A. Lange & Söhne - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: 2000
    Reference No: 704.025
    Movement No: 16’150
    Case No: 129372; 122/150
    Model Name: Lange 1 Tourbillon
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L961.1, 49 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne associated presentation box. Further delivered with A. Lange & Söhne Proof of Origin certificate dated 17 August 2020.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Though the original Lange 1 was first released in 1994, it was only in 2000 that A. Lange & Söhne decided to build on this seminal timepiece with a tourbillon version. Previously, the only tourbillon in the catalogue was the Pour le Mérite. Alongside 250 pieces in 18K pink gold, only 150 pieces of the Lange 1 Tourbillon in platinum were ever produced, and very few have appeared at public auction.

    The Lange 1 Tourbillon marries technical mastery, classic Teutonic design, and rarity in a 38.5mm package. Similar to the Lange 1 “Stealth,” its tonal silver dial and white gold hands perfectly complement the icy platinum case, with the aperture for the tourbillon the only indication there is something more within. The manual-wind caliber L961.1 is masterfully and exquisitely finished, with a hand-engraved balance cock that’s unique to the craftsperson who worked on it. The present Lange 1 Tourbillon is numbered 122 of 150; it’s preserved in exemplary condition.

  • 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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Ref. 704.025
A very rare and attractive limited edition platinum tourbillon wristwatch with small seconds, date, power reserve indication, and box; numbered 122 of a limited edition of 150 pieces

2000
38.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$80,000 - 160,000 
CHF72,100-144,000
€74,900-150,000
HK$625,000-1,250,000
S$109,000-217,000

Sold for $101,600

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023