101.033, Lange 1, Pink Gold

Pink gold with a Teutonic grey dial, the ref. 101.033 is an early Lange 1 with a rather unconventional aesthetic. The 101.033 was produced from 2003 until 2010, an eccentric corner of early Lange 1 production. From this time, we see only this and a sister reference, 101.030 in white gold, with grey dials. If anyone is wondering where the aesthetic combination for the Perpetual ref. 345.033 was derived, look no further. 

In 1990, Walter Lange and Günter Blümlein began to rebuild the core of German watchmaking from scratch. With limited means but unlimited tenacity, the duo established the identity of what would become A. Lange & Söhne. In 1994, German watchmaking returned with the Saxonia, Arkade, Pour le Mérite, and Lange 1. Of that quartet, the Lange 1 would go on to most clearly establish A. Lange & Söhne design principles.

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 strict 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. Further, there is a sense of place as the grande date was inspired by the Semper Opera House of Dresden. While the Lange 1 is undeniably the core of A. Lange & Söhne today, the 101.033 is an outlier. We haven’t seen it revisited since. 

This original calibre L901.0 incorporates what have come to be known as '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. While based on a JLC 822 gear train, the L901.0 bears little resemblance to its ébauche after the immense work performed in Glashütte. It comprises 398 components in traditional Glashütte finishing styles with a hand engraved balance-cock, broad anglage (around both sides of the islands as well), and a warm untreated German silver patina.

The 101.033 suffuses a rare individuality in the Lange 1, which does create a memorable experience. Grey suits the dial design with a tailored-made slate, seemingly drawn from the German sky. While there are more collected and valuable Lange 1 references, there aren’t many with more readily Germanic character. 

This 101.033 presents in excellent overall condition. The case only shows light signs of wear, with superficial hairlines on the bezel and upper lugs. Its calibre L901.0 is running well in specification on our timing equipment. It comes with its full set, including original strap and pink gold pin buckle. Sale includes a warranty that stays with the watch until November of this year

This watch is modelled on a relatively large 7.5 inch wrist.