Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: Circa 2005 Reference No: 116.032 Movement No: 50’319 Case No: 160’461 Model Name: Lange 1 Time Zone Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. L031.1, 54 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Delivered with A. Lange & Söhne Proof of Origin Certificate confirming the production of the present timepiece with its corresponding case and movement numbers.
Catalogue Essay
In 2005, A. Lange & Söhne released the Lange 1 Time Zone ref. 116.025 featuring a dual time complication with a city ring, its iconic asymmetrical Lange 1 dial layout charmed with its signature large date. Practical and simple to operate, the Lange 1 Time Zone differs from your usual dual time wristwatch which features the much “easier” additional hour hand to depict the second time zone. However, the German powerhouse decided to finesse the dual time wristwatch showcasing the additional time zone in an entirely separate dial. Fitted with a city ring that is activated via a pusher at 8 O’clock, once pressed, the additional time zone adjusts itself to the city indicated by an arrow positioned on the dial of the additional time zone at 5 O’clock.
Extremely practical, innovative yet retaining its iconic appeal, the Lange 1 Time Zone is arguably one of the most elegant and aesthetically sound dual time wristwatches available in the market today. The present example encased in 18K pink gold belongs to the very first reference of the model and is presented in excellent overall condition.
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.