A. Lange & Söhne - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: 2009
    Reference No: 260.025
    Movement No: 78'519
    Case No: 188'504, caseback further stamped 04/50
    Model Name: Richard Lange “Pour le Mérite”
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L044.1, 33 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne guarantee stamped Oeding-Erdel and dated 17th August 2009, instruction manual, product literature, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Named in honour of Ferdinand Adolph Lange's second son, the Richard Lange "Pour le Mérite" made its debut in 2008. Released in various metals as a limited edition, 50 pieces where made in platinum like the present example, 200 in pink gold, and 218 in white gold. Renowned for his simplicity with exceptional mechanics, Richard Lange has always been known as a genius in the field of micro-engineering with a passion for inventing and improving precision instruments including of course timepieces.

    Revealed through its sapphire display case back is the stunning caliber L044.1. Showcasing a distinctive three-quarter plate made of German silver. It incorporates an extremely elaborate and outstanding Fusée and chain mechanism that distinguishes itself from basic three-handed movements. With its main objective being to deliver a constant torque, the Fusée and Chain mechanism present in the "Pour le Mérite", as the name implies, stands in a league of its own.

    The present platinum Richard Lange "Pour le Mérite", number 04/50, is further accompanied by its full set of accessories and is certain to stand as one of the rarest examples from this exclusive series.

  • Artist Biography

    A. Lange & Söhne

    German • 1845

    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.

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Ref. 260.025
A very fine and rare limited edition platinum wristwatch with small seconds, Roman numerals, enamel dial, fusée and chain movement, guarantee and presentation box, numbered 04 of a limited edition of 50 pieces

2009
40.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€40,900-81,800
$43,700-87,500

Sold for CHF101,600

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection

Geneva Auction 11 - 12 May 2024