A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1

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 the 2010s, housed in a 38.5mm 18K rose gold case with a sapphire crystal and sapphire case back, features a matching 18K polished bezel; a satin silver dial with subsidiary hours and minute 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 rose gold indices; and a matching handset. It’s even fitted to a stunning, matching 18K rose gold, multi-link bracelet with a signed hidden deployant clasp.  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 works of art. This is the latter.