Consigned by the original owner, the present Lange 1 reference 101.027X bears a distinct and extremely rare silvered dial with blued hands, a variant known as the “secret reference”. This variant of the 101.027 was never featured in catalogues or officially introduced by the brand. Though we cannot be sure as to why this dial variation was never brought into production, very few were produced and even fewer have appeared on the public market. Researchers hypothesize that the correct case number range for this “secret” iteration from 13X’XXX to 173’XXX.

In other metals, the blued steel and printed dial combination is seldom seen: on the fabled stainless steel reference 101.026, early yellow gold examples, and the platinum 101.025 (nicknamed the “Stealth” and part of a limited series made for Cellini Jewelers). It is an elegant and subtle choice for a watch that was never meant to be “on the radar”, but rather a “clin d’oeil” amongst Lange collectors. A recent revival of interest in early Lange 1 models and the brand in general has brought new enthusiasm among collectors for such interesting references.

Recently factory serviced and offered from the collection of the original owner with its full suite of original accessories, this Lange 1 “Secret Reference” 101.027X is a stunning and versatile timepiece enhanced by the mystique of its origins.

PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER