A Lange & Sohne has established itself as one of the foremost names in watchmaking, producing not only elegant designs but also exceptional technical feats. Their limited edition pieces have consistently attracted high prices at auction over the years, with Sotheby’s specialists bringing a wide range of fine examples to market. From intricate tourbillons to perpetual calendars, the watches of A. Lange & Sohne embody precision, rarity, and heritage. Below are the five most expensive A. Lange & Sohne watches sold at Sotheby’s in 2024.
1. A. Lange & Sohne Tourbillon 'Pour le Mérite', Reference 701.005, Circa 1996, 300,000 CHF
The A. Lange & Sohne Lange Tourbillon 'Pour le Mérite', Reference 701.005 sold for 300,000 CHF in November 2024. This limited-edition platinum model, one of only 50 pieces ever produced, boasts a striking silvered dial that complements the 38.5mm platinum case. The manual winding caliber L902.0 movement, featuring 29 jewels, operates with a revolutionary fusée-and-chain mechanism, ensuring consistent and precise timekeeping across its power reserve. The design of the watch not only highlights A. Lange & Sohne’s technical prowess but also underscores its commitment to traditional craftsmanship, with meticulous finishing such as perlage and anglage on the movement.
What truly sets the Tourbillon ‘Pour le Mérite’ apart is the mechanical innovation and artisanal mastery. The tourbillon, housed within a rotating cage, counteracts the effects of gravity, enhancing accuracy. Paired with the fusée-and-chain mechanism—a historic first for wristwatches—this timepiece showcases a level of precision that has become synonymous with the A. Lange & Sohne brand. Alongside its technical features, the watch’s platinum case and sapphire crystal display caseback reveal the intricate movement within, secured by six screws for added protection. This extraordinary watch is a coveted collector’s piece for those who appreciate the finer details of watchmaking.
2. A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, Reference 740.056FE, Circa 2021, 2,540,000 HKD
The A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, Reference 740.056FE sold for 2,540,000 HKD in April 2024. Released as a limited edition of only 100 pieces, this 41.5mm white gold perpetual calendar flyback chronograph is a testament to the brand’s technical excellence. Its salmon-colored dial, an innovative first for A. Lange & Sohne, complements the complex mechanical features, which include a flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar, moon phases, and leap year indicator. This model is powered by the Cal. L952.2 movement, a highly sophisticated mechanism that incorporates 59 jewels and is displayed through a sapphire crystal back, showcasing the integrated one-minute tourbillon.
As part of A. Lange & Sohne’s quest to combine horological mastery with striking design, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon offers both technical sophistication and aesthetic appeal. The watch’s complications, including the big date and power reserve indicator, are seamlessly integrated into the elegant dial layout. Additionally, its association with a limited edition run further elevates its desirability, making it a standout piece for collectors.
3. A. Lange & Sohne Tourbillon 'Pour le Mérite', Reference 701.011, Circa 1996, 264,000 CHF
The A. Lange & Sohne Tourbillon 'Pour le Mérite', Reference 701.011 sold for 264,000 CHF in November 2024. The 38.5mm case, made of 18k pink gold, houses the groundbreaking cal. L902.0 manual-winding movement, which is a pinnacle of watchmaking. This movement features a fusée-and-chain mechanism alongside a rotating tourbillon that counters the effects of gravity to ensure more precise timekeeping. The case also includes a sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws, revealing the intricately finished movement, which showcases traditional watchmaking techniques such as perlage and anglage. The watch’s design, with its black dial and pink gold case, exemplifies the brand's blend of technical mastery and aesthetic sophistication.
What sets this timepiece apart is its limited production, with only 24 pieces crafted in rose gold. The Tourbillon 'Pour le Mérite' was a key component of A. Lange & Sohne's renaissance after the brand was revived in 1994. Its creation demonstrated the brand’s commitment to innovation, most notably through the fusée-and-chain transmission, which helps maintain constant power delivery over the entire power reserve. This rare combination of historic craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology not only pays tribute to A. Lange & Sohne’s legacy but also solidifies its place at the forefront of the luxury watch industry.
4. A. Lange & Sohne Tourbograph 'Pour le Mérite', Reference 702.025F, Circa 2007, 228,000 CHF
The A. Lange & Sohne Tourbograph 'Pour le Mérite', Reference 702.025F sold for 228,000 CHF in November 2024. A true masterpiece of German horology, this timepiece is the epitome of precision and technical mastery. Its platinum case, measuring 41.2mm in diameter, houses the manual-winding calibre L903.0 movement, which includes an extraordinary fusée-and-chain transmission and a split-seconds chronograph. The calibre is an intricate marvel, composed of over 1,065 components, and requires 30 days of hand assembly and decoration. The silvered dial, along with the sapphire crystal display case back, showcases the watch's stunning craftsmanship and impeccable design.
As part of A. Lange & Sohne's exclusive "Pour le Mérite" series, only 51 platinum examples of this Tourbograph were made, making it an extremely rare collector’s item. This model’s groundbreaking design, featuring the world’s first one-minute tourbillon with a fusée-and-chain system and a split-seconds chronograph, was conceived in the early 1990s and realized after years of meticulous development. This technical feat reflects A. Lange & Sohne’s commitment to innovation and perfection.
5. A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1, Reference 720.025, Circa 2012, 1,020,000 HKD
The A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1, Reference 720.025 sold for 1,020,000 HKD in October 2024. Released in 2012 as part of a limited edition of only 100 pieces, this platinum perpetual calendar tourbillon is a rare collectors watch. The dial showcases the traditional Lange 1 layout, but with added complexity, featuring retrograde day, moon phases, leap year, and day/night indications. The watch is powered by the Cal. L082.1 automatic movement with 75 jewels. Its 42mm platinum case is complemented by a sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws, allowing a glimpse into the intricate movement within. With its limited availability and outstanding condition, this Lange 1 is a collector's dream.
What truly sets this timepiece apart is its combination of aesthetics and functionality. The perpetual calendar complication, paired with the tourbillon placed on the case back, demonstrates A. Lange & Sohne's mastery in mechanical sophistication. The platinum case gives the watch a substantial presence on the wrist, while the black alligator strap with platinum buckle adds a refined finishing touch. As a limited edition piece (numbered 35/100), the Lange 1 is not only a technical achievement but also a rare collector's item.
Buy or Sell A. Lange & Sohne Watches at Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible A. Lange & Sohne watches available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of A. Lange & Sohne watches available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view a A. Lange & Sohne watch, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source A. Lange & Sohne watches from its global supplier network. Prices for A. Lange & Sohne watches start around $24,000 and rise significantly for more coveted designs. Iconic modles, such as the Datograph, can exceed $80,000.
- Explore upcoming watch auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Watch Specialist about selling A. Lange & Sohne watches.
Trust our worldwide network of leading watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.