A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Ref: 101.035 – Just a couple of weeks ago I posted some info on a “Tourbograph Pour le Mérite” and touched on a brief bit of history of A.Lange. This Lange 1, although it may not be the original reference, is ultimately the most simply beautiful Lange in my humble opinion. In 1994, ALS debuted what is perhaps its most iconic watch, the Lange 1 together with the Saxonia, Arkade and Tourbillon Pour le Merite series.
In the wonderful world of watches – A. Lange & Söhne is considered to be, and even more so, in the same league as Patek Philippe. Saxony is home to some of the finest watchmakers in the world today and the reason behind this is their commitment to producing high-end quality timepieces. Glashütte itself is considered the “Mecca” of watchmaking art all over the world. A. Lange & Söhne and the watchmakers, many who work there are the fifth or sixth generation – which ensures the quality of watch-making is passed down and therefore consistent.
As for this Lange 1, it is evident to see all the above mentioned traits illustrated in this simple and elegant timepiece. It features an off-center hour and minutes dial, a sub-seconds dial, large date window and power reserve gauge – which works very well. Although this throws my whole love of symmetry out the window, the non-fussy but informative construction of the dial screams haute horlogerie. While it is encased in a contemporary round watch enclosure, the watchmakers at Lange have found other ways to entice you. This platinum Lange 1 Ref: 101.035 features a beautifully polished manual-winding movement, finished with the typical Lange inclined ribbing, which can been seen through the sapphire glass case-back – along with the highly visible blued screws and jewels.
On the wrist, this 38.5mm timepiece with its Crocodile strap feels snug, and also has a very pleasant and surprising bit of weight to it. This instantly fills you with great assurance of the robust build quality. The A. Lange & Söhne engraved crown has the standard two positions placed at 3 o’clock. The date function is operated with the, firmly sprung, pusher placed at 10 o’clock – which has to be one of the fastest manually operated date changing complications available on the market?
With all that said, knowing A. Lange & Söhne is in the same class as PP – this uncanny trait is also evident in the price department. This all platinum Lange 1 (including pin buckle clasp) is priced at approximately £22,000.00 but at the end of the day you’re getting what you’ve paid for, and for the future – probably one of the safest investments you can make….?
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