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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-winding tourbillon wristwatch

A. Lange & Söhne Lange-Tourbillon Pour le Mérite Ref. 701.001

Partially verified

This A. Lange & Söhne gentleman’s wristwatch, designated the "Lange-Tourbillon Pour le Mérite," is an 18K yellow gold manual-winding timepiece. It features a silver-coloured dial with Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 9 o'clock, a 36-hour power-reserve indication at 3 o'clock, and a visible one-minute tourbillon regulator integrated into the main dial surface. The watch is powered by the Caliber L 902.1 movement, which incorporates a fusee and chain mechanism for consistent power distribution. The case is round-shaped and water-resistant, with a sapphire-crystal case-back secured by six screws. This specific unit, part of a limited edition of 150 examples, is numbered 95/150, with case number 110 345 and movement number 310.

Frontal view of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange-Tourbillon Pour le Mérite featuring the visible tourbillon and power reserve.
Frontal view of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange-Tourbillon Pour le Mérite featuring the visible tourbillon and power reserve. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-winding tourbillon wristwatch
Maker / attribution
A. Lange & Söhne
Reference
701.001
Catalogue / lot identifier
435
Source-reported date
circa 1998
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
110 345

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 watch is housed in a round 18K yellow gold case measuring 47.1 x 38.6 mm. The design includes a water-resistant construction with a sapphire-crystal case-back, which is held in place by six screws. The dial is silver in colour and features suspended Arabic numerals for the hours.

The layout includes subsidiary functions: a seconds register positioned at 9 o'clock and a power-reserve indicator with a 36-hour scale located at the 3 o'clock position. The tourbillon regulator is visible through a large aperture in the dial, which is open at the lower section.

Evidence for this section
  • “round-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with sapphire-crystal case-back screwed by six screws”
  • “silver colour dial with suspended Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds at 9, visible one-minute tourbillon regulator”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch is powered by the caliber L 902.1, a manual-winding movement. A primary feature of this mechanism is the integration of a fusee and chain, which is designed to provide uniform power distribution throughout the 36-hour reserve period. The movement incorporates a one-minute tourbillon to address the effects of gravity on timekeeping accuracy. The manufacture identified this movement as part of the initial relaunch of the brand in 1994

, with this specific example numbered 310. It is a one-minute tourbillon regulator.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber L 902.1”
  • “utilises fusee and chain to control the equalisation of power”
  • “first wristwatch ever made to incorporate a tourbillon with a fusee and chain winding mechanism”

Condition and Accessories

The auction description reports the case as being in good condition with minor scratches. The dial is stated to be in new condition, and the hands are original.

The watch includes the original fitted box and outer box. It is accompanied by its certificate of origin, which records that the watch was originally sold through Juwelier Schindler in December 1998. The watch is fitted with a black leather strap and an 18K yellow gold deployant clasp.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched”
  • “Movement: 1* As new Overhaul recommended”
  • “original fitted box and outer box, certificate of origin, booklet”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement number 310 correlate to a specific production window within the 1994-1998 period?
  • Are there variations in the tourbillon bridge finishing across the 150-piece limited series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. Lange & Söhne Lange-Tourbillon Pour le Mérite Ref. 701.001
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference701.001“Ref. 701.001”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold”
Movement CaliberL 902.1“Caliber L 902.1”
Limited Edition95 of 150“Limited Edition 95 / 150”
Case Dimensions47.1 x 38.6 mm“47.1 x 38.6 mm”
FunctionsOne-minute tourbillon, 36-hour power reserve“one-minute tourbillon regulator and one horological complication: • 36-hour power-reserve indication”
Original Sale DateDecember 24, 1998“sold by Juwelier Schindler, on December 24, 1998.”

Visible details

  • Blue steel hands
  • Visible tourbillon bridge spanning the dial opening
  • Arabic numeral hour markers
  • 18K gold buckle stamped with brand logo

Research qualifications

  • Movement overhaul recommended by the source
  • Minor surface scratching on case reported by the source

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

Consulted source

A. Lange & Söhne Ref. 701.001, one-minute tourbillon regulator, power-reserve indication; “Lange-Tourbillon Pour le Mérite”; limited edition of 150 examples; 18K yellow gold

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record e34351957c

Terms in this record

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

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