110.041, Lange 1 'Tahitian Soirée', Platinum

Even rarer than the Dubail and made in single-digit numbers, this the is ref. 110.041 ‘Soirée’ Lange 1—occasionally known better as the ‘Tahitian Soirée’. It is listed in historic catalogues as platinum with dark tint. This dial is a galvanically treated Tahitian Mother of Pearl that ranges from burgundy to sea-green or electric-purple nacre, as vivid as the Dubail but in a completely different tonal spectrum. This example is one of just a handful known to the collecting world, from 2005 with a simply otherworldly hue—evoking the kind of palette one would observe on a Japanese Maple or electrical storm on Mars. In our research, we’ve been able to identify only four distinct examples in total, though a few more likely exist unaccounted for also. 

The Lange 1 Soirée was introduced in 2001, introduced the mother of pearl dial made from oyster shell to the Lange 1. Lange take a demanding process to make these dials, starting from polishing the exterior to a CNC cut according to dial shape specifications. After that blank is produced, cared motifs, ink, and applying numerals is all up to the individual craftspeople at Lange. Each has an iridescent effect or nacre due to natural layers within the material, which evolve in motion with lighting. 

The Soirée range comprises five models, all prior to the L121.1 movement revision of 2015. It was introduced in 2001 via reference 110.029 in white gold with plain MoP. Then came 110.030 (white gold, guilloché), 110.031 (pink gold, guilloché), this 110.041 (platinum, dark tint), and finally 110.49 (white gold, blue tint and better known as the Dubail in 25 examples). We have included a photo of this Tahitian Soirée next to a friend’s Dubail for reference. Soirée production was never large, but effectively ceased near late 2009.

Interestingly, all of the above Soirée variants received their own calibre number, L901.4, because the dial has to be a touch thicker. This means the pinions on the handstack are thicker and the case is about a half mm thicker as well. Otherwise calibre L901.4 retains all the beautiful Glashütte striping, anglage, and hand engraving you’d expect of the traditional German style. Its case obviously bears the altered integrated bracelet shape without lugs, however otherwise it retains the traditional 38.5mm three-body profile in white gold.  

Production figures for the 110.041 have never been published officially by A. Lange & Söhne, which is consistent with the maison’s practice during the period; what is known, from serial-number observations, the frequency with which examples appear at auction, and in speaking with those who know records—is that it is conservative to estimate that fewer than 10 exist in totality, including those not yet known to the market. The 110.041 has never appeared at Sotheby’s, Christie’s, or Phillips. In period, in 2008, one example appeared at Antiquorum. This is just the third example photographed publicly. It is a Lange 1 that is so little-known that to all intents and purposes, it doesn’t exist. But it is undeniably an immensely special Lange 1 and it's an honor to document one fully.

This 110.041 presents in excellent overall condition. The case bears light signs of occasional careful use. Its dial is flawless, with no distractions of any kind. The calibre L901.4 is running well in specification on our timing equipment. It comes with its full set on a refreshed and new black alligator Lange strap.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.