101.025, 'Stealth' Lange 1, Platinum

The ref. 101.025 Lange 1 Stealth is one of the most subtle configurations of the foundational Lange 1 line. When modern A. Lange & Söhne was resurrected in 1994, the silver dial, platinum Lange 1 was one of the core watches at launch. It was quickly nicknamed Stealth for its discreet, monochromatic aesthetic. One year later, the 101.025 offered the same configuration but with the beautifully finished calibre L901.0 now visible through its display caseback. Despite its discontinuation in 2005, the Stealth remains one of the most highly desirable configurations of Lange 1 due to its elegant aesthetic and its presence at the origin of modern A. Lange & Sohne. 

The Lange 1 quickly emerged as the foundation of the brand's early catalogue, largely due to its embodiment of Günter Blümlein’s overarching design philosophy that guided the brand’s renaissance: to set itself apart from the Swiss dominated market through embracing unapologetic German design principles. Even at first glance, these Teutonic principles are immediately apparent: it is refined, understated, and mathematically perfect. Its asymmetric dial design has been precisely engineered to follow the golden ratio and rule of thirds, placing dial features on the points of an isosceles triangle. While the Lange 1 is undeniably the core of A. Lange & Söhne today, the Stealth emphasized the teutonic principles of its design. Since introduction, it has been a staple of the collection.

The Stealth is a configuration that was present at the brand’s 1994 debut, the solid caseback 101.005 earning that nickname due to the subtlety of the combination of platinum case and silver dial. Just one year later it was replaced by the 101.025; clients had expressed a desire for the brand to display the watch’s impeccable movement design and craftsmanship. The 1995 Lange 1 releases, including the 101.025 Stealth, were the first watches from the brand to feature a display caseback. The now visible calibre L901.0 remained the same. It incorporates what have come to be known as the 'islands', two separated bridges inside of the three-quarter plate for the keyless works and seconds hand which have their own artfully bevelled edges. The following calibre L121.1 did away with these charming and hard to manufacture details. It comprises 398 components in traditional Glashütte finishing styles with a hand engraved balance-cock, broad anglage (around both sides of the islands), and a warm untreated German silver patina. The 101.025 remained in production until its discontinuation in 2005. 

The Lange 1 has played a pivotal role in defining the brand with its teutonic design and emphasis on geometry and precision engineering. Its enduring place at the core of the brand’s lineup is testament to its impact and reception. The Stealth’s monochromatic platinum case and silver dial creates a sense of subtlety that pairs perfectly with the teutonic principles that define the reference.

This 101.025 Lange 1 presents in excellent overall condition. The case features only light signs of surface wear. The dial shows no signs of patina or damage.

This watch is modelled on a relatively large 7.75 inch wrist.