A. Lange & Söhne - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 2003
    Reference No: Pink gold: 119.032
    White gold: 119.026

    Movement No: Pink gold: 39'135
    White gold: 39'035

    Case No: Pink gold: 152'308
    White gold: 152'508
    Both stamped 8/101

    Model Name: Grand Lange 1 Luna Mundi
    Material: 18K white and 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L901.8 and L901.7, 54 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold and 18K pink gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckles
    Dimensions: 41mm diameter
    Signed: Cases, dials, movements and buckles signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne proof of origin, dated 28th July 2020.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Initially launched in 2003 as a limited edition of 101 pieces, of which the present set is number 8, The Grand Lange 1 "Luna Mundi" is delivered as a set of two watches, respectively, the Luna Mundi Ursa Major and Luna Mundi Southern Cross.

    Each one of these timepieces correctly and accurately indicates the moon’s position as seen from different hemispheres. The white gold model features the Ursa Major constellation on the dial and depicts the phases of the moon as seen in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, the pink gold model features the Southern Cross and depicts the phases of the moon in the Southern Hemisphere.

    Going back in history through centuries, sailors and world travellers would truly notice the dramatic change of stars and constellations one can experience according to their current position. Uniquely, only the full and new crescents of the moon appear symbiotically both in the northern and southern hemispheres. The present Grand Lange 1 Luna Mundi wristwatches display true-to-life moon phases as seen on both sides of the equator, which will need setting once every 122.6 years. The watch industry, being based since its very conception on the northern hemisphere, has long forgotten these subtle differences in hemispheres, stars and constellations. Only now, companies like A. Lange and Söhne have set quest to rectify the said error, end this "northern" focus and display realistic moon phases.

    The exquisite dials and cases of these two watches bear the signature of A. Lange & Söhne further compel any true connoisseur and aficionado to truly understand the opportunity to acquire this rare set of matching number '8' limited edition pieces.

  • 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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819

Ref. Pink gold: 119.032 White gold: 119.026
A very rare and attractive set of two limited edition gold wristwatches with large date, moon phases display of the Northern and Southern hemispheres, power reserve indication, numbered 8 of a limited edition of 101 pieces

Circa 2003
41mm diameter
Cases, dials, movements and buckles signed

Estimate
HK$350,000 - 650,000 
€41,600-77,300
$44,900-83,300

Sold for HK$604,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)