A. LANGE & SÖHNE | PINK GOLD OPEN-FACED POCKET CHRONOMETERCIRCA 1891

Dial: white enamelCalibre: keyless winding lever chronometer, jewelledMovement number: 29'776Case: 18k pink gold, hinged back and cuvetteCase number: 29'776Dimensions: 55 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: A. Lange & Söhne presentation case

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: in very good condition with sharp edges and the number engravings very crisp. There is light wear visible throughout. DIAL: in very good condition and the enamel intact. There are very minor surface blemishes visible as well as a small nick to the edge of the enamel dial underneath the bezel. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

The type of case in the present watch is known as 'Lucia', with both the dial and case still in a very attractive condition. The movement with an extra large hand-engraved balance and swan neck regulator is of 1A quality, with a diamond endstone and covered under glass. All rubies are screwed in gold settings; both the lever and escape wheel are made of gold. The watch was sold in 1891 to the retailer Fa. Dürrstein & Co in Dresden, Germany.

A near identical watch N° 29778 is published with a full page in Reinhard Meis' book 'A. Lange & Söhne' fig. 500 to 502.