A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 "Darth" - Ref. 101.035 - Full set
The Watch
This A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 ‘Darth’ – Ref. 101.035 – watch distinguishes itself with a platinum case and a peculiar monochromatic appearance, with its ‘black-on-black’ dial and unusual white-on-black date discs.
Measuring 38.5mm wide this platinum encased watch is a proportional masterclass with a thin brushed case body fitted with straight lugs which hug the wrist from behind. From a top-down view, the watch is polished from bezel to lugs with the addition of tapering chamfers gently blending into the brushing seen from a profile view.
Let’s be honest though, the Lange 1 is all about two things, the dial and the movement. Right away it starts with the black dial is made from solid silver. Working around the dial clockwise the first novel feature is the double-digit date window which occupies the one o’clock position. Date windows are often less than favourable to many as their position and integration can feel like a bit of an afterthought, potentially included to boost the appeal of the watch rather than to boost the strength of the design. On the Lange 1 though it’s a different story as its inclusion is an incredibly logical and considered one. Stylistically taking inspiration from the Five-Minute Clock at Semper Opera House in Dresden, the date is adjusted through the pusher on the right-hand side of the case.
Moving further down the dial a neat vertical power reserve indicator label ‘AUF’ to ‘AB’ features gracefully displaying how long remains before it needs to be wound again. Taking a small step further down the dial even further reveals a subsidiary seconds dial with a purposefully stripped-back design to allow its elongated seconds hand with a long pointed counterbalance to take control. Just kissing the 10:30 placement of the seconds sub-dial is the ‘conventional’ dial that tells the current hours and minutes through multi-faceted alpha hands. Nothing here is overly elaborate as the 12, 3, 6, and 9 hour markers are applied Roman numerals with petite diamond-shaped markers to match. Wrapping back to the top of the dial is the A. Lange & Söhne branding printed in white to match the rest of the text found throughout the dial.
Lange’s understanding of the platinum ratio enables the Lange 1 "Darth" to confidently embrace the decentralisation of its features with the end result being a trailblazer of a timepiece that has set the modern watch collecting world on fire.
The Movement
Powering this significant Lange 1 is the manual wind L901.0 A.Lange & Söhne movement. This handmade, hand-engraved movement boasts 72 hours of power reserve beating at 21,600 vph with no less than 53 jewels to maintain its performance. As iconic as the dial of the watch, this movement has all the hallmarks of a Lange creation, including the bridges and plate being made from German silver, a hand-engraved balance cock, refined interior angles and chamfering with a level of hand finishing that puts many of the Swiss to shame.
How It Wears
A. Lange & Söhne watches always feel remarkable once fitted to the wrist, and although this 101.035 is unassuming in its execution, that is indeed its greatest asset. The prominent lug design continues to be noteworthy once fitted to the wrist, ensuring its case width on paper translates to a conspicuous wearer. This is an extraordinary reference that distinguishes its importance behind a black and a versatile dial appearance.
Condition
This A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Ref 101.035 is offered with its complete, full set. The original boxes (inner & outer), Warranty papers, manual, leaflet, New ALS strap, ALS tag and ALS cloth. On top of the original papers, the watch comes with an extra Extract from archive. The watch is presented in very good condition with only some hairlines and has never been polished.
Origin
Despite the name A. Lange & Söhne being around since the 1800s, the brand really came into its own during the 1990s when it was re-established by Walter Lange. With the great-grandson of the original founder at the helm, A. Lange & Söhne released four brand new models in 1994; one of which was the Lange 1. A watch characterised by an ability to prioritise the beauty that comes from engineering with a movement reminiscent of Lange’s pocket watch days. When the Lange 1 was released there wasn’t anything like it on the market. The whole watch was designed around a distinctive dial layout which displayed an unparalleled understanding in a beautifully Germanic and almost effortlessly simple manner.
Along with the other three Lange models (the Arkade, Saxonia, and Tourbillon Pour le Mérite) the Lange 1 received immense success from day one at a time when the appetite for watch collecting was growing by the day. The Lange 1 has gone on to become the brand-defining watch for A. Lange & Söhne with all manner of different variations coming to fruition whilst still maintaining the essence of the model’s charm.
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 embodies the legendary and bold spirit, introduced not long after great-grandson Walter Lange revived the avant-garde family brand from Glashütte after the collapse of the Berlin wall. Years earlier, the company’s main manufacture was destroyed during a bombing on the last night of war in 1945. A few years later, in 1948, the brand disappeared during the occupation by the Soviet Union.
But Walter Lange proved the legendary watchmaker’s spirit did not pass on and the platinum Lange 1 ‘Darth’ – known for its all-black configuration – became the epitome of its renaissance with its modest yet idiosyncratic design, giving it a cult status among collectors.
Although watches exist in the current lineup that are reminiscent of the first models released in ‘94, the earlier examples of these watches have become especially collectable over the years. These first models carry the reference 101 and represent increasing scarcity.
If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium.
No stock kept on site
* Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set *
| Reference | 101.035 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Manual Wound |
| Caliber |
Calibre L901.0
|
| Dial | Black |
| Size (Case) | 38.5 mm |
| Material (Case) | Platinum |
| Bracelet | Mr Watchley |
| Buckle | Platinum ALS pin buckle |
| Condition | Very good |
| Year | 2002 |
| Papers | Yes + Service papers |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |