A. Lange & Söhne have unquestionably established themselves as one of the world's leading watch brands - challenging Swiss dominance and raising the bar for both aesthetic and movement design of fine wristwatches. With German tenacity and precision, they create pieces that are elegant statements on the wrist, with hand-finished movements of the highest calibre.
It was in early 1990, that Walter Lange, possessing the vision to once again craft exceptional timepieces, formulated a plan to revive the family business in Glashütte after the collapse of the Berlin Wall. In 2001, the Saxon manufactory was able to re-locate back to its original, historic building in Glashütte, which housed A. Lange & Söhne from 1845 until its partial destruction by Allied bombing in 1945.
One of the first watches released by A. Lange & Söhne following the resuscitation of the brand, the Lange 1 has become a modern icon in its own right. The decentralised arrangement of the displays on the dial is characteristic, with the centers of the displays designed to form the corners of an isosceles triangle. The masterful use of empty space, with none of the displays overlapping, creates an overall sense of balance and refinement.
In keeping with this classic styling, the watch features a crisp black dial and faceted hands. Exhibiting an aesthetic that is undeniably Lange, an oversized ‘outside’ aperture is displayed at the top right corner of the dial, inspired from the Five-Minute Clock at Semper Opera House in Dresden. At 3 o’clock, the power reserve is indicated in German, a reminder of the manufacture’s origins.
This reference 101.035, produced exclusively between 1999 and 2006, sets itself apart from other Lange 1’s thanks to its distinctive monochromatic appearance and platinum case. The two subsidiary dials, with the indication for the hours, minutes and seconds, have a slightly lighter tone and iridescent finish. The rest of the dial features a dark, matte finish, providing a subtle contrast with the lightly recessed subdials. To complete the monochromatic appearance, this Lange 1 features unusual white-on-black date discs. Being an earlier piece from the German watchmaker, it is housed in a classically sized 38.5mm platinum case, similar to the original Lange 1.
Much attention is given to A. Lange & Söhne’s more technically-complicated watches, like the Datograph or Zeitwerk, but looking at this Lange 1, it is evident that their uncomplicated approach to form and design is equally noteworthy. More frequently produced with a white dial, this blue variant of the Lange 1 remains as elusive, as it is attractive.
The aesthetics of the movement are just as impressive as the mechanics, with chamfering and interior angles superbly hand-finished. Moreover, it features an artistic flourish, a balance-cock engraved by one of Lange’s master engravers. In fact, each individual watchmaker's unique engraving style can be identified as a result. The bridges and plates are made from German silver, an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc, with a warm silver tone that will develop a subtle patina over time. The use of this metal, along with the hand-engraved balance cock is a signature of A. Lange & Söhne.
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 houses a manual-winding calibre L901.0, with a 72-hour power reserve. The movement is comprised of 398 components, of which 54 are jewels and five screwed gold chatons – the latter of which are a mark of Lange’s traditionally German movement. The watch has a lever escapement and the balance beats at 21,600 A/h.
This A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 ref. 101.035 comes with its original black alligator strap, our drak grey nubuck Helsinki strap, corresponding platinum tang buckle, its accompanying box, outer box, manual and guarantee card. The watch was inspected by an A. Lange & Söhne watchmaker (via Wempe in London) in January 2020, passing timing and water resistance tests.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
