A. Lange & Söhne - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 2000
    Reference No: 231.031
    Movement No: 14’216
    Case No: 124’108, No. 108/250
    Model Name: 1815 Moonphase, " Emil Lange"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L943.1, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35.9mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne Guarantee stamped Sincere Watch Limited Singapore dated 2nd August 2000, instruction manual, setting pin, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most highly regarded limited editions ever released by A. Lange & Söhne, the 1815 Moonphase “Emil Lange” was introduced in 1999 to pay homage to the 150th anniversary of Emil Lange’s birth. In commemoration of this extraordinary figure, the 1815 Moonphase Emil Lange was produced in a limited edition of only 250 pieces in pink gold, and 150 pieces in platinum. Continuing the tradition of the 1815 collection, it contains the signature railway minute chapter ring with three dots on the quarter markers, also featured on the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite introduced in 1994 during Lange’s great revival, as well as on vintage Lange pocket watches.

    Instead of the standard Arabic numerals found in the 1815 collection, the “Emil Lange” comes with only the Arabic number 12 and round pink gold applique indices. The 3, 6 and 9 o’clock indices are replaced with exquisite applied stars, which resonate with the seven gold appliques depicting the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major (one of the most distinctive asterisms in the sky) at the 6 to 8 o’clock. Amid the stars, one is captivated by the lustrous moon disc which has aged beautifully with alluring patina.

    The present watch houses the mechanical cal. L943.1 movement (based on the cal. L941.1 caliber found on the Saxonia family) which boasts the stop-seconds function and a power reserve of 45 hours. Visible through the transparent case back, one is exposed to the enticing three-quarter plate embellished with refined Glashütte stripes and ornate with gold chatons, red jewels, and blued screws, in addition to the uniquely hand-engraved balance-cock.

    Numbered 108 out of a limited edition of 250, and preserved in excellent condition with full accessories, this rare timepiece would not fail to enchant you.

  • Artist Biography

    A. Lange & Söhne

    German • 1845

    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.

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Σ927

Ref. 231.031
A fine and rare limited edition pink gold astronomical wristwatch with moon phases, guarantee and presentation box, made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Emil Lange's birth, numbered 108 of a limited edition of 250 pieces

Circa 2000
35.9mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 320,000 
€14,500-38,800
$15,400-41,000

Sold for HK$381,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023