A. Lange & Söhne - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 1999
    Reference No: 231.035
    Movement No: 14’339
    Case No: No. 108/150, 124’358
    Model Name: 1815 Emil Lange Moonphase
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L943.1, 26 Jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne Guarantee, fitted presentation box, instruction manual, hangtag and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    The A. Lange & Söhne, 1815 Emil Lange Moonphase, reference 231.035 was introduced in 1999 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Emil Lange’s birthday, son of the founder Ferdinand Lange. Following in his father’s footsteps, he continued his legacy in watchmaking, producing some of the most sophisticated and complicated timepieces available at the time. Produced in a limited series of 150 pieces in platinum and a 250 pieces in pink gold was the brands first wristwatch to feature moonphases.

    The present example in platinum and numbered 108/150, is offered in overall very good condition and displays seven applied 18K white gold appliques forming the Big Dipper constellation on the dial, one of the most distinctive asterisms in the universe. The moon phase demonstrates A. Lange & Söhne’s technical skill with a movement, which automatically adjusts twice a day and will only deviate from the orbital position by one day after 1058 years. The reference sold out quickly when first released.

  • 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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Σ998

Ref. 231.035
A fine and rare limited edition platinum astronomical wristwatch with moon phases, guarantee and box, numbered 108 of a limited edition of 150 pieces, made to commemorate 150th anniversary of Emil Lange’s birth

Circa 1999
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement buckle signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 240,000 
€18,000-27,100
$20,500-30,800

Sold for HK$275,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019