A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Grey dial - Ref. 101.030 - Full set - ALS serviced
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 priorities 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 of the golden ratio 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.
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. There are more conventional references such as the 101.027 with its blue dial as well as the 101.027X which has a silver dial with contrasting thermally blue hands. And then there are some slightly more unusual pieces such as the 101.035 which is known as ‘The Darth’ thanks to its jet black dial, and the 101.025 ‘Stealth’ with its silver dial and platinum case.
One particularly unique reference however is the rare 101.030 with its grey dial, the model we just so happen to have on offer here...
The Watch
It is believed that this 101.030 grey dial is one of the rarest configurations for the 101 series of Lange 1 ahead of the ‘Darth’. Dating from 2007, this grey Lange 1 is an outstanding example of a seldom-seen dial colour on a modern-day icon out of Germany. Measuring 38.5mm wide this white gold 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 its starts with rarity as the simplistic grey dial is made from solid silver and is thought to be one of only a few pieces ever made. 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 golden ratio enables the Lange 1 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 101.030 Lange 1 is the manual wind L901.0 Lange 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 creation by Lange 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.
If you weren’t convinced this is a watch from A.Lange & Söhne from the dial, the movement will leave you in no doubt.
How It Wears
This Lange 1 Ref. 101.030 is an extremely special and unique watch on the wrist. The case is moderately sized and thanks to its definitive lug design it wears fantastically well on a range of wrist sizes; even those who frequently wear over 40mm watches. Not only is this dial colour incredibly rare, but it’s also exceptionally versatile. Grey works with all manner of outfit colours and styles, easily dressing up or down depending on your desire. The sense of occasion the Lange 1 dial design provides with every glance down to the wrist never gets old.
A truly important watch available today in an incredibly special configuration.
Condition
This 2007 101.030 comes complete as a full set with its outer box, inner leather box, leather wallet, manual, and warranty papers all included. The watch has recently been fully serviced by A. Lange & Söhne and remains unworn since this was complete. The original white gold Lange buckle is also included.
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
| Reference | 101.030 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Manual Wound |
| Caliber |
Calibre L901.0
|
| Dial | Grey |
| Size (Case) | 38,5 mm |
| Material (Case) | White gold |
| Bracelet | Mr Watchley Anthracite Grained Calf |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | Unworn since last service |
| Year | 2007 |
| Papers | Yes + ALS Service papers |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |