997Σ
A. Lange & Söhne
Ref. 101.022
Lange 1
A fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with small seconds, oversized date, power reserve indication, guarantee and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
While the earliest examples of the model featured a solid caseback, the present example from circa 1999 carries some of the distinctive traits of an early Lange 1, such as the rare dial with painted black Roman numerals and blued steel hands compared to later examples featuring applied gold Roman numerals. Featuring a transparent caseback, it allows for the wearer to admire the intricate craftsmanship of the famed cal. L901.0 composed of German silver. With the ever-increasing demand for the Lange 1 in recent times, early examples are certainly a rare delight for collectors seeking for a timeless icon from Lange.
The present example is complete with its original guarantee and fitted presentation box.
A. Lange & Söhne
German | 1845Originally 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.