A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moonphase, c. 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 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 from circa the 2000s, housed in a 38.5 platinum case with a sapphire crystal and sapphire case back, features a polished platinum bezel, a silver dial with subsidiary hours and minutes at 9:00; a seconds register at 4:00; a power reserve indicator at 3:00; a framed date window at 2:00; and applied indices with a matching handset. In outstanding, lightly worn condition throughout, it’s fitted to a black alligator leather strap with a signed platinum pin buckle. Powering this masterpiece is the Lange & Söhne Caliber L901.5, 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 works of art. This is the latter.