The Lange 1is, in every way, deserving of the description of modern icon. One of the first watches made following the re-establishment of A. Lange & Shne, its simple yet distinctive design has commanded the respect of collectors. This early, white-gold Lange 1 ref.101.027,featuringa striking dark blue dial, wasproduced for a handful of years at the turn of the century.

A. Lange & Shne

have unquestionably established themselves as one of the world's leading watch brands - challengingSwissdominance and raising the bar for both aesthetic and movement design of fine wristwatches. WithGermantenacity and precision, they create pieces that are elegant statements on the wrist, with hand-finished movements of the highest calibre.

It was in early 1990, thatWalter Lange, possessing the vision to once again craft exceptional timepieces, formulated a plan to revive the family business inGlashtteafter the collapse of theBerlin Wall. In 2001, theSaxonmanufactory was able to re-locate back to its original, historic building inGlashtte, which housedA. Lange & Shnefrom 1845 until its partial destruction by Allied bombing in 1945.

The Lange 1

One of the first watches released by A. Lange & Shnefollowing the resuscitation of the brand, the Lange 1 has become a modern icon in its own right. The decentralised arrangement of the displays on the dial is characteristic, with the centers of the displays designed to form the corners of an isosceles triangle. The masterful use of empty space, with none of the displays overlapping, creates an overall sense of balance and refinement.

In keeping with this classic styling, the watch features a crisp dark bluedial and faceted white goldhands.Exhibiting an aesthetic that is undeniablyLange, an oversized outside aperture is displayed at the top right corner of the dial, inspired from the at Semper Opera Housein Dresden. At 3 oclock, the power reserve is indicated in German, a reminder of the manufactures origins.

Reference 101.027

This reference 101.027, produced exclusively between 1997 and 2002, sets itself apart from other Lange 1s thanks to its distinctive dark blue dial. The two subsidiary dials, with the indication for the hours, minutes and seconds, have a slightly darker, even finish. The rest of the dial features avertical, satin-brushed finish, providing a subtle contrast with the lightly recessed subdials. The cult status of this early Lange 1 with blue dial is such that, in 2017,A. Lange & Shnereleased acollection of watches with blue dials, directly inspired by this piece.Being an earlier piece from the German watchmaker, it is housed in a classically-sized 38.5mm case, similar tothe original Lange 1.

Much attention is given toA. Lange & Shnesmore technically-complicated watches, like theor, but looking at this Lange 1, it is evident that their uncomplicated approach to form and design is equally noteworthy.More frequently produced with a white dial, this blue variant of the Lange 1 remains as elusive, as it is attractive.

The Movement

The aesthetics of the movement are just as impressive as the mechanics, with chamfering and interior angles superbly hand-finished. Moreover, it features an artistic flourish, a balance-cock engraved by one ofLangesmaster engravers. In fact, each individual watchmaker's unique engraving style can be identified as a result. The bridges and plates are made fromGermansilver, an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc, with a warm silver tone that will develop a subtle patina over time. The use of this metal, along with the hand-engraved balance cock is a signature ofA. Lange & Shne.

TheA. Lange & Shne Lange 1houses a manual-winding calibre L901.0, with a 72-hour power reserve. The movement is comprised of 398 components, of which 54 are jewels and five screwed gold chatons the latter of which are a mark ofLanges traditionally Germanmovement. The watch has a lever escapement and the balance beats at 21,600 A/h.

The Set

ThisA. Lange & Shne Lange 1ref. 101.027comes with its original navyalligator strap, our grainedtaupe strap, corresponding white gold tangbuckle, its accompanying box, manual and guarantee card.

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