
AnthonyTsai reports on the successful auction performance of limited-edition A. Lange & Söhne timepieces, highlighting their strong market value. The article details the significant sums achieved by a TOURBILLON "Pour le Mérite" and an 1815 MOONPHASE at Dr. Crott's auction. AnthonyTsai underscores the enduring appeal and collector demand for these rare Lange models.
Glashütte, November 2012
Limited-edition treasures successful at auction
A TOURBILLON "Pour le Mérite" and an 1815 MOONPHASE sold for substantial sums at Dr. Crott's auction in Frankfurt on the Main.
On 10 November 2012, two limited-edition watches made by A. Lange & Söhne in the years 1996 and 2000 changed hands. One watch enthusiast from Europe bid 248,000 euros for a TOURBILLON "Pour le Mérite" in platinum. Only 50 copies of this exceptional timepiece were made in the platinum version between 1994 and 1998. The price bid for watch number 20/50 was far higher than forecast. This timepiece by A. Lange & Söhne, which had hardly been worn, reached more than three times its original selling price.
Another bidder pushed up the price of a pink-gold version of the 1815 MOONPHASE, highly prized among collectors. At 19,200 euros, he paid double the original selling price. Only 250 examples of this version were ever made.
Only last May, a buyer at Dr. Crott's bid 330,000 euros for a special edition of the TOURBILLON "Pour le Mérite". Other models by A. Lange & Söhne, such as the LANGE ZEITWERK or the GRAND LANGE 1 "Luna Mundi", have attained similar extremely high prices at international auctions in the past.
TOURBILLON „Pour le Mérite"
1815 MOONPHASE
*****
About A. Lange & Söhne
When Ferdinand A. Lange established his watch manufactory in 1845, he laid the cornerstone of Saxony's precision watchmaking industry. His precious pocket watches remain highly coveted among collectors all over the world. The founder's great-grandson Walter Lange took the chance for a new start in 1990. Today, Lange crafts only a few thousand wristwatches in gold or platinum per year. They are endowed exclusively with proprietary movements that are lavishly decorated and assembled by hand. In a period of less than 20 years, A. Lange & Söhne developed over 40 manufacture calibres and secured a top-tier position among the world's finest watch brands. Its biggest successes include innovative timekeeping instruments like the LANGE 1 with the first outsize date in a regularly produced wristwatch as well as the LANGE ZEITWERK with its supremely legible, precisely jumping numerals. Meanwhile, both models have become icons of the venerable brand.
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 reference 206.032, introduced in 1999, is a notable example of the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking principles. This model is part of the 1815 collection, which pays homage to the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange and emphasizes classic design elements such as Arabic numerals and blued hands, drawing inspiration from historical Lange pocket watches. It represents a more understated and purist aesthetic compared to some of the brand's more complex offerings, focusing on fundamental horological excellence.
This particular reference features an 18k rose gold case measuring 36mm in diameter and 7.5mm in thickness. It houses the manually wound L941.1 caliber, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front, protecting a solid silver dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.
The 1815 206.032 appeals to collectors who appreciate classical proportions and a focus on fundamental watchmaking without excessive complications. Its smaller case size reflects a more traditional approach to men's wristwatches, making it a desirable piece for those seeking a discreet yet highly refined timepiece. The combination of rose gold and a silver dial offers a warm and legible presentation, consistent with the collection's historical inspirations.
And indeed, may Lange continue to achieve such performances, for they truly deserve it! Danke for the info Anths! Tschuss Stephen
The 1815 PLM... From the title, I expected it did much more... Best, Nicolas
a good reason, because they are outstanding - even today. Just look at some details ... ... and this is only the "simple" one :-)
Vielen danke! Tschuss Stephen
In my point of view, the price of the Emil Lange is a bit low: we can expect with such watch more than 20.000 EUR. I think that the owner did a good deal even if we add the extra fees. Fx
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