
The author was fortunate to be invited to ride in one of the new UK-based Arcade vehicles. Though the drive lasted three hours, it felt like a single, fleeting hour. Locals lined the route, waving and taking photos of what felt like a rolling parade of dreams. There was no pretense or spectacle—just a genuine sense of community and shared enthusiasm on full display.
Saturday night featured a grand gala themed around American Bandstand, complete with a live auction. The evening’s entertainment included a dance troupe reminiscent of Grease, while MCs Donald Osborne and Jay Leno kept both the atmosphere and the bidding lively. It proved to be a spirited way to spend the penultimate night of the weekend, with anticipation still building for the Concours the following morning.
The Concours d’Elegance on Sunday took place at The Breakers, one of the most iconic of the area’s historic summer “cottages,” once owned by the Vanderbilt family. The immense scale of the estate continued to astonish the author. As an admirer of architecture, the author appreciated how Audrain utilized these stately homes as almost otherworldly backdrops for the event. In recent conversations, many enthusiasts have expressed a preference for smaller, more intimate gatherings—quality over quantity. While the Audrain Concours is by no means a modest undertaking, it remains relatively small compared to many other major automotive events. To the author, it represented the ideal balance: compact enough to experience
He spent a few minutes speaking with Jay Leno on Sunday morning, and when asked why he enjoys attending this particular concours, Mr. Leno replied, “It’s what Pebble Beach was in the ‘70s. It’s a bit more laid back. And the cars are far apart.” At that moment, he realized that Leno had mentioned something he hadn’t yet consciously recognized himself: he had never felt cramped or rushed… anywhere, at any time.
Much like Friday, but on a larger scale, the cars—often organized by brand—were simply astounding. As a lover of Zagato designs, he particularly appreciated that they were among the first clusters of vehicles to greet him upon entering the open space. Toward the middle were the previously mentioned Ferraris. His first car love as a child had been a prancing horse, so he was equally thrilled by the sight of an immaculate 308 in the back row.
In 1999, Cruel Intentions had first made him aware of the Jaguar XKs, but he had never seen a pale blue one quite like the example on the lawn that day. Wow. No disrespect intended, but when the Mercedes 300 SLs seemed almost a foregone conclusion, it was clear the assortment was truly exquisite. Yet the Mercs were anything but mundane. There was something about those cars—especially in silver and under bright sunlight—that was simply captivating.
Sadly, he had to leave midway through the event to return to Boston, but not before stopping by the “30 Under 30” row of cars. This was one of the most exciting aspects of the Audrain Concours. The class had been created for enthusiastic owners under the age of 30 who had spent less than $30,000 on their restorations. He thoroughly enjoyed witnessing this, particularly when considering ways to include the next generation of automotive enthusiasts in what might otherwise be a cost-prohibitive endeavor. The Audrain had clearly found their solution in the 30 Under 30.
To him, the Audrain Concours was a perfect event. Naturally, the standard of comparison was Monterey Car Week, but bigger was not always better—a point that underscored Audrain’s appeal. While the ceremony and spectacle were present, the smaller scale made the event feel inherently more approachable. It had the atmosphere of a locals’ gathering, even if the majority of attendees lived outside Rhode Island. The combination of exquisite cars and watches created a heady mix, further enhanced by the camaraderie of the Newport community. Set against stunning seaside real estate under a bright sun, it was, in every sense, heavenly.
One thing was certain: there were plenty of car events to attend throughout the year—some larger than others—but none were sponsored by one of the world’s finest watch brands. Newport held a special charm, and as a California resident, he hoped that the next time he found himself on a Pebble Beach fairway, it would be because his drive was straight and his caddie had chosen the right club for his approach.
He extended a heartfelt thank you to A. Lange & Söhne for hosting him. Their hospitality and accommodations had been second to none. He also offered congratulations to Audrain for orchestrating a truly exceptional event.
Report by Wesley Smith
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