Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: Circa 1997 Reference No: 101.027 Movement No: 29'173 Case No: 142'876 Model Name: Lange 1 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold A. Lange & Söhne buckle Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne Certificate Proof of Origin dated June 03, 2021, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 displaying eccentric time and seconds with an asymmetrically positioned large date window is one of the most immediately recognisable Lange models. It was among the first models the firm presented when relaunched in 1994 and immediately captivated the hearts and minds of the public. It is now one of the cornerstones of the brand.
The present reference 101.027 was introduced in 1997, setting itself apart from its peers. A. Lange & Söhne exclusively produced a rich dark blue dial, giving the watch a striking and eye-catching appearance. While the series is not a limited edition, the Blue Series was produced in only low numbers, making it a rare and scarce variant of its kind. So popular was the design that in 2017, A. Lange & Söhne released the second generation of blue dials with the reference 191.028. Powering the present early example of the Lange 1 Blue Series is the manual wound calibre L 901.0 with a beautifully finished three-quarter plate design made with German silver that provides up to 72 hours of power reserve.
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.
Ref. 101.027 A rare, fine and attractive white gold wristwatch with small seconds, oversized date, power reserve indication, deep blue dial, certificate proof of origin and presentation box
Circa 1997 38.5mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed