159Σ
A. Lange & Söhne
Ref. 701.005
"Pour le Mérite"
A very fine and limited edition platinum tourbillon wristwatch with chain fusée and power reserve
- Estimate
- CHF200,000 - 400,000€184,000 - 367,000$206,000 - 412,000
CHF269,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- A. Lange & Söhne
- Year
- Circa 1995
- Reference No
- 701.005
- Movement No
- 311
- Case No
- 110'438
- Model Name
- "Pour le Mérite"
- Material
- Platinum
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. L902.0, 29 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- Platinum A. Lange & Söhne buckle
- Dimensions
- 38.5mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by its original fitted box, Certificate of Origin, guarantee card, instructions manual, product literature, service log and travel pouch
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The A. Lange Söhne Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite" was produced from 1994 to 1998, in limited editions of 150 pieces in 18k gold, 50 in platinum and 1 in stainless steel. This tourbillon chronometer is without any doubt the most prestigious and collectible of all wristwatches ever produced by A. Lange & Söhne.
It incorporates a number of fascinating technical details never seen before in a wristwatch, among them its exceptional movement that utilizes a chain and fusée to control the equalization of power. This complicated mechanism optimizes the rate accuracy of the watch and is visible through an aperture in the movement plate. A highly sophisticated planetary gearing system keeps the power to the going train steady even while the watch is being wound. The tourbillon mechanism also serves the purpose of improving rate accuracy by offsetting the disruptive effect of gravity. The rotating cage is suspended by two pivots between two diamond end stones. It turns around its own axis once a minute and can be precisely balanced with small counterweights. All parts of the watch are finished by hand and every surface is decorated. Consequently, the completion of each of these masterpieces required several months.
This exceptional timepiece is a superlative example of the best technical features, fine aesthetic appeal, flawless execution and craftsmanship. Bearing N°38/50 the present watch represents the culmination of over 150 years of experience in the production of high quality precision timepieces.
It incorporates a number of fascinating technical details never seen before in a wristwatch, among them its exceptional movement that utilizes a chain and fusée to control the equalization of power. This complicated mechanism optimizes the rate accuracy of the watch and is visible through an aperture in the movement plate. A highly sophisticated planetary gearing system keeps the power to the going train steady even while the watch is being wound. The tourbillon mechanism also serves the purpose of improving rate accuracy by offsetting the disruptive effect of gravity. The rotating cage is suspended by two pivots between two diamond end stones. It turns around its own axis once a minute and can be precisely balanced with small counterweights. All parts of the watch are finished by hand and every surface is decorated. Consequently, the completion of each of these masterpieces required several months.
This exceptional timepiece is a superlative example of the best technical features, fine aesthetic appeal, flawless execution and craftsmanship. Bearing N°38/50 the present watch represents the culmination of over 150 years of experience in the production of high quality precision timepieces.
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.