A. Lange & Söhne - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 2000s
    Reference No: 101.035
    Movement No: 15’806
    Case No: 126’989
    Model Name: Lange 1 “Darth”
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Delivered with A. Lange & Söhne Extract from the Archives confirming the delivery of the present timepiece to Lange Uhren Gmbh.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Since the launch of A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1 in 1994, the noteworthy asymmetric dial design that embodies the perfect ratio and architecture of the golden triangle had been a success and beloved by collectors. Amongst the collection, the Lange 1 reference 101.035 produced in small quantities exclusively between 1999-2006 sets itself apart from its breed. Dressed in platinum with a distinctive monochromatic all black configuration and a handsome white on black date disc, the model was nicknamed by collectors “Darth” and enjoyed a cult following. The dark lord classically sized 38.5mm diameter case is not only an early production of the Lange 1, but also an early example within the Darth series. This can be defined by the two hallmarks stamped on the caseback instead of 4 in later examples, as well as the absence of anti-reflective coating on the crystals like the present example. The aesthetics of the movement with artistic flourished engravings and technical brilliance of the calibre L.901.0 operates with a 72 hour power reserve. Praised by scarcity and collectability, this timepiece suited in a desirable black appeal is offered in excellent condition. With rising demand on early productions of the brand’s timepieces, and an exceptional result achieved during Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction XIII, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire this rare bird.

  • 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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870

Ref. 101.035
A rare and attractive platinum wristwatch with small seconds, date and power reserve indication

Circa 2000s
38.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$115,000 - 195,000 
€14,700-24,800
$14,700-25,000

Sold for HK$655,200

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022