A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1, 862.032, White Gold

When A. Lange & Söhne was resurrected by Walter Lange (great grandson of founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange) and Günter Blümlein (who had previously overseen the resurgence of IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre), they did so with four lines – Arkade, Saxonia, Tourbillon Pour le Mérite and the Lange 1. While each bore a distinct design language, the Lange 1 has come to be viewed as the quintessence of A. Lange & Söhne and the purest expression of Glashütte watchmaking. 

Elemental to this is the decentralised display. Drawing lines from the centre of each display – the time, subsidiary seconds and the date – would result in an isosceles triangle. The layout is an inspired work of industrial design, revealing a deep understanding not just of proportional use of space but also how the wearer will interact with the watch face.

With this example, every inch of the watch, beyond the time indications, are set with diamonds. These are placed in concentric circles - around the bezel and within the sub-dials, for example, while also fitted tightly between the outer rims of the overlapping circles. Great attention is also paid to the outer edges of the cartouches that have the power reserve, the brand mark, and the double barrel printed on them, with tiny diamonds ensuring a uniform and intricate experience. These even extends to the bracelet, an integrated affair that matches the dial and case of the watch perfectly.

It's very unusual to see such a heavily gem-set piece from A. Lange & Söhne, as most diamond-set pieces are limited to the bezel alone. While it's undoubtedly an eye-catching piece on its own, the fact that it is brought to the extreme almost makes the piece appear more subtle, as the sheer number of diamonds make them nearly invisible, especially when paired with the Lange 1's asymmetrical layout, the monochromatic appearance and the addition of gems to the bracelet.

In contrast, the movement used is the standard manually wound calibre L901.4, and bears all the typical A. Lange & Söhne markers. It features a large three-quarter German silver plate and a balance bridge lavished with free-hand engraving. The stainless-steel tip of the escape bridge is black polished. The large bridge is adorned with striping with the brand mark, retail partner, serial number and the number of positions it is adjusted to (five) engraved in gold. The wheels of the two barrels and those of the going train pivot on jewels ensconced in gold chatons. All visible screws are heat blued. The watch has a lever escapement and the balance beats at 21,600 A/h. When fully wound, the watch offers 72 hours of autonomy.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Lange 1 862.032 is in excellent overall condition. The case shows virtually no signs of wear, as do the dial and movement. All hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well-defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year, limited warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.