In the world of haute horlogerie, decimal time is still a rather rare feat, found only on the quirky and ultra-exclusive. One of the latest (and in my opinion, best) examples of this is the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Decimal Strike.
There is little more mythical in the world of horology than the existence of a handful of stainless steel watches by A. Lange & Söhne, a brand that only officially makes its timepieces housed in luxurious precious metals. And the unique piece Tourbillon Pour le Mérite in stainless steel is perhaps the rarest of them all. Read on to find out more about this collector’s item.
When we talk about Germany, we do not necessarily think of watches: luxury cars, high-tech machines, and Oktoberfest spring to mind. The “made in Germany” predicate is generally associated with quality, well-designed products, added value, and longevity. But watches? Yes, watches.
If you love fine timepieces and A. Lange and Söhne, do yourself a favor and take the next 22 minutes to see what might not have been if it weren‘t for the passion and determination of Walter Lange, Günter Blümlein, and the city of Glashütte featured in the film “A. Lange & Söhne: A Legend Comes Home.”
Sotheby’s June 2017 Important Watches sale in New York City took in $7.4 million. That’s not a sum to be sneezing at for 310 lots sold, with a sell-through rate of 84.2 percent. I was pleased to see that the top ten list of performers at this auction included Richard Mille and Greubel Forsey in addition to Patek Philippe.
A. Lange & Söhne once again sponsored the most luxurious vintage car event in the world: the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, which has taken place on gorgeous Lake Como in Italy since 1929. Winner of the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza was Italian collector Corrado Lopresto with a 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS prototype.
GaryG provides us with a look at why he bought the A. Lange & Söhne Double Split even though he already owned the brand’s Datograph. The Double Split watch is the world’s only double rattrapante capable of both split-second and split-minute interval timing.
A. Lange & Söhne always creates a new movement for a new watch, the Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Mérite is no exception. The Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Mérite features not only the fusée and chain, tourbillon, and split-seconds chronograph, but also adds the complex perpetual calendar and moon phase to the equation.
Why is this timepiece important from a holistic view of horological history? The reasons are manifold and include the unheard-of technology nestled within its movement, the audacity of a German newcomer in challenging Swiss status quo, and the symbolic value for A. Lange & Söhne’s rebirth as well as the golden age of mechanical timepieces.
Many watch auctions appear to be dominated by notable sales of Rolex and Patek Philippe timepieces. And I’ve nothing against those two lovely brands, but the world of big auctions is becoming ever more monotone. Here are some genuinely exotic, decidedly out-of-the-ordinary timepieces currently on offer at Christie’s Important Watches auction, which takes place in Dubai on March 19, 2017.