Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: 1995 Reference No: 101.002 Movement No: 191 Case No: 110'113 Model Name: Lange 1 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold A. Lange & Söhne buckle Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne guarantee dated April 15, 1995, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
First released in 1994, the Lange 1 is the flagship model for A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1. Displaying eccentric time and seconds with an asymmetrically positioned large date window and power reserve at 3 o’clock, the model has become a landmark for the brand and widely recognized throughout the horological sphere. Impressive during its initial launch, the Lange 1 is regarded as one of the most popular models manufactured by the firm.
This particularly early example is housed in a 38.5mm diameter case and is incredibly rare. It most notably displays a solid case back secured by six screws - modern examples today displays the movement through a sapphire case back, making these early variants particularly sought after. It most notably displays rare and striking blued steel hands.
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.