113.041, Little Lange 1, Blue Mother of Pearl Dial, Pink Gold

This is a ref. 113.041, a little-seen Little Lange 1 from 2015 with a specially treated Mother of Pearl dial in a purple-blue tone cased at 36mm in pink gold. Just 20 examples were made in 2015 only, a celebration of the end of the first generation Little Lange 1. These end of run Mother of Pearl dials were made in white and pink gold only. It is the ultimate 36mm Lange 1 to many collectors, one of very few more beautiful material experiments from the usually unyielding watchmakers at Glashütte.  

The dials of the 113.041 were given a series of galvanic coatings to add a layer of visual depth. The resulting hue is one which A. Lange & Söhne describe as blue, yet appears more purple and warm in the metal. The treatment was also designed to pull out the natural ripples and dark waves in the material which it certainly accomplished. This is one of the most dramatic Lange 1 dials ever created. Particularly in pink gold, which few are. 

The Little Lange 1 was introduced in the early years of the brand, 1998, after demand from collectors for a more modest offering. The watch was still marketed toward men at introduction, largely Japan, though that’s changed over time. The first generation, as is this 113.041, featured the full L901 from the 38.5mm Lange 1, which means the calibre takes up the entire caseback in viewing with real drama thanks to islands, hand finishing, and ample chatons. Additionally, the date pusher was ditched for a pin, in favor of a more svelte and distinct wearing experience. 

The Little Lange 1 has attracted its own corner of collectors, for good reason. The proportions preserve the sanctity of the Lange 1 wearing experience, but relate it far better to many wrists. These early examples ended with extreme experimentation and, though little know, are increasingly sought after by collectors. It is, in many ways, a future Dubail. Only, in our estimation, the purple-green-orange irdiscent tones of this dial are even more inviting. 

This 113.041 presents in strong overall condition. The case is very sharp and likely not ever restored. It features a normal to low level of surface wear, mainly only on the caseback. The high polish bezel sports light hairlines that one would expect. The dials shows no hairlines or signs of damage of any sort. The manual calibre 901.4 is running well in spec. It comes with its original pink gold pin buckle, but otherwise is sold as watch alone.

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