A. Lange & Söhne - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 1995
    Reference No: 701.005
    Movement No: 311
    Case No: 110'438
    Model Name: "Pour le Mérite"
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L902.0, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne buckle
    Dimensions: 38.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by its original fitted box, Certificate of Origin, guarantee card, instructions manual, product literature, service log and travel pouch

  • Catalogue Essay

    The A. Lange Söhne Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite" was produced from 1994 to 1998, in limited editions of 150 pieces in 18k gold, 50 in platinum and 1 in stainless steel. This tourbillon chronometer is without any doubt the most prestigious and collectible of all wristwatches ever produced by A. Lange & Söhne.

    It incorporates a number of fascinating technical details never seen before in a wristwatch, among them its exceptional movement that utilizes a chain and fusée to control the equalization of power. This complicated mechanism optimizes the rate accuracy of the watch and is visible through an aperture in the movement plate. A highly sophisticated planetary gearing system keeps the power to the going train steady even while the watch is being wound. The tourbillon mechanism also serves the purpose of improving rate accuracy by offsetting the disruptive effect of gravity. The rotating cage is suspended by two pivots between two diamond end stones. It turns around its own axis once a minute and can be precisely balanced with small counterweights. All parts of the watch are finished by hand and every surface is decorated. Consequently, the completion of each of these masterpieces required several months.

    This exceptional timepiece is a superlative example of the best technical features, fine aesthetic appeal, flawless execution and craftsmanship. Bearing N°38/50 the present watch represents the culmination of over 150 years of experience in the production of high quality precision timepieces.

  • Artist Biography

    A. Lange & Söhne

    German • 1845

    Originally founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in Glashütte, Dresden, Germany, the firm established an entire watchmaking culture and industry in Glashütte. The brand quickly became Germany's finest watchmaker, first creating dependable, easy-to-repair watches before going on to produce some of the world's finest complicated pocket watches, including Grande Sonnerie watches, tourbillon watches and Grande Complications.

    On the final day of World War II, their factories were destroyed by Russian bombers, and in 1948 the brand was confiscated by the Soviet Union. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Ferdinand's great grandson Walter Lange re-established the brand with the objective to once again produce top-quality luxury watches. Now part of the Richemont Group, its original vintage and modern creations are highly coveted by collectors. Key models from the modern era include the Lange 1, Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon and the Zeitwerk.

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Σ159

Ref. 701.005
A very fine and limited edition platinum tourbillon wristwatch with chain fusée and power reserve

Circa 1995
38.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 
€184,000-367,000
$206,000-412,000

Sold for CHF269,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016