A. Lange & Söhne - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 2000
    Reference No: 101.035
    Movement No: 16'794
    Case No: 128'254
    Model Name: Lange 1 “Darth”
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 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 with A. Lange & Söhne Certificate, fitted presentation box, and outer packaging.

  • 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 has been a success and is beloved by collectors.

    Amongst the collection, the Lange 1 reference 101.035 was produced in small quantities exclusively between 1999-2006 and sets itself apart from its breed. Cased 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 enjoys a cult-like following.

    This Darth, sized at 38.5mm in diameter, 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 like in later examples, as well as the absence of anti-reflective coating on the crystals like the present example.

    The aesthetics of the movement displaying 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 and is offered in excellent condition and accompanied by its certificate and accessories.

  • 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. 101.035
A rare and attractive platinum wristwatch with small seconds, large date, power reserve indication, Certificate and presentation box

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

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€25,700-51,500
$25,000-50,100

Sold for CHF50,400

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: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022