Important Watches

A. Lange & Söhne

A pink gold hunting case minute repeating keyless lever watch with enamel dial, Circa 1915

Estimate

160,000 - 240,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

A. Lange & Söhne

A pink gold hunting case minute repeating keyless lever watch with enamel dial, Circa 1915

Dial: white enamel, Louis XV type hands

Calibre: cal. 19’’’, mechanical, repeating on two hammers, gilt three-quarter plate, bi-metalic compensation balance, jewelled

Movement number: 59’469

Case: 14k pink gold, hinged polished cover with engraved monogram, polished case back and cuvette

Case number: 59’469

Size: 56 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

The present watch features A. Lange & Söhne’s characteristic three-quarter-plate movement. The watch was manufactured during the First World War, when the German economy was experiencing severe economic hardship. During this period, A. Lange & Söhne used DUF-grade movements in some of its watches.

DUF, an abbreviation of Deutsche Uhrenfabrikation, was introduced around 1880 as a strategic response to the weakness of the domestic market at the time. DUF-grade watches typically used 14k gold rather than the more costly 18k gold and featured slightly fewer non-essential decorative elements. Nevertheless, these watches continued to meet the high standards of quality associated with A. Lange & Söhne.

DUF-grade watches were normally housed in plain, relatively flat cases. It is therefore particularly unusual to find an example with a case as large and substantial as that of the present watch.

朗格

粉紅金獵殼三問懷錶，備琺瑯錶盤，約1915年製

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."