A. Lange & Söhne

The Lange & Sohne 101.031 was introduced in 1997 as the first Lange 1 with sapphire display back, together with the 101.027. The code 101.031 refers to the pink gold case with black dial. This combination adds a masculine and warm touch to the celebrated design.

The dial contains other small details such as the location of the Manufacture, Glashütte I/SA, which is the short form of in Saxonia, which is written straight and slightly smaller to underline the curved signature of the maker. Inscribed between 6 and 8 o’clock the ‘doppelfederhaus’ confirms that the movement is equipped with twin-barrels, ensuring a longer power reserve.

This example stands out for its early ‘MIG’ dial. The now famous ‘MADE IN GERMANY’ text found below the hours and minutes dial utilises a more condensed and smaller font size if compared with later examples of the reference, most strikingly does not feature the serif font which Lange is present on more recent editions. According to scholarship, the highly desirable early ‘MIG’ dials were replaced some time in the early 2000s, resulting in a very short production of which the present lot is a fantastic example.