Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: Circa 2000 Reference No: 704.032 Movement No: 16’067 Case No: 129’013, 13/250 Model Name: Lange 1 Tourbillon Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. L961.1, 49 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Delivered with A. Lange & Söhne Proof of Origin Certificate confirming the product of the present timepiece with its corresponding case and movement numbers.
Catalogue Essay
After the re-establishment of the firm in 1990, A. Lange & Söhne launched their iconic Lange 1 model in 1994, featuring an unusual asymmetric dial design with a distinctive large date positioned at 1 O’clock, and a power reserve indication in retrograde style from 2 to 4 O’clock. To commemorate the new millennium, A. Lange & Söhne released a series of Lange 1 models featuring various complications including the “king” of all, the Lange 1 Tourbillon.
Released as a limited edition of 250 pieces in 18K pink gold and 150 pieces in platinum, the model was only produced for three years and discontinued in 2003. Encased in a beautiful 38.5mm traditional round case, the sapphire caseback features the manufacture’s signature ¾ plate composed of German silver and its hand-engraved balance cock. Elegantly set at 5 O’clock is a tourbillon escapement composed of 72 individual parts.
The present example in 18K pink gold numbered 13 is presented in excellent overall condition with minimal wear. From circa 2000, the present Lange 1 Tourbillon is an early example of the reference and is offered in superb value.
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.
Ref. 704.032 A very fine and rare limited edition pink gold tourbillon wristwatch with small seconds, date and power reserve indication, numbered 13 of a limited edition of 250 pieces
Circa 2000 38.5mm diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed