Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
Year: 1998
Reference No: 101.002
Case No: 111’311
Model Name: Lange 1
Material: 18K yellow gold
Calibre: Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne Guarantee dated 1998, product literature, and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
A Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1 is a superb modern classic of 20th century horology. First released in 1994, the watch displays a classic contemporary look, which a quarter of a century later, has a sophisticated appeal for its design and technical innovation. The dial is clear and legible with the now famous patented oversized date apertures inspired by the Five-Minute Clock of the Semper Opera House in Dresden. The eccentric hours indication further set the brand apart from all others with their incredible vision.

This very rare and early example is housed in a 38.5mm diameter case featuring a solid case back secured by six screws. Later, A. Lange & Söhne did away with solid case backs when Walter Lange decided it was a shame to hide the beauty of their movements. Today, the brand manufactures their timepieces mostly with sapphire display backs. The presence of the original solid caseback, though perhaps masking such beauty, is an incredible rarity. Recent scholarship on the earliest iterations of the Lange 1, such as this reference 101.002, has blossomed in the watch community in recent years. The original dial with the early, non-serifed "Made in Germany", or "MIG", designation and blued steel hands is also exceptionally rare, as is the presence of the original guarantee and presentation box.

Preserved in excellent overall condition and with its full set of accessories from 1998, this reference 101.002 with blued steel hands and yellow gold case is a wearable treasure trove of rare details, much appreciated by the discerning connoisseur.
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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