Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: Circa 2005 Reference No: 101.030 Movement No: 41’262 Case No: 149’758 Model Name: Lange 1 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne guarantee stamped by Richemont Japan Ltd, dated 3rd June 2005, instruction manual, leather folio, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The Lange 1 was the first of four models introduced in Dresden on 24th October 1994, marking the miraculous great revival of A. Lange & Söhne after decades of turmoil. Their first catalogue was titled “When time came home” and pays tribute to the homecoming of the fine watchmaking tradition back to Saxony. This theme is echoed by the iconic design of the outsize date display, that is poetically inspired by the Five-Minute Clock at Semper Opera House in Dresden. One is invoked with a pleasant warmth when looking at the patented date aperture on the Lange 1 as the days pass by.
To place the outsize date aesthetically on the dial, Lange would apply the Golden Ratio to their dial designs. While the date aperture would typically land at the 12 o’clock, for the Saxonia, Arkade and Datograph alike, the Lange 1 possesses an unconventional charm with its off-centred outsize date which strikes a stunning visual balance with the centres of the other two sub-dials. This extraordinary dial design cements the watch as an irreplaceable classic in the history of A. Lange & Söhne. The alluring matte grey dial on the present Lange 1 also features fine and subtle azurage on the sub-dials, a delightful detail which elevates its superb elegance.
Encased in a tripartite white gold case, the present reference 101.030 was produced in circa 2005 and features a first-generation calibre L901.0 which was discontinued in 2015. It is estimated that few examples were made. Preserved in excellent condition, and accompanied by full accessories, this fantastic Lange 1 is a gem that should not be missed by any watch enthusiasts.
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.