A. Lange & Söhne - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 2013
    Reference No: 145.025
    Movement No: 82'685
    Case No: 196'652
    Model Name: Lange Zeitwerk, "Striking Time"
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L043.2, 78 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 44mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne Guarantee dated December 11, 2013, presentation box, leather wallet, produce literature and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    From its beginnings, A. Lange & Söhne has been at the forefront of technical advancements and precision quality timing. While the firm collapsed during World War II and the ensuing “cold war” years, Walter Lange, the great grandson of the founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange, breathed new life in to the firm, and today it is known both for it classic wristwatches as well as being a disruptive force, bring 21st century technology to horology. Their 2009 release of the Zeitwerk model with digital display was not only a game changer for its creative design but also for its technical craftsmanship. Paying homage to the Dresden Semper Opera house clock with a five-minute digital display, the Zeitwerk used a constant force mechanism (remontore d'egalite) enabling an even flow of energy to power the jumping hour and minute discs of the “time bridge” display. Removed from the brands traditional time only, chronograph and perpetual calendar timepieces, the Zeitwerk is a contemporary watch one may have assumed was produced by an independent maker, and while it is hard to improve upon the model, A. Lange & Söhne in 2011 released the Zeitwerk Striking Time adding a new dimension to the collection.

    Called a “resonant masterpiece” by A. Lange & Söhne, the Zeitwerk Striking Time features the familiar three disc “time bridge”, however it now has acoustic gongs striking the quarters and hours, making it the world’s first mechanical wristwatch with jump display and visible striking mechanism. The hour is struck with a low pitch tone via the left hammer, while the quarters are struck on the right hammer producing a high pitched tone. A hybrid petite sonnerie this is a complex and superlative wristwatch that is all original, but deeply rooted in the brands history. The present example is in excellent overall condition and accompanied by its warranty and presentation box. Made in a limited edition for only 100 platinum examples, this is a rare opportunity to own one of these very rare examples.

  • 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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Σ967

Ref. 145.025
A rare and exceptional limited edition platinum hour and quarter striking wristwatch with digital time display, hack feature, power reserve, guarantee and presentation box, numbered 58 of 100 pieces

Circa 2013
44mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$540,000 - 700,000 
€58,900-76,400
$69,200-89,700

Sold for HK$687,500

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