A. Lange & Söhne - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: 2017
    Reference No: 117.040
    Movement No: 124'852
    Case No: 235'624 and limited edition number 24/25
    Model Name: Grand Lange One Limited Edition for Dubail
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L095.1, 42 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 41mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The launch of the Lange 1 model marked a new era when it was released during the company's 1994 rebirth. Displaying off centered time and seconds with an asymmetrically positioned large date window and power reserve at 3 o’clock, the model has become a landmark for the brand and widely recognized throughout the horological sphere. Impressive during its initial launch, the Lange 1 is regarded as one of the most popular models manufactured by the firm.

    The present Grand Lange One, with a case diameter of 41mm, is numbered 24 out of 25 and was made specially for the storied retailer in France, Dubail. While the smaller 38.5mm version was launched a few years earlier, the present watch is part of a series released in 2017. It is distinguished by its beautiful blue mother-of-pearl dial that gives the timepiece so much charisma. The Dubail family has long been a supporter of the brand, which eventually led to the opening of the Lange & Söhne boutique located in the rue de la Paix at the beginning of 2013 in Paris. It is particularly rare for the manufacture to make a special edition for a retailer, showing how important Dubail is to the brand. Furthermore, the retailer's name is also engraved on the caseback.

    To the best of our knowledge this is the very first time this reference appears in an international auction room.

  • 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. 117.040
A rare and attractive white gold wristwatch with blue mother-of-pearl dial, made for Paris retailer Dubail in a limited edition of 25 pieces

2017
41mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€30,700-61,300
$32,800-65,600

Sold for CHF177,800

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