Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
Year: Circa 1998
Reference No: 101.031
Movement No: 6’554
Case No: 117’160
Model Name: Lange 1
Material: 18K pink gold
Calibre: Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold A. Lange & Söhne buckle
Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
Catalogue Essay
Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Walter Lange re-established, in 1990, the revered brand once founded by his great-grandfather in Glashütte. The first collection, which was comprised of four watches, was initially presented in 1994 and immediately rose to the forefront of haute horology. One of these four watches was the timeless and now iconic Lange 1. First introduced 25 years ago, its unorthodox off-centre dial layout, its revolutionary design, and its great technical quality made it an instant icon.

The reference 101.031 was introduced in 1998 as part of an expansion of the Lange 1 repertoire, and made available in the striking combination of 18K pink gold with black dial. Early pink gold Lange 1 cases are fully polished, rather than polished sides and bezel with brushed finishing to the caseback. To further set this example apart, it bears an early “MIG” dial, with the earliest font for the “Made in Germany” designation. The subdials are very subtly guillochéd, adding a touch of contrast against the inky blackness of the dial.
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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