Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Tourbillon

Arguably the most important German watch of all time, the Lange 1 has come to represent the entire region’s watchmaking philosophy and tradition. Introduced in the inaugural collection of A. Lange & Sohne following the brand’s resurrection after the fall of the Berlin wall, the Lange 1 was striking— its asymmetrical dial captivated collectors. Coupled with a brilliantly finished movement and distinctly German design language, this piece stood out from the crowd in a Swiss-dominated industry. Over time, the Lange 1 has become the face of A. Lange & Sohne, the flagship of German watchmaking as an industry.

This Lange 1, Reference 704.032 isn’t your run of the mill piece either. Fashioned from yellow gold with a cream dial, the Lange 1 Tourbillon is one of the most complicated configurations of the Lange 1 on the market. Seamlessly integrated into the Lange 1 design DNA, Lange has tastefully tucked the tourbillon display with a fully black-polished support at 5 o’clock. Since the tourbillon replaced the usual location for the subsidiary seconds, the seconds dial has been moved to within the primary time display at roughly 7:30 on the dial.

In spite of the complication, this reference is housed in Lange’s classic 38.5mm case sizing. Perfectly proportioned in the modern era, this size is extremely comfortable on a variety of wrists.

The iconic Lange 1 dial features the time display on the left side of the dial, counterbalanced by an outsized date at 2 o'clock, power reserve at 3 o'clock, and finally, the tourbillon at 5 o'clock. This watch emphasizes the fact that a watch can maintain visual balance in spite of asymmetry. It’s truly a brilliant work of design.

Flipping the watch over, we are met by an equally striking caseback. Finished with many callbacks to the pocket watch era, Lange movements don’t look like Swiss movements. Golden chatons, Glashutte striping, and freehand engraving all over the tourbillon supports. These pieces all distinguish this piece from more conventional high horology movements.

Beautiful.

If you appreciate the look of classic Lange, and want something a bit more desirable and complicated, opt for the Lange 1 tourbillon. Always collectable and beautiful, references such as the 704.032 will be on collector’s radars for years to come.

Further, this piece comes complete with its box and correct 18K yellow gold deployant clasp, a detail found on Lange’s most exclusive pieces.

Any Lange 1 is a special watch. This specific piece however is perhaps the most under the radar Lange high complication.