One of the highlights of the Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN, the only 1815 “Homage to Walter Lange” watch ever made in a steel case sold for $852,525 during yesterday's sale. This is the highest result at auction for an A. Lange & Söhne wristwatch, indicating that interest in the manufacture's most exclusive pieces continues to grow, especially for those made in stainless steel. That particular case metal is hardly ever used by the German manufacturer.
The unique piece was dedicated to company founder Walter Lange, who passed away in 2017. Its special features include a jumping sweep-seconds mechanism, black enamel dial segment and stainless-steel case. Children Action will benefit from the sale of the watch, as previously announced by Lange.
Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid was delighted with the auction’s outcome: “The result went well beyond our expectations. I’m particularly pleased that we can make a major contribution to Children Action’s important work, just as Walter Lange intended. The fact that the watch auctioned for such a high amount is not only a reflection of the increased value of A. Lange & Söhne watches, but also the worldwide community of collectors’ huge admiration for Walter Lange.”
According to the auctioneer, Aurel Bacs, the success of the watch is largely down to one thing. “The 1815 ‘Homage to Walter Lange’ is the first “officially and publicly released” steel watch by A. Lange & Söhne. It is a collector’s dream and was intended from the outset to raise money for a charity helping children in need. This unique story will forever be associated with the origins of the watch and it was a privilege for all of us at Phillips to have participated in this beautiful project.”
Fore more information, please see our announcement of the watch's inclusion in the Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN.