Geneva, May 11, 2024

LOT 218

A. LANGE & SÖHNE, GERMANY, REF. 701.001, TOURBILLON POUR LE MÉRITE, LIMITED TO 150 PIECES, NO. 017, YELLOW GOLD

CHF 100,000 - 160,000

HKD 870,000 - 1,390,000 / USD 112,000 - 178,000 / EUR 102,000 - 164,000

A fine, iconic, very rare, 18k yellow gold, manual wind tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve and chain and fusee


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Brand A. Lange & Söhne, Germany

Model Tourbillon Pour Le Mérite

Reference 701.001

Year Circa 1996

Case No. 110267

Bracelet leather with an 18k yellow gold Lange & Sohne buckle

Diameter 38

Caliber L 902.0, 29 jewels

Signature Dial, case and movement signed

Accessories original fitted box, blank warranty certificate, instruction booklet, hang tags, and a limited edition book A. Lange Sohne the Pour Le Merite Collection by Peter Chong

Notes

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.

Provenance

Property of the original German owner