310.225 A. Lange & Söhne Langematik Perpetual, Wellendorff Bracelet

Production of the Langematik Perpetual is no more, removed from the catalogue in 2024. And it’s really gone for this Wellendorff bracelet 310.225, as Lange Wellendorff bracelets are also no more. The 310.225 is probably not a reference that will ring any bells. It’s a Langematik Perpetual. This Lange QP is obscure enough in its own right. But the .225 designates the matching platinum bracelet, manufactured near 2010 by Wellendorff. And it’s not the straight link Wellendorff we know. The Langematik Perpetual received its own woven shape, regarded by many as one of the best bracelets ever made today.

The Sax-O-Mat calibre was made to reflect modernity by introducing a rotor and ground-up movement development. Like the Datograph and Lange 1 before it, the focus was on the date at 12. Then there’s L922.1, which no other Lange automatic can hold a candle to. It has what I like to call a macro-rotor which is hand engraved with a platinum edge. That mass gives the impression of a ¾ plate but isn’t. Then there is the surprisingly intricate zero reset around the balance wheel, which means that when you pull the crown the seconds instantaneously jump back to zero. This is surprisingly useful and fun. Build on all this are a traditional QP works, slightly altered for the big date at 12. This is value in watchmaking. Whatever you make of the design, the calibre is spectacular. You can tell this one is post-2005 or so because there’s no correcting button, just recessed pushers. Lange changed the design then after owners complained from accidentally bumping it. 

Even with all this, the Wellendorff is the star here. These precious metal bracelets have a cult collector following for a reason: they make platinum feel like butter in a way that only a German high jewelry manufacture could. It is like a limited edition in itself, even if it’s technically not. So few of these were made and they are immensely special . . .which is why people are asking about double the value of a standard 310.225 (this, sans bracelet). Is a bracelet worth over 50k? If any could be said to be, this is it.

This example looks to be fantastic. The case is sharp. I see some light wear and dings on the bracelet, it's not brand new but very close. There's light surface wear commensurate with age. It comes watch only from a well-regarded California retailer.