Lot 23

A. Lange & Söhne

LANGE 1

An extremely rare, early Glashuette wristwatch with Lange oversize date, power reserve indicator and original solid 18 K gold case back - with original box in the light grey of the time, operating instructions, sales tag and guarantee certificate. This is one of the earliest LANGE 1 models of the first collection, which was presented in 1994. The specially developed manual wind calibre L901.0 set a benchmark in terms of quality. While this model was originally designed with a solid back, few examples were actually delivered in 1994 before the solid back was replaced by the transparent sapphire crystal requested by retailers and customers

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Reference 101.002 differs from reference 101.001 (with its gold hands and indexes) by the blued steel hands and the black printed numerals. It was easier to read and was only produced only for a few years. With its purist design, reference 101.002 set the style for the later Lange model 1815.
Ever since the first collection of the new era was presented in 1994, the LANGE 1 has been the face of A. Lange & Soehne. It features a manually wound calibre and a jumping outsize date. It advances instantaneously by one day at midnight and therefore always delivers a doubt-free reading.
This LANGE 1 is a particularly early model with an early movement calibre L901.0 and early MIG logo. It also features a solid case back secured with six screws. With the modern examples the beautiful movement is revealed by a transparent sapphire crystal screw-back.

When it launched in 1994, the LANGE 1 certainly broke the mould with the design of its dial. All indications are in peripheral positions, which gives the watch its distinctive appearance and at the same time ensures perfect readability, because none of the displays overlap.
The design of the LANGE 1 follows a coherent principle: the centres of the subsidiary seconds dial, the main dial and the outsize-date display are at the corners of an isosceles triangle. The proportions of the outsize-date display are harmonious as well: they respect the rule of the golden ratio.
Source: www.alange-soehne.com.