Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: Circa 2008 Reference No: 101.048F Movement No: 48'366 Case No: 162'198 08/30 Model Name: Lange 1 "Hausmann" Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. L901.2, 53 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold A. Lange & Sohne deployant buckle Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement signed, caseback signed with retailer's signature Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box with outer packaging, extra sapphire caseback, Guarantee and product literature.
Catalogue Essay
The present model is a limited edition of only 30 pieces specially made for the Italian retailer Hausmann & Co. In 2008, the retailer commissioned the brand to produce a distinctive Lange 1 that watch collectors would only be able to purchase at their boutiques. The brand created this superb white gold piece, featuring a galvanic black dial with grey subdials. This type of bicolor dial had only be seen on the Grande Lange 1 but never before on a classic Lange 1. The watch was delivered with two casebacks: a regular sapphire one bearing the retailer's initials and another, extremely rare closed gold caseback signed with the retailer’s full name. The first Lange 1 model launched by the company had a plain caseback until Walter Lange realized that it was a shame to hide such an amazing hand finished movement and decided that all his future creations would be with a see-through caseback. Bearing the lucky number 8, and offered in excellent condition with all its accessories, this watch would be a great addition as a daily versatile watch.
Originally 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.