A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 - 101.027 - Unusual Early MIG dial - Full set - 1996 pre-launch - ALS service - Folding buckle

Highlights 

• Among the first ten 101.027 pieces ever delivered—sold prior to the official 1997 launch. Early matching serial numbers : 1135XX - 27XX

• Features an exceptionally rare and original early MIG matte-grained dial, distinct from the standard vertically brushed version

• Fully serviced by A. Lange & Söhne, yet remains in unpolished, original condition (4000€ service cost) 

• Upgraded with a new anti-reflective sapphire crystal, enhancing the depth and detail of the unique dial finish

• Accompanied by its complete original set, including the early ALS light blue outer box, papers, manual, and ALS service documentation (2024)

• Equipped with an ALS white gold folding clasp, replacing the standard pin buckle

• Paired with a brand-new, genuine A. Lange & Söhne alligator leather strap & Mr W. Strap of your choice

The Watch

Anomalies in watchmaking spike interest just as piece uniques or custom orders do. Their existence typically leads to further questions, often taking us down a path of whimsical wonder and intrigue. Despite their young age, A.Lange & Söhne and their earliest models are the masters of anomalies, from solid casebacks hiding their exceptional movements to short runs of retailer-exclusive models. But this Lange 1 Bleu in white gold might be the pinnacle: an exceptionally early 101.027 featuring a dial finish completely different from the collection, with every aspect confirmed by the brand directly.

Previously unknown to the market until today, this 101.027, the 18k white gold Lange 1 reference with a blue dial, is confirmed by the brand as being one of the first ten examples of this model ever produced, with all numbers matching. Better still, while the 101.027 was officially announced and launched in 1997, this early piece was originally purchased in December 1996, before the watch was officially launched in 1997.

Conventional 101.027 models are fitted with blue dials that carry concentric circles within the hours and minutes, and subsidiary seconds registers with a subtle but impactful vertical brushing encompassing the remaining parts of the dial. However, in this instance, rather than the vertical brushing, this example has an unusual matte grain texture, which is slightly darker in tone and gives a more raw angle to the Germanic, golden ratio abiding dial configuration. It is worth clarifying that this dial is not a service dial, as confirmed by it being an early example of a 'MIG' dial (the 'made in Germany' typography below the hours and minutes dial is sans serif on early examples, whereas later or replaced dials feature serif Engravers MT font). Furthermore, early examples of the 101.027 feature a sapphire crystal without an antireflection coating, whereas this piece received a new sapphire with coating during the Lange service, providing a clearer view of the magnificent blue, a blue like no other. 

Measuring 38.5mm wide, this white gold piece 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 tapering chamfers gently blending into the brushing seen from a profile view. The case has remained in its original, unpolished condition since 1996 and throughout the Lange service, and the watch is also exceptionally complete. It is nothing short of a true collector's delight.

The Movement

The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1, Ref. 101.027 houses the L901.0 double spring calibre, historically based on the gear train from Jaeger-LeCoultre's caliber 822. This hand-wound movement consists of 398 components, including 54 jewels and five signature-style screwed gold chatons, with a 72-hour power reserve, a lever escapement, beating at 21,600 A/h.

The extraordinary myriad of hand-finishing on the watch can be observed through the open sapphire caseback, with outstanding chamfering, interior angles and an engraved balance cock from the hand of one of Lange's master engravers. Plates and bridges characteristically are made of German silver, giving the movement a warm silver tone. 

How It Wears

A. Lange & Söhne watches have an aura in person. It's almost on the cusp of being unexplainable, but pieces that have left the Glashütte workshop inherently feel important and meaningful. That feeling is only intensified with this Lange 1, once the knowledge of its scarcity is appreciated. This edition of the 101.027 is a true 'inside baseball' piece, fusing the wearability and unconventional allure of the classic Lange 1 formula with a level of storytelling that's difficult to rival. 

Condition

This first-generation 101.027 Lange 1 is presented in fantastic condition and is offered as a complete collectors set. The light blue outer box, inner box, manual, warranty papers, original sales papers indicating it was sold by Andreas Huber in 1996 (Pre 1997 launch), and cleaning cloth are all included. Furthermore, the watch has undergone a comprehensive service by A. Lange & Söhne, crucially without any case polishing. A new A. Lange & Söhne strap is also included, along with an A. Lange & Söhne folding clasp in white gold. 

Origin

"The ultimate aim of a watchmaker should always be the perfection of each individual timepiece." These words were articulated by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, the visionary behind A. Lange & Söhne in 1845, and they continue to resonate within the ethos of the renowned German watchmaker. Since its inception, this esteemed brand from Glashütte has unwaveringly adhered to this principle, consistently challenging the supremacy of its Swiss counterparts.

If you haven't heard the news, the Lange 1 is a remarkable model for many reasons. The Dresden Semper Opera House clock inspires the double-digit date execution, the dial layout is satisfyingly logical yet curious, as it embodies A.Lange & Söhne's approach to design and craftsmanship. The charm of this unconventional watch starts so deeply at the core of its foundation that the reliance on additional adornment, nuance, or even complications doesn't need to be a concern. While the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite was technical, and both the Saxonia and Arkade were uniquely classic, it was the Lange 1 with its nonconformist personality and memorable visual language that sparked the most inquisitiveness of the initial four models of '94. Its golden ratio abiding dial layout challenged how the time and date could be displayed on the wrist, swiftly becoming a celebrated trailblazer.

In every sense of the word, Lange is far from what one could call conventional. Mechanically, aesthetically and culturally, the haute teutonic watchmaker personifies the key principles of German watch manufacture, moving to the beat of its own drum. For example, before 2017, blue dial Lange 1 models were exceptionally rare, whereas blue is one of the most popular for other manufacturers outside of silver and black dials. 

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.