The A. Lange & Söhne brand is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge design, and their Lange 1 Pink Gold (101.032) is the epitome of luxury timepieces. With its distinctive asymmetrical dial layout, large date window, and power reserve indicator, the Lange 1 is one of the brand's most iconic models.
Originally introduced in 1994, the watch marked a new era for the brand, following the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Lange 1 Pink Gold (101.032) boasts a stunning rose gold case adorned by a silver dial, and it is powered by a hand-wound movement that offers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Widely coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike, this watch encapsulates the heritage and philosophy of A.
Lange & Söhne. While the private sales market prices average around $27,762, secondary market dealers can sell the watch for up to $36,500.
Intricacy and Aesthetics: The Design Journey
With a rose gold case that's 38.5 mm in diameter and 10 mm thick, this elegant watch boasts a silver dial that features a unique, asymmetric layout. It houses two subdials – one for hours and minutes, and another for seconds – while a large date window sits at the top right corner and a power reserve indicator is found at the bottom left. The delicately shaped hands are made of blued steel, while the rose gold Roman numerals and indices are applied to the markers.
One of its most noteworthy features is the patented outsize date mechanism that ingeniously uses two separate discs to clearly display the date in large numerals. This watch perfectly fuses traditional design elements with modern functionalities. With its timeless aesthetic, it appeals to users who appreciate the expert craftsmanship, precision, and innovation that German watchmaking is famous for.
One can wear it to formal events or for casual outings, as it suits a variety of occasions. Ultimately, this watch is a unique and timeless piece that perfectly reflects the personality and style of its wearer.
The Anatomy of Excellence: Quality and Material Insight
The rose gold case and bezel of this watch lend it an inviting and sophisticated allure. Its 38.5mm diameter and 10mm thickness make it a great fit for most wrists, while the smooth, polished bezel and fluted crown perfectly complement the curved lugs. The case back is made of sapphire crystal, giving a clear view of the hand-wound movement nestled within.
The dial, made from exquisite solid silver, boasts a beautiful pink gold hue which perfectly matches the case. Alongside the off-center main display for hours and minutes are a large date window positioned at 1 o'clock, a small seconds subdial situated at 5 o'clock, and a power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock. The dial is beautifully textured and features classic Roman numerals and indices crafted from rose gold.
The lance-shape hands also share the same striking rose gold color. This watch includes a black crocodile leather strap which contrasts beautifully with the rose gold case. The strap is secured by a pin buckle clasp that also incorporates the rose gold material for a seamless aesthetic.
It's comfortable and long-lasting, and easy to swap out if needed. With a water resistance rating of 30 meters, this watch can handle splashes and rain, but isn't recommended for swimming or diving. Its shock-resistant balance wheel consists of eccentric poising weights that help to promote accuracy even under extreme vibration or impact. All in all, this timepiece has been crafted with exceptional quality and unrivaled craftsmanship, reflecting the brand's sterling reputation.
Crafting Time: A Study of Movement and Precision
This watch boasts a hand-wound movement that requires the wearer to wind it manually in order to keep it ticking. The caliber L901.0 movement is manufactured by the same company that produces the watch, and incorporates 53 jewels and a balance wheel that oscillates at 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour or 3 Hz. This movement is known for its accuracy and reliability, having undergone rigorous testing and certification by the German Chronometer Testing Institute.
Additional features include a date display, power reserve indicator, and hacking mechanism. The date display can be found in a large window located at the top right of the dial, while the power reserve indicator informs the wearer of how much energy is left in the mainspring – which can last up to 72 hours when fully wound. The hacking mechanism stops the second hand when the crown is pulled out, allowing for precise time setting.
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Unveiling Intricacy: Functions & Complications
This elegant timepiece boasts a hand-wound movement, ensuring a power reserve of up to 72 hours. Its large date display can be found at 1 o'clock, while the small seconds subdial is located at 5 o'clock and the power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock. The off-center main dial displays Roman numerals and features luminous hands for easy reading.
Crafted from 18-karat rose gold, this watch boasts a diameter of 38.5 mm and a thickness of 10mm. It is also water-resistant up to 30 meters. While it lacks complications such as a chronograph, GMT function, or moon phase, its patented feature, the outsize date, more than makes up for it.
This unique feature displays the date in large windows through synchronizing two separate discs that show the tens and units digits. This watch is considered a classic icon from the Lange 1 collection, which was launched in 1994 after the brand's revival. It is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, with a notable resale value on the secondary market.
Comfort and Wearability
This masterpiece of German craftsmanship and design is known for its comfort and elegance when worn. The case, made of 18k rose gold, has a dimension of 38.5mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness. It fits most wrist sizes seamlessly with its well-proportioned structure, curved and tapered lugs that hug the wrist without leaving gaps or pressure points.
The black crocodile leather strap and rose gold pin buckle are soft, supple, and easy to adjust and fasten without compromising its snug fit on the wrist. The watch, despite its solid gold construction, is remarkably light and comfortable, weighing only 75 grams without the strap. The watch's polished finish prevents it from digging into the skin or catching on clothing, making it a pleasure to wear and admire.
It marries aesthetics and functionality, with its silver-colored dial featuring an asymmetrical layout, rose gold hands and indices, a large date window, a power reserve indicator, and a small seconds subdial. The sapphire crystal, slightly domed and coated with anti-reflective film, enhances the dial's legibility and beauty. The watch is a perfect example of how comfort and wearability can coexist without compromising quality and style.
It's versatile enough to wear for any occasion, formal or casual, and offers durability and reliability with its water resistance of 30 meters and shock-resistant balance wheel. It's a true luxury timepiece that offers comfort and wearability to its owner.
The Economics of Elegance: Cost & Value
This watch showcases a hand-wound movement with a 72-hour power reserve, an off-center dial layout, a moon phase indicator, and a large date display. The 38.5mm diameter pink gold case holds a silver-colored dial featuring alpha-shaped hands and mixed hour markers.
Its market worth ranges from $27,000 to $35,000 based on its condition and availability, which reflects its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. In comparison to other watches of the same caliber, like the Patek Philippe Calatrava or the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony, this timepiece stands out with its unique design, complex movement, and prestigious brand name. That being said, some buyers may prefer a more classic or minimalist style, thinner or larger casing, or a different complication.
Ultimately, what makes this watch valuable depends on the wearer's personal taste and preference.
The Yin and Yang of the Timepiece
The watch boasts a refined and sophisticated design, featuring an intriguingly asymmetrical dial layout, a sizable date window, and a power reserve indicator. Its hand-wound movement offers an impressive 72-hour power reserve, especially considering its manageable size. Its pink gold case, silver dial, and alpha-shaped hands exhibit an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, with the movement being beautifully decorated and visible through the sapphire caseback.
On the flip side, the watch's lack of water resistance limits its practicality and endurance. Additionally, with a retail value of roughly $35,000, it may be considered costly given its features and performance. Furthermore, the watch's origins date back to 1994, and it was discontinued in 2015, making it somewhat outdated.
There is a more recent version of the Lange 1 that boasts enhanced movement and design.
Our Time Ends: Final Evaluation
The Lange 1 Pink Gold (101.032) is a stunning watch, displaying the exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs of A. Lange & Söhne. With its unique asymmetrical dial showcasing the hour and minute display, a date window, and power reserve indicator, it's no wonder why this watch has become a classic.
The beautiful rose gold case and black leather strap only add to the refined look of the timepiece. However, it's crucial to note that this is a luxury watch with a hefty price tag ranging from $27,762 to $32,813 on the secondary market. Also, at 38.5mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness, the watch may not suit smaller wrists or everyday outfits.
Despite the competition from other prestigious brands in the same price range, the Lange 1 Pink Gold is a worthy investment for those who appreciate A. Lange & Söhne's history and heritage. This special watch is a rare example of German horology and versatility, making it an ideal fit for formal occasions or everyday use.
It's a symbol of refined taste and elegance that will always retain its value and appeal. So, if you're looking for a stunning and sophisticated watch, the Lange 1 Pink Gold (101.032) is an excellent choice that's sure to impress.