999Σ︎
A. Lange & Söhne
Ref. 101.022
Lange 1
A rare yellow gold wristwatch with small seconds, oversized date, power reserve indication and guarantee
Full-Cataloguing
- Rare, discontinued model with traits of early Lange 1
- Second generation featuring sapphire caseback
- Accompanied by guarantee and original crocodile strap
- Features “Later MIG” dial
First released in 1994, the Lange 1 is the flagship model for A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1. Displaying eccentric time and seconds with an asymmetrically positioned large date window and power reserve at 3 o’clock, the model has become a landmark for the brand and widely recognized throughout the horological sphere. Impressive during its initial launch, the Lange 1 is regarded as one of the most popular models manufactured by the firm.
While the earliest examples of the model featured a solid caseback, the present example carries some of the distinctive traits of an early Lange 1, such as the rare dial with painted black Roman numerals and blued steel hands compared to later examples featuring applied gold Roman numerals. It is further distinguished by a “Later MIG” dial that features serif fonts, which is correct for its serial range.
Featuring a transparent caseback fitted on 2nd generations, it allows for the wearer to admire the intricate craftsmanship of the famed cal. L901.0 composed of German silver. Accompanied with a guarantee dated 2022, this is potentially an old stock that was sold later. With the ever-increasing demand for the Lange 1 in recent times, discontinued examples are certainly a rare delight for collectors seeking a timeless icon from Lange.
A. Lange & Söhne
German | 1845Originally 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.