A. Lange & Söhne - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 2010
    Reference No: 722.050
    Movement No: 82’010
    Case No: 192’013, No. 3/150
    Model Name: Lange 1 Tourbillon
    Material: 18K honey gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L961.2, 51 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K honey gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne guarantee stamped Carlson Watch Co. Ltd., and dated 23rd July 2010, instruction manual, leather document holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 2010, A. Lange & Söhne released an exclusive trilogy of limited edition timepieces, paying tribute to their founder, Ferdinand Adolf Lange. Without him, the Glashutte-based firm that brought German watchmaking back on the map would cease to exist.

    The present Lange 1 Tourbillon is numbered 3 of a limited edition of 150 pieces. Made to turn heads, this wristwatch is encased in “honey gold”, a patented in-house developed alloy that emits an extremely attractive, slightly cool golden hue. Beyond its exotic complexion, “honey gold” is also highly durable and more scratch resistant in comparison to 18K yellow gold, thanks to its boosted hardness. The same material is employed in other parts of the watch, including the hands and, most notably, the bridges of the movement, visible through the aperture in the dial. Further highlighting the prestige of this limited edition, even the exquisitely decorated dial is fashioned from solid gold.


    The irreplicable sheen of the “honey gold” alloy is fused into a quintessential Lange model: the Lange 1. With its deceptively simple-looking, yet highly intricate case - as suggested by the bevels of the lugs - the watch exudes class, strength and style in absolute Teutonic fashion. The architecture of the movement itself employs the typical Saxonian three-quarter plate, decorated with the telltale undulating Lange décor, and boasts a mind-blowing total of 51 jewels: 49 rubies and 2 diamond. By comparison, some grand complication Swiss movements feature a similar number of jewels to that reserved for this tourbillon wristwatch: this highlights the absolutely undisputed level of quality and finish A. Lange & Söhne reserved for these exceptional timepieces.

    Beautifully preserved, this exceptionally rare timepiece is offered in excellent overall condition and is complete with its original guarantee and presentation box.

  • 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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Σ974

Ref. 722.050
An elegant, fine and rare limited edition honey gold tourbillon wristwatch with small seconds, date, power reserve indication, hacking mechanism, guarantee, and presentation box, numbered 3 of a limited edition of 150

Circa 2010
38.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$700,000 - 1,600,000 
€83,000-190,000
$89,700-205,000

Sold for HK$889,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023