A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 101.039 is an exceptional example from one of the most important contemporary haute horlogerie manufactures. Its 18k white-gold case, bright argenté dial and unmistakable asymmetric display create a beautifully understated yet instantly recognisable configuration.

The Lange 1 is one of the watches that best defines modern A. Lange & Söhne. The collection was introduced in 1994, while reference 101.039 joined the range in 2009. It was discontinued in 2015 when the next generation of the Lange 1 was introduced.

The case measures a classical 38.5 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness. It is crafted entirely from 18k white gold. Consequently, the watch remains extremely elegant while still having enough presence on the wrist.

The dial is particularly beautiful. Lange officially describes its colour as argenté, while the dial itself is crafted from solid silver. Together with the white-gold case, this creates a restrained monochromatic configuration that reveals its quality in the smallest details.

The unmistakable asymmetric layout places the hours and minutes on the left, with small seconds below. On the right sit the famous Lange outsize date and the AUF/AB power-reserve indicator.

Despite this asymmetry, the composition remains exceptionally balanced. It is precisely this dial architecture that makes the Lange 1 instantly recognisable.

Reference 101.039 also features luminous details. The rhodiumed gold hands and selected appliqués incorporate luminous material, giving this otherwise classical configuration a slightly more contemporary personality.

Inside beats the manufacture Calibre L901.0 with manual winding. It is one of the defining movements of the first-generation Lange 1 and uses a twin mainspring barrel to provide approximately 72 hours of power reserve.

The movement consists of 365 components and uses 53 jewels. Moreover, it features nine screwed gold chatons and operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, or 3 Hz.

Through the sapphire crystal caseback, one can admire one of the most beautiful movements in its class. The untreated German-silver three-quarter plate, hand-engraved balance cock and screwed gold chatons demonstrate the level of finishing associated with A. Lange & Söhne.

In my opinion, the combination of white gold and a bright argenté dial is one of the most elegant executions of the first-generation Lange 1. From a distance it remains extremely discreet. Only closer inspection reveals how much detail is hidden within the watch.

Reference 101.039 is no longer part of the current collection. Today it is available exclusively on the secondary market, making it especially interesting for collectors who appreciate the earlier generation of the Lange 1.

This example comes complete with all original A. Lange & Söhne boxes and documents dated 2015.

Importantly, the watch was originally delivered through Polish distribution.

Condition is excellent with only minimal signs of wear.