Lange 1 in steel at Dr. Crott, April 2020

Auctions · · by Christian Bissener


Steel A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 with silver dial, outsize date, Roman numerals and brown alligator strap

Some A. Lange & Söhne watches belong in every serious collection: an early Datograph from around 2000, the Datograph in pink gold with black dial named after Philippe Dufour, and the legendary Lange 1 in steel. The steel Lange 1 has been on my radar for a long time, as in the Dr. Crott auction of 2014.

Recent results show where prices for these watches are heading. The last example sold at Dr. Crott made €220,000, the most complete set sold so far, and an NOS example at Phillips made $340,000.

Another Lange 1 in steel came up at the next Dr. Crott sale. It would be wrong to think one can be found round any corner: only around 20 are said to have been made, and this was the ninth to reach the market. Nobody knows when the next will appear, or at what price, though the direction of travel is unlikely to be downward.

Caseback of the steel Lange 1 showing the engraved movement and balance cock
The movement of the steel Lange 1

Steel Lange 1 with silver dial and brown strap in front of its A. Lange & Söhne presentation box
The Lange 1 in steel with its box

Printed guarantee certificate for reference 101.026, with case number
The guarantee certificate, reference 101.026