Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: Circa 2001 Reference No: 308.027 Movement No: 18’573 Case No: 126’223 Model Name: Langematik Big Date Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. L 921.4, 45 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle Dimensions: 37mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Further accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne guarantee dated 29th September 2001 stamped A. Lange & Söhne, Tokyo, service invoice, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 1997, the Langematik Big Date displays the pure aesthetics perfectly in line with the firm’s genetics. Featuring a “big date” in digital display style, it is furthermore a distinct feature commonly seen in timepieces produced by the Saxon based manufacturer. Powered by the in-house cal. L 921.4, A. Lange & Söhne calibers are arguably one of the best hand-finished movements in the trade. Fitted with a Sax-O-Mat off-centered micro rotor in 21K yellow gold and platinum and the signature hand-engraved balance cock, the movement most definitely portrays a heightened level of complexity compared to what the simple and elegant dial portrays. The date is adjusted with a pusher at 10 O’clock allowing the wearer to adjust at a much faster pace.
The present example encased in white gold fitted with a black dial is offered with the original guarantee as well as a service invoice from Japan.
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.