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