The first of its kind, the Lange 1 ref. 101.001 was produced in yellow gold and 38.5mm in diameter. The timepiece of this first generation Lange 1 carries a solid caseback throughout the first year of its production. Hidden under the solid gold caseback is the caliber L901.0, an incredible debut of the now famed German silver three-quarter plate Lange 1’s first movement in 1990 with a hand-engraved balance cock. An exceptionally finished movement that deserves to be admired, A. Lange & Söhne introduced the sapphire caseback a year after its launch.

Exquisite and extremely well-preserved, the present Lange 1 ref.101.001 belongs to such period. Not only fitted with a sapphire caseback that exposes its calibre with low serial movement numbered 1298, the present example also retains the first generation solid gold caseback from the transitional period. Paired with an elegant champagne dial complementing the warmth of its yellow gold hands and indexes, the dial also features typography only found in early Lange models. The present ref. 101.001 caries the period correct dial with sans-serif typeface used in the “Made In Germany” inscription beneath the hour register. Boasting a stunning case with sharp hallmarks, the present specimen was sold in Wempe Germany in 1996. High in demand and exceedingly rare to find early generation timepieces that puts the brand on the map, the present specimen should certainly be on collector’s radar as one of the most collectible Lange 1 out there.