The Tourbillon Pour le Mérite was released as part of the original 1994 revival of A. Lange & Söhne, with the inspiration for this wristwatch coming from the tourbillon pocket watches the brand produced in the past. This white gold example with a blue dial is especially intriguing, as the variant is rarely seen on the market. In fact, one of the last examples to appear for sale came up just over 10 years ago and broke the world record price for a Pour le Mérite at the time. Furthermore, out of the 200 watches produced, it is believed that only 19 were cased in white gold, with one being a unique piece and the remaining 18 featuring blue dials.

As a whole, the watch bears all the signature elements of an A. Lange & Söhne watch, with a three-part case and curved lugs that fit snugly on the wrist. The dial is a deep, dark blue, and pays close attention to symmetry. From the curve of the A. Lange & Söhne logo across the top of the dial to the positioning and spacing of the sub-dials at 9 and 3 o'clock, each aspect carefully thought out. Overall, the dial is brushed, with Arabic numerals and a railroad track on the edge of the dial printed in white.

The tourbillon sits at 6 o'clock, with a sharply finished and polished carriage and bridge. The three arms of the tourbillon are hand finished and excellently bevelled, with polishing from all sides. Turning the watch over reveals unparalleled finishing. The movement is made from German silver and decorated with Geneva striping, in addition to an engraved balance cock.

This Tourbillon Pour le Mérite is fitted with the calibre L902.0, a highly complicated movement created by Günter Blümlein, Reinhard Meis, and Giulio Papi of famed movement designers Renaud et Papi. This was the first wristwatch calibre that combined the fusée and chain mechanism with a tourbillon complication, which had previously been done before in pocket watch movements, but never before in wristwatches. Essentially, the watch is made more accurate because the mainspring exerts force on either the smaller or larger circumference of the fusée depending on the remaining power reserve.

Closer look

Condition

This A. Lange & Söhne Tourbillon Pour le Mérite is in excellent condition throughout. Following a recent service by A. Lange & Söhne in January 2023, the case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear. The dial, hands, and movement show no signs of imperfection. The hallmarks and engravings on the case back are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch was recently serviced by A. Lange & Söhne in Jan 2023 and thus comes with time remaining on the brand's servicing warranty. The watch also comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from  A Collected Man.