A. Lange & Söhne - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 2000
    Reference No: 231.031
    Movement No: 14’023
    Case No: 124’096, No. 96/250
    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: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne Guarantee, instruction manual, setting pin, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most endearing limited editions ever released by A. Lange & Söhne, the 1815 Moonphase “Emil Lange” was introduced in 1999 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Emil Lange’s birth, and produced in a limited run of just 250 pieces in pink gold and 150 pieces in platinum. Upholding the tradition of the 1815 collection, it features the iconic railway minute chapter ring with three dots at the quarter markers—a design element also present on the Tourbillon Pour Le Mérite introduced during Lange’s resurgence in 1994, as well as on historic Lange pocket watches.

    Departing from the standard Arabic numerals found in the 1815 collection, the “Emil Lange” showcases only the Arabic numeral 12 and round pink gold appliqué indices. The 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions are marked by exquisitely applied gold stars, in harmony with the seven gold appliqués representing the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major, positioned between 6 and 8 o’clock. Boasting a stop-seconds function and a power reserve of 45 hours, the watch is powered by the mechanical caliber L943.1 movement, based on the L941.1 caliber found in the Saxonia family. Through the transparent case back, one can admire the German silver three-quarter plate bridge adorned with refined Glashütte stripes, gold chatons, red jewels, and blued screws, along with the distinctively hand-engraved balance cock.

    Numbered 96 out of a limited edition of 250, and preserved in excellent condition with full accessories, this rare timepiece is sure to captivate the discerning connoisseur.

    PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

  • 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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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 96 of a limited edition of 250 pieces

Circa 2000
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.

Estimate
$18,000 - 36,000 
CHF15,900-31,800
€17,000-33,900
HK$140,000-280,000

Sold for $40,640

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024