320.040, Lange 1 Daymatic, Tokyo Boutique Edition, White Gold

The Lange 1 Daymatic Tokyo boutique or ‘Ginza’ edition, limited to just 20 examples, is a limited release to celebrate the loyalty of the Japanese market. It features a solid gold argente finish guilloché dial with blue text, a subtle yet immediately recognizable variant of the mirrored Lange 1 dial. The calibre L021.1, shared with the rest of the Daymatic line, is the first full-rotor automatic movement from the brand. It is an exceptionally beautiful Daymatic with both cultural and historical significance and a unique aesthetic from the typically austere manufacturer.  

The Lange 1 Daymatic was released in 2010, featuring only the second automatic movement from the manufacturer and its first full-rotor movement. Those familiar with the Lange 1 will immediately recognize the typical geometrically defined dial layout. On the Daymatic however, that layout has been mirrored and the power reserve indicator has been replaced with a jumping retrograde day indicator. While the mirrored layout was met with some criticism at release, it has the added benefit of shifting the time display to a position that allows more discreet reading from under a cuff. Its caliber L021.1 features immaculate striping, pearlage, and finishing all around, standard for the brand. However, it swaps the more typical ¾ plate for four separate bridges, the uniformity in gap size and edge finishing is immensely impressive, a subtle example of Lange’s masterful manufacturing capability. This prowess is further displayed by the 18k gold rotor, featuring relief engraving and a skeletonized center. A platinum weight has been attached to its outer rim to improve winding efficiency.   

Lange acknowledged its immense support from the Japanese market through the release of the Tokyo Boutique or ‘Ginza’ edition Daymatic. This limited edition Daymatic released in February 2018 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lange’s Tokyo boutique located in the famed Ginza shopping district, the first opened in Japan. Just 20 examples were produced, all in white gold, only available for purchase at the Ginza boutique. It is immediately recognizable by the hand-turned solid gold guilloché dial. The dial is a bright argente color with royal blue text and time display tracks tying in seamlessly with the blued steel hands. While not explicitly stated as the inspiration for the design, blue and white hold cultural significance in Japan. The color pairing is one of the most popular in the country, anchored in traditional pottery and textiles. White was considered the color of the gods, representing purity and simplicity where blue represents status, dignity, and stability. The pairing is both significant in the values it conveys and its prominence in nature, the single greatest influence in Japanese art inspiring works such as 'The Great Wave.'

The ‘Ginza’ edition provides a unique combination of the Teutonic and austere Lange 1 dial design with the flourish of expert guilloché. The watch could stand on aesthetics alone, it is exceedingly beautiful, yet the reference’s cultural significance and rarity elevates it. It is the celebration of Lange’s connection to a country whose support for the brand has been meaningful and robust, executed intentionally and flawlessly in typical Lange fashion.

This Lange 1 Daymatic presents in great overall condition. There is light surface wear throughout the case, which is sharp and full, consistent with regular but careful wear. One small pen-tip sized mark exists on the case exterior at 2 o'clock. The dial and movement are in immaculate condition, with no signs of wear or patina. The calibre L021.1 is running well within spec. on our timing equipment. The watch comes with its full set (strap, pin buckle, original box & papers)

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