Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: Circa 2005 Reference No: 308.031 Movement No: 41'811 Case No: 156'295 Model Name: Langematik Sax-O-Mat Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. L. 9214, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Lange pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1997 the Sax-O-Mat was Lange’s first automatic movement. In fact the name of the caliber refers to its Saxon origings (Sax), that it has a zero reset function (O) and that it is automatic (Mat).
It was offered in two versions with or without the brand’s signature large date and the movement featured a playful zero reset mechanism whereby when the crown is pulled the seconds hand immediately returns to zero enabling to the seconds setting of time.
To obtain a slimmer movement as well as not to obstruct the view of the beautiful movement, Lange opted for a 3/4 made in 21 k gold with a platinum periphery.
In very appealing condition the black dial and pink gold combination give the watch a more flamboyant personality.
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.