A. Lange & Söhne - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: 2005
    Reference No: 116.032
    Movement No: 50'777
    Case No: 160'435
    Model Name: Lange 1 Time Zone
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L031.1, 54 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne Original Garantie stamped "Ets Georges Abou Adal & Cie" confirming the production of the present timepiece with its corresponding case and movement numbers on July 14, 2005, product literature, leather wallet and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    After being inactive for decades following World War II, A. Lange & Söhne single-handedly placed German watchmaking back on the map in 1994 when it introduced its first contemporary wristwatch line.

    The Lange 1, with its asymmetrical dial and harmonious proportions of the golden ratio, is one of the watches that best symbolizes this rebirth. The Semper Opera House's Five-Minute Clock provided direct inspiration for the largedate aperture. However, the Lange 1's instant popularity could not be attributed only to its unusual design. The movement, with its dual mainspring barrels and 72-hour power reserve, the Glashütte three-quarter plate made of German silver, and the screw-mounted gold chatons, were all quickly adopted as signatures.

    Lange introduced the Lange 1 Timezone in 2005, maintaining its reputation for mechanical prowess by combining a complex movement, the dual time zone, with a user-friendly design. The main dial is decentered to the left, with a day/night home time and running seconds indication at the top and a home date and power reserve indication in the middle of the dial. A small subdial on the bottom right hand side indicates the local timezone (day/night), with a little arrow pointing to the city ring denoting the wearer's timezone. The current lot, of course, has all of the Lange 1's trademark aspects, such as the decentered huge date and power reserve indication.

    The Lange 1 Time Zone is undoubtedly one of the most attractive and aesthetically sound dual time wristwatches available today. It is extremely functional, inventive, and retains its classic appeal. The current version, which is encased in 18K pink gold, comes in outstanding overall 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.

    View More Works

125

Ref. 116.032
An attractive and elegant pink gold dual time wristwatch with date and double day and night indication, certificate of origin and box

2005
42mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 30,000 
€14,700-29,500
$15,900-31,900

Sold for CHF44,100

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022