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Lot Essay
With A. Lange & Söhne International Guarantee dated 3 December 2007, product literature, Tourbograph "Pour le Mérite" Limited Edition 31/51 150 031 book, original fitted veneered presentation box with engraved plaque Tourbograph "Pour le Mérite" No. 31/51 and outer packaging.
On 7 December 2005, A. Lange & Söhne commemorated the 15th anniversary of its reinstated manufactory with an imitable expression of micromechanical virtuosity and watchmaking ingenuity. Testing the boundaries of physics and mechanical feasibilities, it is the very first wristwatch in the history of horology that unites three marvels from the realm of ultra-complications: a fusée-and-chain transmission, tourbillon, and rattrapante chronograph mechanism. This very special opus is the Tourbograph "Pour le Mérite".
Matching the Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite" that was presented in 1994, the Tourbograph again unites the two most complex mechanisms dedicated to enhancing long-term rate accuracy, but a mile farther. As the name suggests, the Tourbograph furthermore integrates a timekeeping mechanism that allows lap times to be measured.
It is the second Lange creation with the attribute "Pour le Mérite", an accolade for the superb horological skills of Lange's master watchmakers. The name alludes to the most prestigious order of merit inspired by Alexander von Humboldt, sponsored by King Frederick William IV in 1842, for outstanding, predominantly scientific accomplishments. The model remains to this day the most complex and exclusive wristwatch to ever leave the Saxon manufactory. The hand-crafted manually wound L903.0 calibre is composed of no less than 1,000 individual components. The tourbillon alone consists of 84 parts yet weighs a scant 0.5 grams. Just the finishing process of the bridge requires two days to complete.
The Tourbograph is limited to 101 examples, 51 were made in platinum such as the present lot, and are no longer available.
On 7 December 2005, A. Lange & Söhne commemorated the 15th anniversary of its reinstated manufactory with an imitable expression of micromechanical virtuosity and watchmaking ingenuity. Testing the boundaries of physics and mechanical feasibilities, it is the very first wristwatch in the history of horology that unites three marvels from the realm of ultra-complications: a fusée-and-chain transmission, tourbillon, and rattrapante chronograph mechanism. This very special opus is the Tourbograph "Pour le Mérite".
Matching the Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite" that was presented in 1994, the Tourbograph again unites the two most complex mechanisms dedicated to enhancing long-term rate accuracy, but a mile farther. As the name suggests, the Tourbograph furthermore integrates a timekeeping mechanism that allows lap times to be measured.
It is the second Lange creation with the attribute "Pour le Mérite", an accolade for the superb horological skills of Lange's master watchmakers. The name alludes to the most prestigious order of merit inspired by Alexander von Humboldt, sponsored by King Frederick William IV in 1842, for outstanding, predominantly scientific accomplishments. The model remains to this day the most complex and exclusive wristwatch to ever leave the Saxon manufactory. The hand-crafted manually wound L903.0 calibre is composed of no less than 1,000 individual components. The tourbillon alone consists of 84 parts yet weighs a scant 0.5 grams. Just the finishing process of the bridge requires two days to complete.
The Tourbograph is limited to 101 examples, 51 were made in platinum such as the present lot, and are no longer available.