Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Monaco, Jul 21, 2021

LOT 435

A. Lange & Söhne
Ref. 701.001, one-minute tourbillon regulator, power-reserve indication; “Lange-Tourbillon Pour le Mérite”; limited edition of 150 examples; 18K yellow gold

EUR 116,000 - 176,000

USD 138,000 - 208,000 / HKD 1,070,000 - 1,620,000

Sold: EUR 273,000

18K yellow gold, manual-winding, round-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with sapphire-crystal case-back screwed by six screws, silver colour dial with suspended Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds at 9, visible one-minute tourbillon regulator and one horological complication:
• 36-hour power-reserve indication (sector at 3 o’clock)


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 1*

As new

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Brand A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte b/Dresden

Model “Lange-Tourbillon Pour le Mérite”; limited edition of 150 examples

Reference 701.001

Year circa 1998

Movement No. 310

Case No. 110 345

Bracelet black leather ALS strap

Buckle 18K yellow gold ALS deployant clasp

Caliber L 902.1

Dimensions 47.1 x 38.6 mm

Signature dial, case and movement

Accessories original fitted box and outer box, certificate of origin, booklet

Notes

The original Certificate mentioned that this watch was sold by Juwelier Schindler, on December 24, 1998.
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A. Lange & Söhne, “Tourbillon Pour le mérite”
Founded in 1845, in Glashütte, by Ferdinand Adolph Lange (1815-1875), A. Lange & Söhne is probably the most famous German manufacture specialised in complicated and classic luxury watchmaking.
The gold Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite” is a limited edition of 150 pieces produced from 1994 to 1998.
Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, the tourbillon is a complex mechanism improving rate accuracy by offsetting the disruptive effect of gravity.
The “Pour le Mérite” tourbillon was one of the four watch models created by the manufacture to relaunch the brand in 1994.
The exceptional movement proves the outstanding know-how of the manufacture, for instance it utilises fusee and chain to control the equalisation of power.
It is also the first wristwatch ever made to incorporate a tourbillon with a fusee and chain winding mechanism that allows power to be distributed evenly over the 36-hour power reserve.
It is one of the most sought-after complicated watch : a highly desirable timepiece for all the collectors.
Of the limited edition of 150, 106 pieces appear to have been made in yellow gold.