A. Lange & Söhne - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 2010
    Reference No: 712.050
    Movement No: 40’047
    Case No: 150’103, 3/50
    Model Name: Tourbograph Pour le Mérite
    Material: 18K honey gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L903.0, 43 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K honey gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 41mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle
    Accessories: Further accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne guarantee dated 2nd June 2010 stamped Carlson Watch Co. LTD., instruction manual, cloth, extra strap, magnifying glass, leather folio, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced as a limited edition of 50 pieces in 2010, the A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph “Pour le Mérite” in 18K honey gold belongs to an important collection of highly complicated wristwatches paying homage to F.A. Lange. Regarded as one of the most complicated wristwatches manufactured by the firm, the first Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite” wristwatch was introduced in 1994. As a modern iteration of the highly complicated timepiece, the ref. 712.050 is further enhanced by a rattrapante chronograph, a power reserve indication of up to 36 hours as well as a delicate fusée-and-chain transmission. Combining all elements together, it is the first timepiece to incorporate a tourbillon, rattrapante chronograph and fusée-and-chain transmission by any manufacturer.

    Executed to perfection, the firm is most famous for their fathomable craftsmanship in movement architecture and finishing. The 18K honey gold case is a signature, developed and patented, the lavish alloy displays a warm hue of “honey” with a hardness tougher than platinum and was first incorporated in 2010. Housed inside the spectacular case is the sophisticated in-house cal. L903.0. With over 1,000 individual components assembled to achieve such feat, the meticulous fusée-and-chain transmission alone comprises of 636 parts assembled in the likes of a bicycle chain. The tourbillon escapement consists of 84 components alone, however weighing exceptionally light at approximately 0.5 grams.

    With most examples reappearing in public encased in platinum, the 18K honey gold variant is most certainly rare. Adding to its attraction, the present example is presented in excellent overall condition with very limited wear and accompanied by the full set of accessories.

  • 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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Σ816

Ref. 712.050
A very fine, rare and important limited edition honey gold tourbillon double split seconds chronograph wristwatch with power reserve indication, fusée-and-chain transmission, guarantee and box, numbered 3 of a limited edition of 50 pieces

Circa 2010
41mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle

Estimate
HK$1,400,000 - 2,000,000 
€153,000-218,000
$179,000-256,000

Sold for HK$1,875,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020