Dark side of the force.

Jan 24, 2022,21:36 PM
 

I’m very happy to introduce my new acquisition — an early-production Darth from 1999. It has classic Lange features from the period — the original Lange 1 movement (the one with the islands), no AR coating on the crystal, and a bit of patina on the German silver movement. And despite the heft of the platinum case, it’s very comfortable on the wrist. Special thanks to everyone who encouraged me to go for it; I’ve been intrigued by this model since I started collecting watches more than 15 years ago. I love it!




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Terrific - watch and pictures

 
 By: Gwai : January 24th, 2022-21:42
both. Cheers Marc

thank you!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:12

Huge Congrats. Gorgeous L1

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : January 24th, 2022-21:43

thanks man!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:15

Ah yes, but you can't out-geek me!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:23
Isn't that quote from Emperor Palpatine, and wasn't it delivered to encourage Luke to destroy Darth? That I shall never do! www.youtube.com

ha! You got me.

 
 By: blau : January 26th, 2022-01:05
But if you do it, you'll become more powerful than... ugh, what a load of crap, never mind. Enjoy your beautiful watch!

One of the best lange 1

 
 By: TeutonicCarFan : January 24th, 2022-21:58

agreed, thanks!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:23

mmmh so many rubines...

 
 By: VinnieD : January 24th, 2022-22:00
Wonderful catch, congrats! I see that the closed casebacks are even more sought after in the market but it is a shame to hide such a beauty

yep, but ...

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:25
... I think there are no examples of the Darth with a closed caseback; as I understand it, the closed casebacks for regular-production models ended in 1997. And even if there were the option, you're quite right; I'd rather have the display back!

Customers could still request solid casebacks after 1997, but very few people did so unless they had them custom-engraved.

 
 By: CR : January 25th, 2022-22:23
I'm not sure if this is still true today -- if you can still order a Lange 1 with a plain, un-engraved solid caseback.

that's interesting and good to know...

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-23:01
But I don't know why anyone would choose a fixed, solid caseback for a Lange movement (apart from the engraving option). Until fairly recently I had a 3940P with a solid caseback. For some reason, Patek decided that it was better to keep the platinum vers... 

Hot diggity-dog this is wonderful!

 
 By: BigFatPauli : January 24th, 2022-22:41
I just wish I bought when years ago when they were almost a 1/3 the price! Wear it in the best of health. That's one of the best Lange 1's every made in my opinion.

many thanks!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:26

Congrats! It looks fantastic!

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : January 24th, 2022-22:57

thank you sir!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:26

Very nice!

 
 By: diracpoint : January 24th, 2022-23:13
Love the old L1 movement. IIRC, it was around ~25k (grey) even a few years ago, and was not particularly flying off the shelves. It's amazing how it has skyrocketed! Enjoy!

thanks -- and I know, I know!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:26

thanks, man -- agreed!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:27

thanks!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:27

Beautiful!

 
 By: montecristo#2 : January 25th, 2022-01:34
Love it, one of the best Lange 1 references. Maybe the best! And I’m saying this as an owner of the stealth moonphase.

there are many contenders, including yours!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:28
So many Langes, so little remaining money. : )

God I love this one

 
 By: Cozmopak : January 25th, 2022-02:07

me too -- thanks!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:28

Congrats! Welcome to the dark side.

 
 By: fernando : January 25th, 2022-03:32
...  

my dark lord salutes yours!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:28

Congrats!

 
 By: jleno : January 25th, 2022-03:49
A beautiful Lange 1!

thank you!!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:28

thanks -- my lifetime ambition!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:29

My goodness, what a find!

 
 By: Rhyzen : January 25th, 2022-15:25
You are really lucky to land this beauty! Congratulations, and more wrist shots please!

thanks, and I will!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:29

The Darth is on of the most attractive Langes I have ever seen

 
 By: Credor : January 25th, 2022-16:49
Comes with a huge premium as well. I would love to see the Darth version of the Zeitwerk as well as the Lange Timezone.

agreed on all counts!

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-19:29

Congratulations on the Darth!

 
 By: CR : January 25th, 2022-22:17
I hope you continue to enjoy that beautiful watch! I'm curious, do you like the crystal without the AR coating? I've had Lange replace several of these with AR-coated crystals, which I prefer, but I know some people prefer Lange crystals without AR coatin... 

yes, it's definitely a trade-off

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : January 25th, 2022-23:05
My other Lange -- an 1815 chrono -- does have an AR crystal, and it does help in certain lighting. OTOH, (1) the lack of AR confirms the early-run vintage of this model and (2) some people here (Nico comes to mind!) dislike the blue hue of the AR coating....