This A. Lange & Shne Lange 1 reference 101.022* pairs a 38.5mm warm, yellow gold case with a soft, glowing argent dial and blued indices. This classical execution of the Lange 1 aesthetic first retailed in 2001. In addition to original warranty paperwork, its early provenance is evidence by the small Made in Germany mark on the dial. It is powered by the finely finished and decorated calibre L901.0.

When A. Lange & Shne was resurrected by Walter Lange (great grandson of founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange) and Gnter Blmlein (who had previously overseen the resurgence of IWCandJaeger-LeCoultre), they did so with four lines Arkade,Saxonia,Tourbillon Pour le Mriteand theLange 1. While each bore a distinct design language, the Lange 1 has come to be viewed as the quintessence of A. Lange & Shne and the purest expression of Glashtte watchmaking.

The reference 101.022, in yellow gold yellow gold reference, is a warm, refined iteration of the original Lange 1 aesthetic.

Elemental to this is the decentralised nature of the display. Drawing lines from the centre of each display the time, subsidiary seconds and the date would result in an isosceles triangle. The layout is an inspired work of industrial design, revealing a deep understanding not just of proportional use of space but also how the wearer will interact with the watch face.

In keeping with this principle, the single largest element of the argent dial is the time display. This register is finished with closely packed concentric rings and a quarter of Roman numerals interspersed with diamond-shaped hour markers and a chapter of minutes, all printed in black. The marginally overlapping subsidiary seconds register also has a similar base and a black printed sector-style chapter. At 3 oclock, and without a dedicated register, is the up-down power reserve indicator. The slim, blued alpha-style seconds hand is complemented by the similarly formed indicators for the hours, minutes and power reserve displays. The panoramic date, framed by a white gold window, is believed to be inspired by the Five-Minute Clock atSemper Opera House in Dresden.

The rest of the dial further underlines the masterful use of negative space, furnished only with the brand mark at 12 oclock, the country of origin printed prominently underneath the time display and the Doppelfederhaus mark running along the arc of the bottom half. It is worth noting the small print Made in Germany, an early trait of the Lange 1.

The three-part case features a high-polished bezel with the casebacks faceted edge featuring a similar finish. This detail of the caseback gives way to a brushed rim that contains the display caseback. In between the screws that secure the caseback are engraved details such as the brand and Glashtte marks as well as the hallmarks of the precious metal of the case and the casemaker. The satinated midcase features a squared pusher adjuster to quickset the date and is also the source of the stepped lugs that gently curve down. The lugs, stepped from the case and 20mm apart, wear polished finishing. They wear a black alligator-grained leather strap with a signed yellow gold buckle bearing the mark of the specialist maker, Brogioli.

Underpinning the aesthetic is the manual-winding calibre L901.0, offering 72 hours of autonomy. The watch has a lever escapement and the balance beats at 21,600 A/h. In true A. Lange & Shne style, the impressively finished movement, with its dominant three-quarter plate decorated with Glashtte ribbing features chamfering and anglage done by hand. The visible working jewels are ensconced in gold chatons while all visible screws are heat-hued to a vibrant blue. The bridges and plates are crafted fromGermansilver, while the balance cock featuring intricate hand-engraving. Both are signature elements of A. Lange & Shne.

The watch, which was originally retailed by Hbner in 2001, comes with its outer and inner boxes as well as its guarantee paperwork. The reference 101.022 presents an early, tasteful and timeless executions of the iconic Lange 1.

Closer look

Condition

A. Lange & Shne Lange 1 is in very good overall condition. The case shows light superficial surface marks throughout, though with no particularly notable deeper imperfections. Hallmarks and engravings on the reverse side of the case are still visible and defined. The lugs have retailed a good profile. Within the case, the dial, hands and movement are all very nicely preserved. This 101.022 has its yellow gold buckle and A. Lange & Shne spring bars. It also comes with an unworn A. Lange & Shne brown alligator strap.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.