
Richard Lange Tourbillon pour le Mérite, Reference 760.032 | A pink gold tourbillon wristwatch with chain and fusée and regulator dial | Circa 2015
Auction Closed
May 11, 11:29 AM GMT
Estimate
55,000 - 95,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. L072.1 manual winding, 31 jewels
Movement number: 94’619
Case: 18k pink gold, sapphire crystal display case back secured by 6 screws
Case number: 204’546
Closure: 18k pink gold A. Lange & Söhne folding clasp
Size: 42 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: A. Lange & Söhne Garantie, instruction manual and presentation case
Please note the leather strap derived from endangered species is for display purposes only and is not sold with the watch. The watch will be shipped with a Sotheby’s branded calf leather strap.
In 2011, A. Lange & Söhne introduced the Richard Lange Tourbillon ‘Pour le Mérite’ reference 760.032. This model pays homage to the distinguished watchmaker, scientist, and co-founder of A. Lange & Söhne, Richard Lange, embodying his inventive spirit. The Richard Lange collection mirrors the visionary ethos of this pioneering mastermind. The Tourbillon ‘Pour le Mérite’ exemplifies this legacy with a meticulously designed dial divided into three distinct sections, each dedicated to displaying minutes, hours, and seconds respectively. This arrangement, known as a ‘regulator’ layout, draws inspiration from an 18th Century pocket chronometer crafted by Saxon watchmaker Johann Heinrich Seyffert.
The seconds sub-dial seamlessly integrates with the meticulously hand-finished tourbillon, visible through a cut-out. Additionally, it incorporates a hacking seconds feature, where a gentle pull on the crown stops the movement of the seconds hand entirely, allowing for precise time adjustment. Powering this marvel is the manually wound caliber L072.1, which boasts a fusée and chain mechanism. Perhaps the most intriguing and ingenious feature on this hugely impressive watch is to be found on its hour display. As the clock approaches 6 o'clock, an additional dial segment gracefully emerges from 8 to 10 o'clock, facilitating easy hour reading. Upon reaching 12 o'clock, this segment elegantly retracts, ensuring an unobstructed view of the mesmerizing tourbillon. This level of meticulous ingenuity and exceptional execution, even in the minutest of details, exemplifies the hallmark of both the Richard Lange model and their illustrious 'Pour le Mérite' series.