A. Lange & Söhne - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: 2000
    Reference No: 701.005
    Movement No: 309
    Case No: 110'349
    Model Name: Pour Le Mérite
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L902.0, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold pin buckle signed Lange
    Dimensions: 38.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box and original paperwork.
    Literature: The Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon ref 701.005 is fully illustrated in numerous sections of "The Pour Le Merite Collection" by Peter Chong

  • Catalogue Essay

    The A. Lange Söhne Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite" was part of the four models launched in 1994 that launched the return of the prestigious Glashütte-based brand to the forefront of haute horlogerie. It was produced from 1994 to 1998, in a limited edition of 149 pieces in gold (106 pieces in yellow gold, 19 pieces in white gold and 24 pieces in pink gold), 50 pieces in platinum and one in stainless steel. This tourbillon chronometer is without any doubt the most prestigious and collectible of all wristwatches ever produced by A. Lange & Söhne. The Pour le Mérite, is named after the order of merit established in 1740 by King Frederick II of Prussia, and conferred as a recognition of extraordinary personal achievement.
    The present lot incorporates a number of fascinating technical details that had never been seen before in a wristwatch, among them an exceptional movement that integrates a chain and fusée to equalize the mainspring’s 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 per 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.

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

2000
38.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed.

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 250,000 
€138,000-230,000
$155,000-258,000

Sold for CHF175,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016