Description
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 101.021 stands as a testament to German haute horlogerie, representing the renaissance of Saxon watchmaking after the reunification of Germany. This iconic timepiece combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative design elements that have defined luxury watchmaking since its introduction.
Design and Construction
Case Specifications:
- Case Material: 18-karat yellow gold with mirror-polished finish
- Diameter: 38.5mm
- Thickness: 10.7mm
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on both front and caseback
- Crown: Knurled yellow gold with brand emblem
Dial Details:
- Argenté (silver) dial with solid silver base
- Applied gold hour markers and Roman numerals
- Lancet-shaped hands in polished gold
- Asymmetrical layout with perfect geometric proportions
- Printed minutes track with decorative dots at five-minute intervals
Movement Specifications
Caliber L121.1:
- Manually wound movement with 43 jewels
- Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Number of parts: 368
- Plates and bridges made of untreated German silver
- Hand-engraved balance cock with whiplash spring
- Eight screwed gold chatons
Complications and Functions
The watch features several sophisticated complications:
- Patented outsize date display with separate window
- Up/Down power reserve indicator showing 72-hour capacity
- Small seconds subdial at 5 o’clock position
- Hours and minutes on off-center main dial
Finishing and Decoration
Movement Finishing:
- Three-quarter plate with Glashütte ribbing
- Hand-engraved balance cock with floral pattern
- Chamfered and polished edges on all components
- Straight-grained finish on steel components
- Blued screws
- Perlage on base plate
Technical Innovations
The watch incorporates several patented innovations:
- Zero-reset mechanism for precise time setting
- Instantaneous date change at midnight
- Precise jump mechanism for the outsize date
- Proprietary balance spring manufactured in-house
Maintenance and Service
Service Recommendations:
- Complete service interval: Every 5 years
- Power reserve should be maintained through regular winding
- Date adjustment safe at any time except between 8 PM and 1 AM
- Each service includes complete movement disassembly and inspection
Market Position and Value
The Lange 1 101.021 represents a significant investment in fine watchmaking:
- Limited annual production numbers ensure exclusivity
- Strong value retention due to brand prestige
- Highly sought after by serious collectors
- Represents one of the most important post-reunification German watches
Historical Significance
The Lange 1 design was introduced on October 24, 1994, marking the rebirth of A. Lange & Söhne after German reunification. The 101.021 reference continues this legacy, maintaining the exact proportions and technical excellence that made the original an instant classic. This model represents not just a timepiece, but a crucial piece of horological history that helped reestablish Germany’s position in the luxury watch market.
Box and Documentation
The watch comes complete with:
- Hand-finished wooden presentation box
- Certificate of authenticity
- Detailed instruction manual
- Original purchase documentation
- Warranty card valid for two years from purchase date
