Wristwatch · Platinum manual-wind wristwatch with outsize date

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 “Darth” Ref. 101.035

Partially verified

This A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1, reference 101.035 and nicknamed 'Darth', features a 38.5mm platinum case. According to the auction catalog, it houses the manual-wind calibre L901.0 with 53 jewels. The monochromatic design includes a black dial with an off-center main dial displaying Roman numerals, an auxiliary running seconds register, an 'AUF/AB' power reserve sector, and a double outsize date aperture featuring white numerals on black discs. The source dates this watch to circa 2009 and notes it comes accompanied by presentation boxes, guarantee documents, and sales receipts from the family of the original owner.

Front view of the platinum A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 'Darth' Ref. 101.035 showing the black dial layout and date windows. — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.phillips.com
Category: Wristwatch · Platinum manual-wind wristwatch with outsize date
Maker / attribution: A. Lange & Söhne
Reference: 101.035
Catalogue / lot identifier: 90
Source-reported date: Circa 2009
Country: Germany
Source-reported serial: 159’007

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Configuration

Catalogued under reference 101.035 with case number 159’007, this Lange 1 model—designated in the auction listing under the model name Lange 1 “Darth”—is housed in a platinum case measuring 38.5mm in diameter. The catalog details list the clasp as a platinum A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle and describe the strap as crocodile, whereas the provided primary image shows the watch mounted on a brown leather strap with an alligator or crocodile pattern and contrasting stitching.

The catalog essay states that reference 101.035 was produced between 1999 and 2006, while the lot details record the year as "Circa 2009" based on accompanying sales documentation. The case back, interior case markings, and hallmarks are not visible in the primary photograph provided.

Evidence for this section

“Produced in small quantities exclusively between 1999-2006, it features a platinum case with a distinctive monochromatic all black configuration”
“Clasp/Buckle Platinum A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle”
“Mounted on a brown alligator/crocodile-pattern leather strap with contrast stitching.”

Dial Display

The watch features a monochromatic black dial display arranged with an off-center main dial featuring applied Roman numerals at III, VI, IX, and XII alongside diamond-shaped hour markers. A power reserve sector marked 'AUF' and 'AB' is positioned on the right side of the dial, and an auxiliary small seconds subdial is situated between 4 and 5 o'clock.

The dial includes a prominent framed twin aperture presenting an outsize date with white numerals set against black discs. The catalog notes that this matching black background for the date discs led collectors to nickname the configuration "Darth" after the Star Wars character Darth Vader.

Evidence for this section

“Known as “Darth” for its matching black backgrounds for the date windows”
“Prominent framed twin aperture displaying the outsize date with white numerals on black discs.”
“Auxiliary small seconds register positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock.”

Reported Movement and Documentation

According to the auction listing, the wristwatch is powered by the manual-wind calibre L901.0 with 53 jewels, assigned movement number 45’672. As the reverse side is not pictured in the catalog primary photo, the movement and its finishing are not available for visual verification.

The catalog identifies the lot as "Property from the Family of the Original Owner" and notes that it is accompanied by an undated A. Lange & Söhne guarantee booklet, original purchase invoice and receipt, leather folio, instruction manual, microfiber cloth, hang tag, fitted presentation box, and outer box indicating an original sale in 2009.

Evidence for this section

“Calibre Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 jewels”
“Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne undated guarantee booklet, original purchase invoice and receipt”
“Property from the Family of the Original Owner”

Open research questions

What specific hallmarks and serial engravings are present on the exterior and interior of platinum case 159’007?
Does the manufacturer archive clarify whether movement 45’672 was cased during the reported 1999–2006 production run prior to its 2009 commercial sale?
What is the condition and visible bridge configuration of calibre L901.0 through the case back sapphire crystal?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 “Darth” Ref. 101.035
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Reference	101.035	“Reference No 101.035”
Case Number	159’007	“Case No 159’007”
Movement Number	45’672	“Movement No 45’672”
Calibre	Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 jewels	“Calibre Manual, cal. L901.0, 53 jewels”
Case Material	Platinum	“Material Platinum”
Dimensions	38.5mm Diameter	“Dimensions 38.5mm Diameter”
Buckle Material	Platinum	“Clasp/Buckle Platinum A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle”
Signatures	Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed	“Signed Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.”
Accompanied Accessories	Guarantee booklet, invoice, receipt, leather folio, manual, cloth, hang tag, presentation box, and outer box	“Accessories Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne undated guarantee booklet, original purchase invoice and receipt, leather folio, instruction manual, microfiber cloth, hang tag, fitted presentation box, and outer box.”

Visible details

Monochromatic black dial with an off-center main dial featuring applied Roman numerals at III, VI, IX, and XII alongside diamond-shaped hour markers.
Prominent framed twin aperture displaying the outsize date with white numerals on black discs.
Integrated power reserve indicator positioned towards the right side marked 'AUF' and 'AB'.
Auxiliary small seconds register positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock.
Mounted on a brown alligator/crocodile-pattern leather strap with contrast stitching.

Research qualifications

The case back, hallmarks, and movement are not visible in the provided primary photograph.
Reference 101.035 is cited as having been produced between 1999 and 2006, while the catalog dates this piece to circa 2009 based on original sales documentation.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A. Lange & Söhne The New York Watch Auction: XIV

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 24660e3d75

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.