.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Introduced in 1994 following the revival of the manufacture, the A. Lange & Söhne Tourbillon Pour le Mérite represents the absolute pinnacle of the brand’s technical ambition, embodying its uncompromising pursuit of precision and mechanical mastery. The present timepiece, consigned by a private collector with a refined appreciation for rare and technically sophisticated A. Lange & Söhne wristwatches, is one of the most significant wristwatches made by the Saxon manufacturer in its modern era. It is number 44 of a strictly limited edition of 50 platinum pieces. It is estimated that 200 pieces were produced overall across all metals, distributed as follows:
- 106 examples in yellow gold (ref. 701.001 and 751.001)
- 19 examples in white gold (ref. 701.007) - with an additional unique piece sold at Christie's for CHF 437'500 in 2014
- 24 examples in pink gold (ref. 701.011)
- 50 examples in platinum (ref. 701.005) - with two additional unique pieces
- 1 example in stainless steel
At the heart of the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite beats the Calibre L902.0, one of the most important horological achievements in A. Lange & Söhne’s history. By fusing a tourbillon with a fusée-and-chain transmission, this caliber, which was created in partnership with the esteemed movement specialist Renaud & Papi, marked a first for wristwatches worldwide. The fusée-and-chain mechanism equalizes torque delivery throughout the entire power reserve, ensuring remarkably consistent timekeeping from full wind to depletion, while the tourbillon, a rotating cage containing the escapement and balance, corrects for positional errors brought on by gravity.
The designation Pour le Mérite refers to the historic Prussian Order of Merit, established in 1740 by King Frederick II of Prussia. It was given for exceptional military and civil accomplishment, making it one of the greatest awards of its era. The name is a symbolic honor for A. Lange & Söhne, commemorating the exceptional horological proficiency and intellectual aspirations of its master watchmakers.
- 106 examples in yellow gold (ref. 701.001 and 751.001)
- 19 examples in white gold (ref. 701.007) - with an additional unique piece sold at Christie's for CHF 437'500 in 2014
- 24 examples in pink gold (ref. 701.011)
- 50 examples in platinum (ref. 701.005) - with two additional unique pieces
- 1 example in stainless steel
At the heart of the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite beats the Calibre L902.0, one of the most important horological achievements in A. Lange & Söhne’s history. By fusing a tourbillon with a fusée-and-chain transmission, this caliber, which was created in partnership with the esteemed movement specialist Renaud & Papi, marked a first for wristwatches worldwide. The fusée-and-chain mechanism equalizes torque delivery throughout the entire power reserve, ensuring remarkably consistent timekeeping from full wind to depletion, while the tourbillon, a rotating cage containing the escapement and balance, corrects for positional errors brought on by gravity.
The designation Pour le Mérite refers to the historic Prussian Order of Merit, established in 1740 by King Frederick II of Prussia. It was given for exceptional military and civil accomplishment, making it one of the greatest awards of its era. The name is a symbolic honor for A. Lange & Söhne, commemorating the exceptional horological proficiency and intellectual aspirations of its master watchmakers.