Introduced in 2001, this reference 110.029 is distinguished by its subtle, yet striking, mother of pearl dial. Mother of pearl is a material found on the inner layer of an oyster shell, and it is the same material from which pearls are made of, hence its name. For A. Lange & Söhne to integrate mother of pearl into their watches only a handful of years after the model was first introduced speaks to their spirit of inventiveness.
This piece is part of the “Soirée” collection, which includes white gold Lange 1 pieces, with mother of pearl dials. The dials existed in two different variations, smooth or with guilloché, with this watch being an example of the former. As you might expect, mother of pearl is extremely delicate, and therefore remarkably difficult to work with. The shells need to be carefully selected, polished, and cut, before they go through the brand’s meticulous finishing and assembly process. The iridescent effect of the reference 110.029 is rather unique, creating an interesting effect when it plays with the light. Because of the natural material used, no two shells will display exactly the same pattern.
Otherwise, the watch features all the characteristic design cues and excellent finishing that can be found on a typical Lange 1 piece, such as the asymmetrical dial, oversized date window, and beautifully decorated movement. Its movement, the L901.4, differs very slightly from the usual calibre used, in order to accommodate the increased thickness of the dial. Ultimately, the watch is a testament to A. Lange & Söhne’s versatility, while showcasing yet another aspect of the Lange 1 – an excellent choice for the collector looking for a modern classic with that something special.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Soirée will be subject to 20% VAT