A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1

About this reference

The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 reference 101.026 in stainless steel was produced in a very limited series during the mid-to-late 1990s, with most estimates suggesting fewer than 30 examples exist. Unlike the standard precious metal production models, this reference features a 38.5mm steel case housing the manual-wind caliber L901.0. The dial is silver with rhodium-plated hands and markers, maintaining the signature offset layout and outsize date. Collectors value this reference due to its extreme rarity, as the brand almost exclusively uses gold or platinum for the Lange 1 collection. On the secondary market, these watches occupy a high-six-figure price bracket, often exceeding $300,000 to $500,000 depending on provenance. A notable auction result occurred in 2019 when a stainless steel Lange 1 sold for over $340,000, confirming its status as one of the most expensive non-complicated watches from the manufacturer.