A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Ref. 101.022 - Unpolished

A. Lange & Söhne can trace it's roots back to Glashütte, where it was founded in 1845. Over the course of the manufactures fist 100-year, it was their pocket watches that they made a name for themselves — widely used on the German railroad system. In the wake of the Second World War, just after the brands centennial anniversary, their doors were shut. It was not until 1990 when the great grandson of the founder, Walter Lange, announced that he would resurrect the name with intent to not only restore the brand in name, but move it forward in both technical innovation and unique design language as the 21st century approached.

In 1994, the revived brand officially debuted not just one, or two — but four entirely new watches. There was great diversity across the four models — most of which are still in production today — but one model stood out amongst the others: the Lange 1.

Over the last 30 years, the Lange 1 has without a doubt become the brands flagship model, and has been produced in a bevy of different sizes, metals, dials variants, and with numerous complications. They all, however, share the same basic formula that allowed the model to stand out back in 1994. Virtually all Lange 1 models feature a segregated dial-layout, where the time, subsidiary seconds, power reserve and date are meticulously positioned in different areas on the dial, resulting in a beautifully balanced and legible layout. It must also be said that the Lange 1 also possesses what is both a technical and visual feature that the brand has become synonymous for: the archetypal 'digital' date window.

The example that we have here dates to circa 2001 and comes to us in excellent, unpolished condition. Due to the dynamic nature of the way a Lange 1 (and many other Langes) are constructed, the unpolished nature of this example is significant. The brushed case bands, domes bezel, and the characteristic lugs all retain their correct factory finishing and show normal wear from a life well lived. There is a pusher at the 10:30 position for operation of the quickset 'digital' date and a signed crown at the 3 o'clock to operate the manually-wound movement inside, which is prominently displayed via a sapphire caseback when you flip the watch over. While the original Lange 1 lacked this feature, the absolutely gorgeous movements with hand-finished balance cocks have become yet another standout feature on virtually all Lange models to this day and are simply mesmerizing to behold. Last but not least, the satin silver dial within is flawless and features a the desirable blued-steel 'alpha' handset for the hours, minutes, running seconds, and power reserve indicator.

So many of these earlier Lange 1s have been incorrectly refinished over the years... this one has thankfully been spared and has allowed the yellow gold to age naturally.

There is truly nothing like a Lange. There is a weight and presence that is second to none, all while remaining subtle and tasteful in its appearance and, we think, a huge value play.

The Lange 1 changed the game. If you haven't tried one, it might be time.