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 Outsize Date function is its hallmark. Though found in watches such as 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 Time Zone, 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 dates to the first decade of 2000s, and is housed in a 38.5mm 18K yellow gold case with a sapphire crystal and display back, features a matching 18K polished bezel; a satin silver dial with 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 gold indices; and a matching handset. In outstanding, lightly worn condition throughout, it’s fitted to a brown alligator leather strap with a signed 18K yellow gold pin buckle.  Powering this masterpiece is the Lange & Söhne Calibre L901.0, a manual-winding movement that’s stunning to behold — and which can thankfully easily be viewed via the exhibition case back. This watch also comes with its inner boxes, books, blank papers and a signed polishing cloth. This handsome Lange is in good condition with favorable neo-vintage character from honest wear and age. If you can spend your hard-earned money on either art or watches, why not spend it on both?