23
A. Lange & Söhne
Ref. 701.007
Tourbillon Pour le Mérite
An early, highly rare and sophisticated white gold tourbillon wristwatch with fusée chain mechanism and power reserve indication number, 138 of a 150 piece limited edition
- Estimate
- CHF150,000 - 300,000€162,000 - 324,000$184,000 - 368,000
CHF419,100
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- A. Lange & Söhne
- Year
- 1994
- Reference No
- 701.007
- Movement No
- 423
- Case No
- 110'388, caseback further engraved with limited edition number 138 of 150
- Model Name
- Tourbillon Pour le Mérite
- Material
- 18k white gold
- Calibre
- Manual, L902.0, 29 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Alligator
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k white gold Lange pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 38mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne instructions manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging, A. Lange & Söhne Certificate confirming production of the present watch in 1994.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
When A. Lange & Söhne unveiled its inaugural collection on October 24, 1994, at Dresden Castle, it marked a pivotal moment in horological history. Walter Lange, Günter Blümlein, and Hartmut Knothe presented four groundbreaking timepieces: the Lange 1, the Arkade, the Saxonia, and the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite. Each watch featured a unique calibre, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
While the Lange 1 gained recognition for its distinctive design, the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite emerged as the collection's horological tour de force. Named after one of Germany's highest orders of merit, this timepiece set new standards in watchmaking complexity.
The Tourbillon Pour le Mérite's most notable feature was its fusée-and-chain transmission, a first in wristwatches. This constant force mechanism enhanced accuracy by equalizing the mainspring's power delivery. The L902.0 caliber, a collaboration between renowned movement specialists Renaud and Papi, Günther Blümlein, and the Grönefeld brothers, offered a mesmerizing view of its 636-part fusée-and-chain system, signature engraved balance cock, and refined perlage finishing.
Production was limited to 201 pieces:
18k yellow gold: 106 examples
18k white gold: 20 examples (19 with blue dials, 1 with a black dial)
18k pink gold: 24 examples
Platinum: 50 examples
Steel: 1 example
The present white gold model with a blue dial, is fresh to the market and offered by its original owner represents a rare opportunity, being only the second of its kind to appear at an international auction.
While the Lange 1 gained recognition for its distinctive design, the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite emerged as the collection's horological tour de force. Named after one of Germany's highest orders of merit, this timepiece set new standards in watchmaking complexity.
The Tourbillon Pour le Mérite's most notable feature was its fusée-and-chain transmission, a first in wristwatches. This constant force mechanism enhanced accuracy by equalizing the mainspring's power delivery. The L902.0 caliber, a collaboration between renowned movement specialists Renaud and Papi, Günther Blümlein, and the Grönefeld brothers, offered a mesmerizing view of its 636-part fusée-and-chain system, signature engraved balance cock, and refined perlage finishing.
Production was limited to 201 pieces:
18k yellow gold: 106 examples
18k white gold: 20 examples (19 with blue dials, 1 with a black dial)
18k pink gold: 24 examples
Platinum: 50 examples
Steel: 1 example
The present white gold model with a blue dial, is fresh to the market and offered by its original owner represents a rare opportunity, being only the second of its kind to appear at an international auction.
A. Lange & Söhne
German | 1845Originally founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in Glashütte, Dresden, Germany, the firm established an entire watchmaking culture and industry in Glashütte. The brand quickly became Germany's finest watchmaker, first creating dependable, easy-to-repair watches before going on to produce some of the world's finest complicated pocket watches, including Grande Sonnerie watches, tourbillon watches and Grande Complications.
On the final day of World War II, their factories were destroyed by Russian bombers, and in 1948 the brand was confiscated by the Soviet Union. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Ferdinand's great grandson Walter Lange re-established the brand with the objective to once again produce top-quality luxury watches. Now part of the Richemont Group, its original vintage and modern creations are highly coveted by collectors. Key models from the modern era include the Lange 1, Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon and the Zeitwerk.
Browse MakerOn the final day of World War II, their factories were destroyed by Russian bombers, and in 1948 the brand was confiscated by the Soviet Union. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Ferdinand's great grandson Walter Lange re-established the brand with the objective to once again produce top-quality luxury watches. Now part of the Richemont Group, its original vintage and modern creations are highly coveted by collectors. Key models from the modern era include the Lange 1, Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon and the Zeitwerk.