A. Lange & Söhne - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: 2010
    Reference No: 212.050
    Movement No: 84'215
    Case No: 194'204, No. 099/265
    Model Name: Homage to F. A. Lange 1815 Moonphase
    Material: 18K honey gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L948.2, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K honey gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 2010, Walter Lange introduced the F. A. Lange 1815 Moonphase, as a tribute to both his great grandfather Ferdinand Adolph Lange (the firm’s founder), and as a celebration of their 165th anniversary. The firm produced three commemorative timepieces each using their proprietary 18K honey gold alloy. In addition to the 1815 Moonphase (265 pieces), A. Lange & Söhne also released a Tourbograph Pour le Mérite (50 pieces) and a Lange 1 Tourbillon (150 pieces). The proprietary honey gold alloy is harder and more durable making it more resistant to scratching, while adding a warm hue to the timepiece.

    In addition to the unusual gold alloy, A. Lange & Söhne engineers developed a highly precise moonphase gear train in which as long as the watch was kept wound, no correction to the moon would be necessary for 1,000 years. The present example, number 99, is in excellent original condition. Hardly ever worn, it maintains the classical clean lines for which A. Lange & Söhne is known. This lovely wristwatch is a rare opportunity to own an uncommon timepiece from a manufacture renowned for their technical prowess and advancements, as seen both in their gold alloy and specialized movement.

  • 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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Σ232

Ref. 212.050
A fine and rare limited edition honey gold wristwatch with moonphases, made to commemorate the 165th anniversary of A. Lange & Söhne in 2010

2010
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€12,900-21,400
$15,900-26,500

Sold for CHF36,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018