What you’re looking at is an example of one of the most important wristwatches of the last 30 years.
The Lange 1 is without question the manufacturer’s flagship model, and the big date function is its hallmark. Though found in watches like the Zeitwerk or the Langematik Sax-O-Mat, it’s in the Lange 1 that it’s shown to the greatest effect. Alongside other details such as asymmetrical sub-dials depicting the hours and sub-seconds, and the A. Lange & Söhne signature with its famous ampersand, it shows a clarity of vision that is wholly Lange. And while the Lange 1 has seen many versions, from a tourbillon to the Timezone, it’s the original that has become the symbol of the maison — and perhaps even the symbol of modern watchmaking itself.
This particular example is a bit out of the ordinary, housed in a 36mm 18K rose gold case with a mother of pearl dial and diamond set bezel. Part of the Little Lange 1 subset of the Lange 1 collection, these more modestly sized ladies pieces bring the layout and aesthetic of the Lange 1 to a broader audience. And how beautiful it is!
In outstanding, lightly worn condition throughout, it’s fitted to a off white alligator leather strap with a signed 18K rose gold pin buckle.
Powering this masterpiece is a manual-winding movement that’s stunning to behold — and which can thankfully easily be viewed via the exhibition case back. What’s more, this watch comes with its outer and inner boxes, as well as its books and leather folio.
There are complicated watches, and then there are works of art. This is the latter.