What you’re looking at is an example of the most important wristwatches of the last 30 years.

The Lange 1 is without question the manufacturer’s flagship model, and the big date function is its hallmark. Though found in watches like the Zeitwerk or the Langematik Sax-O-Mat, it’s in the Lange 1 that it’s shown to the greatest effect. Alongside other details such as asymmetrical sub-dials depicting the hours and sub-seconds, and the A. Lange & Söhne signature with its famous ampersand, it shows a clarity of vision that is wholly Lange. And while the Lange 1 has seen many versions, from a tourbillon to the Timezone, it’s the original that has become the symbol of the maison — and perhaps even the symbol of modern watchmaking itself. 

This particular example from the early 2000s, housed in a 41mm 18K rose gold case with a sapphire crystal and sapphire case back, features a smooth polished bezel, a gorgeous glossy black base dial with grey subsidiary hours and seconds displays, a power reserve indicator at 3:00, a framed date window at 2:00, and applied rose gold indices with matching alpha hands. In outstanding, lightly worn condition throughout, it’s fitted to a black alligator leather strap with a signed 18K rose gold pin buckle. 

Powering this masterpiece is the Lange & Söhne Caliber L901.2, a manual-winding movement that’s stunning to behold — and which can thankfully easily be viewed via the exhibition case back. What’s more, this watch comes with its outer and inner boxes, as well as its books.

There are complicated watches, and then there are works of art. This is the latter.