A. Lange & Söhne 20th Anniversary Set - Limited to 20 pieces

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Origin

The Lange name has long been present throughout watchmaking, but the brand's impact on the present-day world really began to flourish after its re-establishment during the 1990s by Walter Lange & Günter Blümlein. Following in the footsteps of its founder and his great grandfather, Walter debuted four references in 1994, with one of them becoming emblematic of the brand's guiding principles: the Lange 1. This piece is characterised by its ability to execute nuanced design rooted in architectural practicality with a movement closely reminiscent of the pocket watches produced by Lange centuries prior. There was nothing quite like the Lange 1 in the mid-1990s, which aided and further emphasised the disruptive nature of the brand's reinvention. As a German watchmaker looking to cut one's teeth in a contemporary and undeniably Swiss dominated industry, this is precisely the approach A. Lange & Söhne needed from day one if they were to push the needle and be heard. They understood this requirement and, as such, began their unrelenting journey to pursue excellence in their own romantic manner with great success. The Lange 1 is designed around a distinctive dial layout which displays an unparalleled understanding of the golden ratio in a beautifully Germanic and almost effortlessly simple manner. It's likely no surprise to learn that the model was remarkably well-received in 1994, and its warm reception has only matured ever since. It has become the brand-defining watch for A. Lange & Söhne, with all manner of variations coming to fruition, each crucially capable of maintaining the essence of the model's charm.

To mark the 20th anniversary of A. Lange & Söhne and the Lange 1 creation, A. Lange & Söhne released five pairs of special edition models consisting of a Lange 1 and a 'Kleine' (meaning small in German) Lange 1. Each set is limited to 20 pairs and is offered in various case materials, including platinum, white gold, and pink gold. Each Little Lange 1 is fitted with a bezel set with 64 brilliant-cut diamonds. However, the dials fitted to these pieces truly take the limelight due to their solid gold hand-crafted guilloché work. Although the Lange 1A – 112.021 from 1998 was the first Lange 1 reference to have a guilloché dial, the 20th-anniversary models arguably are the most beautiful realisations as they were presented in black, blue, argenté and rhodié. Furthermore, these special edition pieces were fitted with the first generation calibres, the 1994 Lange L901.0, comprehensively honouring the 20th anniversary of a game-changing timepiece. As such, the anniversary set is the last collection of Lange 1 models to carry the 101 reference number before the watchmaker shifted the series to the 191 references.

Naturally, these are rare and highly exclusive sets with only a finite produced - to say they seldom come to market would be an understatement. Due to their collectability, overwhelming beauty, and as the collection is, in a sense, original Lange 1s produced in the modern era, each set is immensely desirable. For the Lange connoisseur, it doesn't get much better than the anniversary sets, as they pragmatically deliver the beauty of the original Lange 1 with authenticity and lust.

The Watches

Presented as a complete pair of both watches, this pink gold anniversary set comprises of the Lange 1 reference 101.064 and the Kleine Lange 1 reference 811.064. Possessing a charismatic romance through its delivery of the unmistakable geometric dial orientation, these two Lange 1 models and their pink gold configurations provide an extended warmth and appeal, something which is advanced further thanks to their fine guilloché dials.

Beginning with arguably the most desirable model of the pair, the reference 101.064. Delivered in 18-carat pink gold, this 38.5mm wide watch features signature notched lugs with a polished finish with accompanying beveling and a gentle downturn. The case is skillfully constructed with an overriding air of simplicity. A rounded bezel directly plays into the hands of wearability and dynamic elegance. Simply put, this is a quintessential Lange 1 exterior in a wonderfully executed size.

Nevertheless, it's always about the dial with a Lange 1, but that's even more so the case with this 101.064. Crafted from solid gold, the asymmetrical and de-centralised dial is embellished with ornate hand-crafted guilloché patterns that honour each function's harmonious nature and purposeful placement. Blending a barley guilloché pattern for the base with a sunburst guilloché present in the time-telling dials, this addition of depth and illustrious refinement accentuates the sophistication of the Lange 1's personality. To conclude the haute levels of cohesion is a set of dial furniture in 18-carat pink gold, including quarter Roman applied numerals, multi-faceted Alpha hands, diamond hour markers, as well as a robust framing for its double date aperture, which is inspired by Dresden's Semper Opera House. Likewise, the running second hand and the power reserve indicator are also presented in pink gold to conclude this piece's colour palette. The dial is further finished with the A.Lange & Söhne arcing signature along with 'Glashütte i/SA' ('in Saxony') underneath, and the readings for the power reserve and Doppelfederhaus, which references the twin-barrel set-up of the movement.

To match the 101.064 is the smaller Lange 1 reference known as the Kleine Lange 1 reference 811.064. Despite the core functionality remaining the same as its larger partner, this Kleine Lange 1 differs substantially with its visuals due, for the most part, to its diamond-set bezel. Totally 64 brilliant-cut gems, by swapping out the rounded bezel of the Lange 1, this smaller example is totally transformed with elevated glamour and extra flamboyance. Regardless, thanks to its mid-sized case width, the watch can remain refined with total grace. Furthermore, the bezel changes also mean that the perception of the dial shifts, giving it a more prominent presence on the wrist. Its dial features and furniture match the 101.064, which undoubtedly is no bad thing. Many watches relentlessly pursue visual balance, purity, and excellence, often harnessing symmetrical dials. The Lange 1, on the other hand, favours an asymmetrical geometric approach which remarkably still produces the same, if not better, results. This complete pair of anniversary Lange 1s are truly special and represent an extremely important moment in the model's lineage with raised elegance throughout.

The Movement 

Powering both the Lange 1 101.064 and the Kleine Lange 1 811.064 is the A. Lange & Söhne caliber L901.0. This movement is yet another way this collection sets itself apart. This is the first series movement used in the Lange 1, which originates from 1994, meaning this collection is a blend of traditional Lange with modern-day technology. The 90 element of the calibre's name references the year in which the movement was first sketched (1990) - as such, expect to find lots of charm. Characterised by its ¾ plate produced in German silver, it features gold chatons, blued screws, 53 jewels, 72 hours of autonomy due to its twin mainspring barrels, and a highly decorated, hand-engraved balance cock with a swan neck regulator.

How It Wears

Whenever strapping a Lange to the wrist, it's always a poignant experience. Their watches possess an almost unexplainable quality and sustainability that is unrivalled. That particularity is present with these two anniversary Lange 1 models and offered in profusion. With their pink gold exterior fused with their silver dials, the configuration is textbook luxury, and it's felt on the wrist. However, because they're solid gold hand-crafted guilloché dials, slipping on either of these references is genuinely wonderful. The 101.064 and its 38.5mm case width will undoubtedly be the reference most will gravitate towards, but the Kleine Lange 1 should by no means be overlooked. In fact, when the Little Lange 1 debuted in 1998, it wasn't marketed solely as a women's watch but rather as an example for smaller wrists. Proportionally, both references are supremely balanced for their respective case sizes, with each aspect feeling appropriate, tasteful and, as always with Lange, special. In addition, the ornate dials give these pieces yet another degree of conviction, and on the wrist, the impact of these dials is monumental.

Condition & set

This A. The Lange & Söhne 20th anniversary pink gold set is presented as a complete full set, including inner and outer boxes and papers. The watches themselves remain in excellent, barely worn condition. Both watches are complete with their original straps and 18-carat pink gold buckles as well as being fitted with Mr Watchley Grained Brown watch straps.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment.