A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1, early 2000s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

What you’re looking at is an example of the most important wristwatches of the last 30 years. The Lange 1 is without question the manufacture'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 example is from the early 2000s and comes housed in a 38.5mm 18K yellow gold case with a sapphire crystal, sapphire case back and smooth, polished bezel. It features a satin silver dial with a subsidiary hours and minutes at 9 o’clock; a seconds register at 4 o’clock; a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock; a framed date window at 2 o’clock; applied yellow gold indices; and a matching ‘lance’ handset. Our favorite part about this Lange 1 … notice how the subsidiary registers match the satin dial finish as opposed to more current References which have contrasting sunray finish which puts a bow on its teutonic design language. The beauty here is that like all the classics á la the Submariner, Tank, etc, the Lange 1's design language largely remains unchanged. However to the trained eye, there are slight nuances that make certain pieces more collectable than others. This 'satin dial' Lange 1 is exactly that. Powering this masterpiece is the Lange & Söhne Caliber L901.0, a manual-winding movement that’s stunning to behold — and which can thankfully easily be viewed via the exhibition case back. There are complicated watches, and then there are collectable works of art. This is the latter!