A. Lange & Söhne - The 2021 New York Watch Auction New York Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: 2012
    Reference No: 722.050
    Movement No: No. 82’079
    Case No: 192122; No. 134/150
    Model Name: Lange 1 Tourbillon “Honey Gold”
    Material: 18K honey gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L961.2, 51 jewels (49 rubies and 2 diamonds)
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K honey gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne International Guarantee dated December 23rd, 2012, service booklet, product literature, fitted presentation box, and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present timepiece is part of the highly sought after trilogy of watches released by A. Lange & Söhne in 2010 to commemorate their founder Ferdinand Adolf Lange. A limited edition of 150 pieces, the present watch is number 134 of the series.

    It is apparent to the beholder that the material employed for the case shines with a very unusual hue. Indeed, it is the new alloy “honey gold” developed by Lange which, beyond its enthralling color, also boasts increased hardness - and thus resistance to scratching - than the usual 18 karat gold alloy. The same material is used in other parts of the watch such as the hands and, most notably, the bridges of the movement as noticeable through the sapphire crystal case back. Further underlining the prestige of this limited edition, even the exquisitely decorated dial is made out of solid gold.

    The sheen of the honey gold alloy is shaped into a quintessential Lange model: the Lange 1. With its deceptively simple-looking, but in fact highly complex case - as noticeable when looking at the bevels of the lugs - the watch exudes class, strength and style in essentially Teutonic fashion. The architecture of the movement itself employs the typical Saxonian 3/4 plate, decorated with the telltale undulating Lange décor, and boasts a mind-blowing total of 51 jewels: 49 rubies and 2 diamond. By comparison, some grand complication Swiss movements feature a similar number of jewels to that reserved for this tourbillon wristwatch: this highlights the absolutely undisputed level of quality and finish Lange reserved for these exceptional timepieces. Coming from an important private collection and preserved in almost new condition, the present watch is offered for the first time at auction, complete with its original guarantee and presentation boxes.

    PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

  • 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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Σ90

Ref. 722.050
A refined and exceptional limited edition honey gold wristwatch with tourbillon, hacking mechanism, guarantee, and presentation box, numbered 134 of 150

2012
38.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$70,000 - 140,000 
CHF64,800-130,000
€62,000-124,000
HK$546,000-1,090,000

Sold for $138,600

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021