In this captivating post, citrus, a new contributor from Singapore, shares his journey acquiring a first-generation A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 (101.031) in rose gold with a black dial. He not only presents stunning photography of his timepiece but also unveils a rare collection of 1997 press release 35mm slides, generously loaned by renowned watch journalist Peter Chong, offering a unique historical perspective on early Lange 1 references.
Hi all, first post here and greetings from Singapore! I acquired a first generation Lange 1 (101.031) sometime last year when it popped up at a local second-hand dealer at a very attractive price. Back then, I was eyeing early Lange 1 references with interesting dial colours and regrettably missed out on some great deals on the guilloche MOP Soirée (110.030) and the white gold, blue dial (101.027). So when this somewhat uncommon rose gold, black dial Lange 1 example appeared, I knew I had to pull the trigger.
I do still think about possibly trading up to a 101.027 in the future, but I have a soft spot for the warm and classic combination of black against rose gold, especially on the asymmetry of the Lange 1. The rose gold case, hands and indices simply complements the black dial with the perfect amount of mystery and sophistication. That, and I've yet to see the 101.027 in person - but I've heard good things about its deep blue dial with both sunburst finishing on the sub-dials and brushing on the main dial.
Additionally, I stumbled upon these 35mm positive film slides on a blogpost on Deployant, and was very intrigued because one of the slides is a picture of the 101.031. So I got into contact with Peter Chong, the guy behind Deployant, and he was really nice to loan me this wonderful set of now very precious historical documents to scan and photograph.
According to Peter, Lange used to send physical press releases with accompanying positive slide film pictures of new launches directly to journalists and media outlets. Apparently, there are also 6x6 or 6x7 medium format versions of these slides, but Peter didn't request for them back then. Fortunately, he still kept 1997 press release 35mm slides and they still in good condition.
So of course, I had to clean them up and photograph them next to my 101.031 Lange 1! I also made high resolution scans of them with my Fujifilm GFX for posterity, but I've not edited those pictures yet. But for now, do enjoy these slides, photographed side by side with my Lange 1 - it was really tricky to nail the exposure for both the light table and the watch in a single shot!
I also made high resolution scans of the 35mm slides with my Fujifilm GFX, but I've yet to process them. Will do so and probably update this post or make a new post when I do get to it. But till then, I hope you do enjoy my documentation of Lange's 1997 press release - it was quite the experience tracking them down and photographing them!
Photo gear used for the photography nerds out there:
- Fujifilm GFX100sii
- Pentax 645 120mm macro lens
- Zhiyun 200W LED continuous light source
About the A. Lange and Söhne Lange 1 Ref. 101.031
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 reference 101.031 represents an early iteration of the brand's most recognizable model, introduced shortly after the company's re-establishment. This reference is distinguished by its asymmetrical dial layout, featuring an outsize date display, power reserve indicator, and subsidiary seconds, all arranged according to the golden ratio. Its design quickly became a signature of A. Lange & Söhne, setting a new standard for contemporary German watchmaking.
This particular reference is housed in an 18k rose gold case measuring 38.5mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness. It features a black dial and is fitted with a sapphire crystal. The watch is powered by the manual-wind caliber L901.0, which offers a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, showcasing the Glashütte stripes and German silver components.
As an early production Lange 1 in rose gold, the 101.031 appeals to collectors interested in the foundational pieces of the modern A. Lange & Söhne era. Its initial availability and subsequent appreciation reflect the brand's growing prominence. The combination of its distinctive design, technical specifications, and historical context makes it a significant reference within the Lange 1 family.
Specifications
- Caliber
- L901.0
- Case
- 18k rose gold
- Diameter
- 38.5mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the A. Lange and Söhne Lange 1 18kt White Gold Ref. 110.030
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 reference 110.030 is a distinctive variant within the first generation of the Lange 1 family, notable for its Mother of Pearl dial. This reference belongs to the "Soirée" series, which introduced more decorative dial treatments to the foundational Lange 1 design. It offers a refined aesthetic that distinguishes it from the more traditional solid-colored dials typically found in the core Lange 1 collection, appealing to collectors seeking a blend of classic design and subtle ornamentation.
This reference features an 18kt white gold case measuring 38.5mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness. It houses the manual-wind caliber L901.0, a movement known for its twin mainspring barrels providing a 72-hour power reserve. The watch is fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on both the front and the display case back, allowing for a view of the meticulously finished movement. The Mother of Pearl dial is complemented by a blue leather strap.
As a first-generation Lange 1, the 110.030 holds relevance for collectors interested in the early evolution of the model line and its various aesthetic interpretations. The Mother of Pearl dial, often guilloché, positions it as a more decorative option compared to its plainer counterparts. It represents a specific aesthetic direction within the broader Lange 1 offerings, appealing to those who appreciate the interplay of precious metals and iridescent dial materials.
Specifications
- Caliber
- L901.0
- Case
- 18kt White Gold
- Diameter
- 38.5mm
- Dial
- Mother of Pearl
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Scratch Resistant Sapphire
About the A. Lange and Söhne Big Date Ref. 101.027
The Lange 1 reference 101.027 is a notable variant within the first generation of the Lange 1 model family, distinguished by its white gold case and blue dial. This configuration offers a more subdued aesthetic compared to some of its precious metal counterparts, appealing to collectors who appreciate a discreet yet sophisticated presentation. It represents a specific period in the model's evolution before the introduction of the updated Lange 1 movement.
This reference features a 38.5 mm white gold case with a thickness of 10.0 mm, housing the manual-winding caliber L901.0. The movement provides a power reserve of 72 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the blue dial, which is characterized by the Lange 1's signature off-center display for hours and minutes, along with an outsize date, power reserve indicator, and small seconds sub-dial. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters.
For collectors, the 101.027 is significant as an early Lange 1 reference with a less common dial color for its time. Its white gold and blue dial combination offers a distinct character within the broader Lange 1 collection, appealing to those seeking specific aesthetic variations from the model's initial production run. It remains a sought-after piece for its classic proportions and the enduring appeal of its design.
Specifications
- Caliber
- L901.0
- Case
- White gold
- Diameter
- 38.5 mm
- Dial
- Blue
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
