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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunting case pocket lever chronometer

A. Lange & Söhne Anchor Chronometer

Partially verified

This large and heavy manual wind hunting case pocket watch, identified as an anchor chronometer by A. Lange & Söhne, dates to approximately 1890. It features a 55 mm 18k yellow gold case. The white enamel dial is configured with Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial, complemented by gold Louis XV hands. The movement is a 19''' Glashütte 3/4-plate caliber with frosted gilt finishing. It contains 25 jewels and includes gold chatons with blued steel screws. The watch utilizes a straight-line Glashütte escapement with a gold pallet fork and escape wheel. Technical specifications include a Lange Guillaume-type balance with gold timing screws, a blued steel Breguet balance-spring, and an engraved balance cock with a swan-neck regulator. The watch is signed on the dial, case, and movement and is accompanied by its original box and hang tag.

A. Lange & Söhne 18k yellow gold hunting case pocket watch with dial, movement, and presentation box.
A. Lange & Söhne 18k yellow gold hunting case pocket watch with dial, movement, and presentation box. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Hunting case pocket lever chronometer
Maker / attribution
A. Lange & Söhne
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
324
Source-reported date
Circa 1890
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
61509

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 Dial

The timepiece is housed in a large 18k yellow gold hunting case measuring 55 mm in diameter. The hunting case mechanism allows the cover to protect the crystal and dial when the watch is not in use. The auction description notes the case condition as being slightly scratched.

The white enamel dial features Arabic numerals in a prominent black font, surrounding a dedicated subsidiary seconds dial located at the six o'clock position. The outer perimeter includes a minute track. The hands are fashioned in the gold Louis XV style, contrasting against the white dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “18k yellow gold, manual wind hunting case pocket lever chronometer”
  • “White enamel, three-piece with Arabic numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds dial.”
  • “Gold Louis XV hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 19''' Glashütte 3/4-plate caliber, characterized by its frosted gilt finish. It is constructed with 25 jewels and utilizes gold chatons to secure the jewel settings, which are held by blued steel screws. A diamond endstone is also present within the movement architecture.

The escapement is a straight-line Glashütte configuration featuring a gold pallet fork and escape wheel. Regulation is managed via an index regulator incorporating a swan-neck spring and a micrometric screw. The balance assembly consists of a Lange Guillaume-type balance equipped with gold timing screws and a blued steel Breguet balance-spring.

Evidence for this section
  • “Glashütte 3/4-plate, frosted gilt, 25 jewels, gold chatons with blued steel screws”
  • “straight line Glashütte escapement, gold pallet fork and escape wheel”
  • “Lange Guillaume-type balance with gold timing screws, blued steel Breguet balance-spring”
  • “index regulator with swan-neck spring and micrometric screw”

Signatures and Condition

The signature of A. Lange & Söhne is applied to the dial, the case, and the movement.

Regarding technical condition, the auction description provides a grade of AA, indicating a very good overall state. However, it is explicitly noted that an overhaul of the movement is recommended to ensure future performance, with associated costs being the responsibility of the purchaser.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signature Dial, case and movement”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production timeline for the serial number 61509 within the Lange factory records?
  • Does the 'Anchor Chronometer' designation refer to a specific chronometric testing standard or a proprietary categorization by the manufacturer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. Lange & Söhne Anchor Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerA. Lange & Söhne“A. Lange & Söhne”
Movement Number61509“Movement No. 61509”
Case Number61509“Case No. 61509”
Caliber19'''“Caliber 19'''”
Jewels25“25 jewels”
Case Diameter55 mm“Diameter 55 mm.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds
  • Gold Louis XV style hands
  • Hunting case construction in 18k yellow gold
  • Swan-neck regulator with micrometric screw visible on movement

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul.
  • The 18k yellow gold case is reported as having slight scratches.

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

Consulted source

A. LANGE & SÖHNE, GERMANY, ANCHOR CHRONOMETER, GLASHÜTTE-SA, DEUTSCHE UHRENFABRIKATION, 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record dae0789317

Terms in this record

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