Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Walter Lange re-established, in 1990, the revered brand once founded by his great-grandfather in Glashütte. The first collection, which was comprised of four watches, was initially presented in 1994 and immediately rose to the forefront of haute horology. One of these four watches was the timeless and now iconic Lange 1. First introduced 25 years ago, its unorthodox off-centre dial layout, its revolutionary design, and its great technical quality made it an instant icon.

The reference 101.031 was introduced in 1998 as part of an expansion of the Lange 1 repertoire, and made available in the striking combination of 18K pink gold with black dial. Early pink gold Lange 1 cases are fully polished, rather than polished sides and bezel with brushed finishing to the caseback. To further set this example apart, it bears an early “MIG” dial, with the earliest font for the “Made in Germany” designation. The subdials are very subtly guillochéd, adding a touch of contrast against the inky blackness of the dial.