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 Lange 1 Ref. 101.035 "Darth",features the striking combination of a platinum case, black dial and white-on-black date discs, for a distinctive monochromatic appearance which has deservedly given it a cult status among collectors.

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.

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 blackdial and faceted hands.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.

This reference 101.035, produced exclusively between 1999 and 2006, sets itself apart from other Lange 1s thanks to its distinctive monochromatic appearance and platinum case. The two subsidiary dials, with the indication for the hours, minutes and seconds, have a slightly lighter tone andiridescent finish.The rest of the dial features adark, mattefinish, providing a subtle contrast with the lightly recessed subdials. To complete the monochromatic appearance, this Lange 1 features unusualwhite-on-black date discs.Being an earlier piece from the German watchmaker, it is housed in a classically sized 38.5mm platinum 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 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.

ThisA. Lange & Shne Lange 1ref. 101.035comes with its original blackalligator strap, our drak grey nubuck strap, corresponding platinumtangbuckle, its accompanying box, outer box,manual and guarantee card.The watch was inspected by an A. Lange & Shne watchmaker (via Wempe in London) in January 2020, passing timing and water resistance tests.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.