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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tourbillon wristwatch

A. Lange & Söhne Pour le Mérite Tourbillon

Partially verified

This A. Lange & Söhne Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite", reference 701.005, is a platinum wristwatch produced in 1996 as part of a limited edition of 50 examples. The watch features a one-minute tourbillon regulator and provides a 36-hour power reserve. It is powered by the manual-wind Caliber L 902.0 movement, which incorporates a chain and fusée power equalization system and a planetary gearing mechanism. The case, measuring 38 mm in diameter and 10.5 mm in thickness, is crafted from platinum and features a transparent case back secured by six screws. The satiné silver dial displays painted Arabic numerals, blued steel alpha hands, and two sunken guilloché sub-dials for seconds and power reserve indication. An aperture in the dial reveals the tourbillon cage, supported by a polished steel bridge.

A. Lange & Söhne Pour le Mérite Tourbillon in platinum, 1996.
A. Lange & Söhne Pour le Mérite Tourbillon in platinum, 1996. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Tourbillon wristwatch
Maker / attribution
A. Lange & Söhne
Reference
701.005
Catalogue / lot identifier
177-96
Source-reported date
1996
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
110427

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 three-body platinum case with a polished and brushed finish. Measuring 38 mm in diameter and 10.5 mm in thickness, the case is fitted with sapphire crystals and includes a transparent case back secured by six screws, allowing visual access to the movement. The lugs are integrated into the case structure, supporting a black leather strap.

The dial is crafted from solid satiné silver and features painted Arabic numerals. It includes two sunken, guilloché-patterned subsidiary dials: one for the running seconds and one for the 36-hour power reserve indication. At the 6 o'clock position, an aperture is cut into the dial, displaying the tourbillon cage, which is framed by a polished steel bridge. The time is indicated by blued steel alpha-shaped hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, transparent case back with 6 screws for viewing the movement, sapphire crystals.”
  • “Solid satiné silver with painted Arabic numerals, sunk subsidiary guilloché dials for the seconds and the up and down indication, aperture with polished steel bridge for viewing the tourbillon.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is hand-decorated with fausses-côtes finishing and features 29 jewels, five of which are set in gold chatons. The one-minute tourbillon regulator is integrated with a lateral lever escapement and features a three-arm polished steel carriage.

The movement incorporates a chain and fusée mechanism for power equalization, coupled with stepped planetary gearing to ensure consistent force. The balance wheel is a Glucydur screw-balance adjusted to five positions, paired with a Nivarox balance-spring featuring a Strasser overcoil. The tourbillon cage itself is equipped with two diamond endstones to reduce friction.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. L 902.0 - No. 354, Glashütte 3/4 plate, nickel-silver, hand decorated and engraved movement, fausses-côtes decoration”
  • “power equalization with chain and fusée, maintaining power and stepped planetary gearing”
  • “lateral lever escapement with one-minute tourbillon regulator with polished steel equidis-tant three-arm carriage”

Condition and Attribution

The watch is recorded as having been manufactured in 1996 and is identified as number 27 of a limited run of 50 pieces. The dial, case, and movement all bear the manufacturer's signatures.

Regarding the physical state of the object, the auction description reports the case condition as 'Very good' (grade 2) and the movement condition as 'Very good' (grade 2). The dial is described as being in 'As new' condition (grade 1-01), and the hands are confirmed as original to the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Grading System Grade: Case: 2 Very good Movement: 2 Very good Dial: 1-01 As new HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • Clarification regarding the discrepancy between the movement number '317' listed in the header and '354' cited in the technical body.
  • Verification of whether the chain and fusée mechanism contains a maintaining power feature as described in the technical text.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. Lange & Söhne Pour le Mérite Tourbillon
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerA. Lange & Söhne“A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte I. SA.”
ModelTourbillon Pour le Mérite“Tourbillon "Pour le Mérite”
Reference701.005“Ref. 701.005”
Case Number110427“case No. 110427”
Limited EditionNo. 27 of 50“No 27 of a limited edition of 50 examples”
Dimensions38 mm diameter, 10.5 mm thickness“Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 10.5 mm.”
MovementCaliber L 902.0“Cal. L 902.0”
ComplicationChain and fusée power equalization“power equalization with chain and fusée”

Visible details

  • Satiné silver dial with painted Arabic numerals
  • Polished steel tourbillon bridge visible at the 6 o'clock position
  • Transparent case back held by six screws
  • Black leather strap with buckle

Research qualifications

  • The movement number 317 is cited in the lead summary, but the technical description lists the movement as No. 354
  • The exact material of the strap is not specified beyond appearance

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

Terms in this record

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