The Grand Lange 1 Lumen marked the first instance of the Glashütte brand including a luminous date display. As such, the translucent sapphire was the natural choice of material for the dial, another first for the brand. While it partially obscured the mechanics of the calibre behind a thin veil, it allowed enough light to pass through to charge the SuperLumiNova on date display. This meant that when the date changed, the numbers on the wheels would already be glowing and visible in the dark. The reference 117.035 was created in a limited series of 200 pieces. This early example first retailed in 2013.

In addition to the framed double windows for the date, the smoky sapphire dial includes apertures that accommodate the primary time display as well as the subsidiary seconds’ register. These registers are marginally recessed, furthering the visual depth that the sapphire dial creates. The primary register – the largest display on the dial – features a smooth, matte black dial with a luminous chapter of minute markers. The applied SuperLumiNova on the quarter chapter of Roman hours has real body to them. In between these numerals, the hours are denoted by diamond-shape markers also achieved with luminous material. The marginally overlapping seconds register has a similar layout, except that the minutes – at intervals of 10 – are Arabic numerals. For contrast, the seconds alpha-style hand is painted white.

Also printed in white, below the primary time-telling register is ‘Made in Germany’ mark, and along the bottom edge of the sapphire dial the 72-hour power reserve is detailed. This reserve is expressed through an up-down register at 3 o’clock, with a graduated scale achieved with SuperLumiNova.

The sapphire dial is paired with a 41mm platinum case, a metal that is something of a rarity for A. Lange & Söhne, with the brand generally favouring white gold. The rounded bezel is high polished, as is the facet of the display caseback. The midcase is horizontally satinated, as is the squared pusher at 10 o’clock that helps set the date. The lugs, marginally stepped from the case, are high polished. It is fitted with a black fine grained leather strap secured by a substantial, signed platinum pin buckle clasp by specialist maker Brogioli.

Through the caseback is visible the manually wound calibre L095.2, a movement initially introduced in 2009. Crafted from German silver, it is beautifully decorated and mechanically robust. The main three-quarter plate wears striping while the baseplate is adorned with perlage. The fourth and escapement wheels are anchored by independent bridges, with the tip of the latter crafted from stainless steel and black polished. As is customary for the brand, the balance wheel is hand engraved in a floral pattern while the swan-neck regulator atop it is black polished. The visible jewels wear gold chatons while the edges of the bridges are hand-bevelled and polished.

This Grand Lange 1 Lumen comes with its full set of box and warranty paperwork. The reference 117.035, understated but highly legible, represents the first instance of A. Lange & Söhne boldly iterating on the iconic Lange 1 design code.

Closer look

Condition

This A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Lumen 117.035 is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show light superficial marks only on the very surface of the material. The dial and hands are free from any signs of imperfections. The movement has developed a patina on the exposed German silver.

A complimentary service with the manufacturer is included as part of the sale, which must be taken up within the first six months of purchase.

Warranty

The watch is offered with a complimentary service by A. Lange & Söhne. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from A Collected Man.