Introduced in 2021, only 150 examples of this Lange 1 Perpetual reference 345.056 were created, making this an extremely attractive and rare example with an unusual perpetual calendar layout. This version has a white gold case and a salmon-hued dial, a highly sought-after configuration that lends an especially modern touch to this piece.
Notably, the dial retains the signature Lange 1 layout while adapting it slightly to accommodate the perpetual calendar and using the layout introduced by the Lange Daymatic. As ever, this is an area in which A. Lange & Söhne excels, demonstrating a deep understanding of proportional use of space but also how the wearer will interact with the watch face. Furthermore, we see the typical arrangement has been flipped, with the large, framed date window to the left of the dial, and the time display is placed on the right. This register is finished with closely packed concentric rings and a quartet of applied Roman numerals interspersed with diamond-shaped hour markers and a chapter of minutes printed in black.
Other tweaks have also been made to the typical power reserve and subsidiary seconds. The power reserve is replaced by a retrograde indication for the days of the week, while a moonphase has been added within the sub-seconds, furnished with a deep blue depiction of the night sky and a silver moon, all framed by rose gold clouds. A day-night indicator is also integrated, with a partially tinted sapphire disc placed over the moon disc. Meanwhile, the month ring is a rotating disc placed on the outermost section of the dial, with the months printed in black. At the 6 o'clock point, a small triangular aperture indicates the leap year, but doubles up as an elegant pointer that indicates the current month on the rotating ring. The rest of the dial further underlines the masterful use of negative space, furnished only with the brand mark at 12 o’clock, "Made in Germany" printed prominently underneath the time display, and "Ewiger Kalender" running along the arc of the lower half.
The three-part case features a high-polished bezel with the caseback’s faceted edge featuring a similar finish. This detail of the caseback gives way to a brushed rim that contains the display caseback. In between the screws that secure the caseback are engraved details such as the brand and Glashütte marks as well as the hallmarks of the precious metal of the case and the casemaker. Recessed pushers are located on the left side of the case, allowing the wearer to correct each of the indications.
The watch is powered by the automatic calibre L021.3, an evolution of the Lange Daymatic's L021.1, with the addition of a perpetual calendar. The movement is fitted with an in-house balance wheel and hairspring, running at 21,600vph, and has a power reserve of 50 hours. The intricately engraved and decorated gold rotor features an upgraded winding mechanism from the Daymatic, with a platinum weight on the outer edge. Seen through the sapphire caseback, the movement is beautifully decorated, with perlage seen across the base plate, Glashütte ribbing across the bridges as well as chamfering and anglage done by hand. The visible working jewels are ensconced in gold chatons while all visible screws are heat-hued to a vibrant blue. The bridges and plates are crafted from German silver, while the balance cock features intricate hand-engraving – both features are signature elements of A. Lange & Söhne's work.
The watch is accompanied by its original box and papers and remains beautifully preserved, even possessing its original factory stickers on arrival. The watch is also the penultimate example in the series, a quirk that further distinguishes this piece. This is an excellent find for any A. Lange & Söhne collector, both in terms of exclusivity and as a rare minimalist execution of a perpetual calendar.
