A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moonphase

What you’re looking at is an example of the most important wristwatches of the last 30 years. The Lange 1 is without question the manufacture’s flagship model, and the big date function is its hallmark. Though found in watches like the Zeitwerk or the Langematik Sax-O-Mat, it’s in the Lange 1 that it’s shown to the greatest effect. Alongside other details such as asymmetrical sub-dials depicting the hours and sub-seconds, and A. Lange & Söhne's signature with its famous ampersand, the Lange 1 shows a clarity of vision that is wholly, brilliantly German. While the Lange 1 has seen many versions and variations since its introduction 30 years ago, this Reference 109.021 adds a touch of poetry to a well-designed classic with its stunning moonphase complication.  This particular example dates back to 2007 and is housed in a 38.5mm 18k yellow gold case with a sapphire crystal and sapphire display back. It features a polished bezel, satin silver dial with luminous subsidiary hours and minutes at 9 o’clock with a matching luminous handset, a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock, framed outsize date window at 2 o’clock, and of course, a subsidiary constant-seconds register with a crescent moonphase aperture at 4 o’clock.  Powering this masterpiece is the Lange & Söhne Caliber L901.5, a manual-winding movement that’s a joy to behold — just ask anyone who owns one and they'll light up describing Lange's three-quarter plate construction, engraved German silver balance cock, and superlative movement finishing. Carefully worn by its previous owner, this Lange 1 Moophase was just treated to a very conservative case refinishing and is in fantastic condition throughout. Fitted to its (likely original) signed brown alligator leather strap with signed 18k yellow gold pin buckle, this watch comes complete with its box set, books, signed polishing cloth and corrector, and papers dated from May, 2007. There are complicated watches, and then there are works of art. This is the latter.