A. Lange & Söhne

• gilt three-quarters plate pivoted detent escapement, bi-metallic two armed Guillaume balance, spiral blued steel spring, precision regulator, engraved balance cock, diamond endstone, silver cuvette • silvered matte dial, Roman numerals • engine-turned Jürgens case • case, dial, cuvette and movement signed, dial and movement numbered • fitted within an unusual mahogany triple-hinged deck box

Sotheby's London, Fine Watches and Clocks, March 22nd, 1971, lot 76
Time Museum Inventory No. 470
Sotheby's New York, Masterpieces from the Time Museum, Part Four, October 13th and 14th, 2004, lot 694

Huber, M., Die Uhren Von A. Lange & Söhne Glashütte, p. 166, table 2
Randall, A., The Time Museum Catalogue of Chronometers, catalogue number 96, pp. 219-20

 

The movement is not running. The dial is good. The case in overall good condition with the exception of the hinges to the back and cuvette which are somewhat tired, that said the engine-turning is crisp and the case is of fine construction including gold three knuckle joint hinges. The escapement of this watch is of interest and should be noted for the fact that it is a variation of the typical detent escapement and is called a short detent or "Courte bascule," The mahogany box is of fine construction however we can not say with any certainty if it is original to the watch is it is unsigned or stamped. It would however, appear to be contemporary to the watch.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Since its inception in the 1840s by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, the house of A. Lange & Söhne is a name that has been rich in history. Ferdinand Lange apprenticed at an early age to Johann Gutkaes and also studied at the Dresden Polytechnic School. After working with the famed Parisian chronometer maker, J.T. Winnerl, he returned to Dresden and in 1845 applied for a loan to open a watchmaking firm, which he subsequently established in Glashütte, Saxony. In fact, until Lange's arrival, the town was little more than an impoverished mountainside village. However, over the course of the next twenty years, Lange was able to impart his watchmaking expertise to the villagers, transforming the town into both a thriving and recognizable hub for the production of precision timepieces. After his sudden death in 1875, Lange left the business to his sons, Emil and Richard.

The present lot employs Ferdinand Lange's U.S. patent from 1866, no. 54831, for the divided winding stem and keyless works.