A. Lange & Sohne

The Lange 1 Tourbillon will always hold a special place in the history of A. Lange & Söhne, as it is the second tourbillon from the Saxon brand, created to mark the start of the century. The first is the historic pocket watch No. 41000, known as Jahrhunderttourbillon, or “Tourbillon of the Century”, which the brand produced in 1900 to mark the beginning of the 20th century. The Lange 1 Tourbillon, launched in 2000, therefore refers to the turn of centuries twice: firstly, to the beginning of the 21st century, and secondly, to the centenary of the historic pocket watch No. 41000—and, of course, to the start of the new millennium. In 2000, A. Lange & Söhne offered the Lange 1 Tourbillon in platinum (Ref. 704.025; limited to 150 pieces – this watch) and in rose gold (Ref. 704.032; limited to 250 pieces). Usually, both versions of the Lange 1 Tourbillon were offered on a leather strap, and examples on a metal bracelet, like this watch, are extremely rare. What makes this example especially appealing is that the solid platinum bracelet was crafted by the renowned German jewellery house and specialist in luxury metal watch bracelets, Wellendorff of Pforzheim, founded in 1893. The two German companies share not only a long-lasting history of over a century, but also the rarely mentioned fact that the connection between A. Lange & Söhne and Wellendorff was established directly by Walter Lange, who worked in the company’s jewellery department for several years while living in Pforzheim. A new phase of collaboration began in the 1990s, following the revival of the A. Lange & Söhne brand. Lange’s catalogues from that period until around the mid-2000s show that many models were offered with the option of a metal bracelet, which was usually an expensive option, so the watches created as a result of this collaboration are now rare and therefore highly prized. This is quite reasonable, considering factors such as the aesthetically pleasing and comfortable design of the bracelet, as well as the high-quality German craftsmanship. Production of metal bracelets for Lange watches was very limited, with only three basic versions available. The first bracelet version is often called Milanese, featuring fifteen rows of thin links. This bracelet was soldered to the case, creating an integrated design. Technically, it is not a true Milanese bracelet, although its appearance is quite similar; however, its production method differs. Therefore, we believe it is more appropriate to call this type of bracelet “tropical”. Excellent examples with this bracelet are found in some Lange 1 watches, which then received the reference number 151.xxx. Among the best-known examples are the 151.031 in rose gold with a black dial, the 151.027 in white gold with a dark blue dial, and the 151.001 in yellow gold with a champagne dial. The second version is a seven-row bracelet in a more classic style, often referred to as “rice grains.” Among the most famous Lange watches featuring this bracelet are the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite Ref. 701.301 in yellow gold, part of Lange’s debut collection from 1994; the renowned Datograph Ref. 403.035 in pink gold with a black dial, nicknamed the “Dufourgraph”; and certain models in the Cabaret collection, which were among the last references to offer this bracelet option. The third version is known as the wavy bracelet, with four of its seven rows formed by curved interlocking links, creating a distinctive wavy motif. This style appeared on the first-generation Datograph, the Lange 1, and the Langematik Perpetual, and in our view gives the watch the most respectable, impressive, and precious appearance. We Therefore consider it the best companion to the Lange 1 Tourbillon, the flagship model of the Lange 1 collection, especially when crafted from heavyweight and noble platinum. Wellendorff bracelet production for the Lange collection effectively ceased in the late 2000s.

This Lange 1 Tourbillon Ref. 704.025 in platinum, fitted with a Wellendorff bracelet, is from a limited edition of 150 pieces launched in 2000 to mark the arrival of the 21st century. It offers collectors an excellent opportunity to acquire an outstanding, very rare and attractive wristwatch from a world-famous traditional brand. The Lange 1 Tourbillon is among the most remarkable releases from the Saxon manufacture, combining the characteristic and now iconic asymmetrical design of the Lange 1 with the tourbillon, the king of complications. This extremely rare watch, featuring a platinum Wellendorff bracelet in a sophisticated wavy style, undoubtedly elevates the watch’s class and appeal.