A. LANGE & SOGHNE RICHARD LANGE POUR LE MÉRITE White Gold | Black dial Origin It is a daring task to challenge the Swiss when it comes to fine watchmaking and mechanical perfection, but if there’s one brand able to take on the contest it is the German watchmaker that turned Glashütte into a fine watchmaking destination, A. Lange & Söhne. Founded by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in 1845, the brand combines Saxon precision with aesthetic impeccability, resulting in hand-crafted timepieces of the highest standards. The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 embodies this legendary and bold spirit, introduced not long after great-grandson Walter Lange revived the avant-garde family brand from Glashütte together with his friend Günter Blümlein. Years earlier, the company’s main manufacture was destroyed during a bombing on the last night of war in 1945. A few years later, in 1948, the brand disappeared during the occupation by the Soviet Union. But Walter Lange proved the legendary watchmaker’s spirit did not pass on with the launch of new collections marked by inventiveness and exquisite design: the Lange 1, the Arkade, Saxonia and Tourbillon Pour le Mérite. The model here at hand belongs to the Richard Lange class, launched in 2006 with the aim to celebrate precision and accuracy. A homage to timekeeping, resonating in the Pour le Mérite models, noted for their mechanical inventions as embodied by its first-generation Tourbillon. The limited-edition A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Pour le Mérite encapsulates the best of these both lines, a technical tour de force in a time-only watch – enigmatic in its kind. The Watch This highly advanced A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Pour le Mérite, Ref. 260.028, is crafted in 2018 as a homage to precision timekeeping. It is a limited edition of 218, measuring an outspoken 40,5 mm case, infused with complicated vintage references yet remaining elegantly contemporary. Its white gold case – as opposed to the enamel variant of earlier Richard Lange Pour le Mérite timepieces – is complemented with a black dial crafted from solid silver. The stylish yes stark color palette makes up for a highly legible dress watch, reinforced by sharp, leaf-shaped hands made of white gold. The dial is further enhanced by a minute track, with red accents indicating the quarters, Roman numerals printed in white and a recessed small seconds sub-dial in a ton sur ton finish – making its watch face infinitely interesting to glance at and offering a stunning perception of depth. The Movement The A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Pour le Mérite, Ref. 260.028 houses the manual winding L044.1 movement. It is eminent for its fusée-and-chain mechanism, making up for its exceptional precision, and is one of the most intricate A. Lange & Söhne movements. Calibre L044.1, still in production today, consists of 915 individual components (of which 636 parts belong to the filigreed chain) and 33 jewels, has a frequency of 21,600 A/h and a power reserve of 36 hours. This hand-wound movement (developed, produced and assembled in-house) features a drop-shaped cutout in the three-quarter signature plate, revealing its transmission system. The plate is executed in warm German silver and is further embellished by an exquisitely hand-engraving on the balance cock, screwed balance wheel and escape wheel cap, beautifully seen through the sapphire open case-back – as are the Glashütte stripes, the artisanal bevels and black polish finish. Condition This white gold A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Pour le Mérite, Ref. 260.028 is in excellent condition and has perfect mechanical functioning. It comes as a full set, being a limited edition out of 218 pieces (produced in 2018). The watch is fitted with the Mr Watchley Grained Taupe strap. If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium VIEWINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Free parking available on site. No stock kept on site Reference 260.028 Movement Manual Wound Caliber Calibre L044.1 Dial Black Size (Case) 40,5 mm Material (Case) White gold Bracelet Mr Watchley Grained Taupe Glass Sapphire Condition Very good Year 2019 Papers Yes Box Yes Warranty 2 years
