A. Lange & Söhne

URSA MAJOR
• cal. L901.8 manual winding nickel lever movement, 54 jewels, mono-metallic balance • silvered dials, eccentric time display showing the Constellation of Ursa Major, oversized double apertures for date, sector for power reserve, subsidiary dial for seconds and phases of the moon for the northern hemisphere with lunar calendar • 18k white gold case, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold A. Lange & Söhne buckle



SOUTHERN CROSS
• cal. L901.7 manual winding nickel lever movement, 54 jewels, mono-metallic balance • silvered dials, eccentric time display showing the Constellation of Southern Cross, oversized double apertures for date, sector for power reserve, subsidiary dial for seconds and phases of the moon for the southern hemisphere with lunar calendar • 18k pink gold case, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k pink gold A. Lange & Söhne buckle



 

Both watches manual winding movement running, date and moonphases advancing while cataloguing. Dials look nice and clean. Both cases and buckles with no significant signs of wear. Overall appears in virtually unused condition. White gold / Ursa Major case numbered 152525 and No 25/101 Pink gold / Southern Cross case numbered 152325 and No 25/101 **The straps of these wristwatches are made from endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With 2 A. Lange & Söhne International Guarantee Cards, booklets and 2 setting pins.  Together with a presentation box and 2 travelling cases. 

The design of the LANGE 1 incorporates the knowledge and the skills of an entire dynasty of A. Lange & Söhne.  After the production was ceased for more than 40 years due to World War II, the LANGE 1 was the first watch introduced by the German master watch maker in the new era.  The model showcases many iconic and distinctive features including the patented, easy-to-read oversized date apertures and the asymmetric dial display which are used in many of the brand's future creations. 

The GRAND LANGE 1 "Luna Mundi" was presented as a set of two watches displaying the accurate waxing and waning of the moon as seen on both sides of the equator.  The "Ursa Major" model in white gold depicts the moonphases for the Northern Hemisphere while the "Southern Cross" in pink gold reproduces them for the Southern Hemisphere. Both Lange moons change phases continuously and not just in sudden increments once or twice a day as in conventional watches. In addition, the mechanism was computed precisely that the displays deviate from the synodic lunar orbit by only one day in 122.6 years.

The "Ursa Major" calibre L901.8 movement comprises 398 individual parts, while the "Southern Cross" calibre L901.7 requires four more parts, including an additional wheel that reverses the rotation of the moon disc.  These watches were available exclusively in sets of two and the edition is limited to 101 sets, first introduced in 2003 and sold out in 2004.  The current examples are number 25.