cal.902.0 damascened three-quarter nickel lever movement, 29 jewels, 2 diamond endstones, jewels in gold chatons, one-minute tourbillon with lever escapement, mono-metallic balance, engraved balance cock, adjusted to 5 positions, with fusée-and-chain transmission • matte silvered dial, Arabic numerals, blued steel dagger hands, two subsidiary dials for seconds and power reserve indication, aperture for tourbillon regulator, outer minute ring • polished platinum case with down-turned lugs, brushed case band, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws • case, dial and movement signed, case further stamped 18/50 • with a platinum Lange bracelet and folding clasp

Rare and Collectable! Manual winding movement running while cataloguing, tourbillon and chain and fusee transmission appears operational while cataloguing. Dial looks nice and clean. Case, bracelet and clasp with minor scuffs, but can be polished. Overall appears with signs of normal wear, but it is common and overall in good condition. Outside of case back numbered 110418. Case back numbered 18/50. Movement numbered 278.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an A. Lange & Söhne Certificate, Instruction Manual, a presentation case with outer card box.  Further accompanied by an additional platinum Lange buckle and 2 extra links.

The Tourbillon 'Pour Le Mérite' was among the first watches A. Lange & Söhne produced, alongside the legendary Lange 1, Saxonia and Arkade models upon the firm's relaunch in 1994. 

This watch was produced in a limited series of only 50 pieces in platinum and 150 in gold, the present example is number 18. 

Ferdinand Adolph Lange was borin in 1815 in Dresden, Germany. He undertook an apprenticeship with a famed clcokmaker and developed a keen appreciation for accuracy in timekeeping. In 1845, Lange opened his own watch factory in Glashütte, initialy named A. Lange & Comp. In 1868, the company was registered as A. Lange & Söhne.

A. Lange & Söhne established themelves as premier watchmakers and their pocket watches weer amongst the most coveted timepieces in the world. In 1898, Kaiser William II ordered a magnificent A. Lange & Söhne pocket watch which was offered as a gift to Sultan Abdul Hamid II on the occasion of a visit of the Ottoman Empire. During this flourishing period, A . Lange & Söhne achieved several technological advancements, producing high quality lever movements that rivalled the quality of the Swiss watchmakers.

During World War II, Glashütte was bombed by the Soviets and the factory was confiscated in 1948. Adolph Lange's great grandson, Walter Lange was forced to flee his homeland. After Germany was reunited in 1989, Walter Lange returned to Glashütte and re-established the brand.

1994 marked the resurrection of the German manufacturer and the launch of the successful "Lange 1" and "1815" models, among others. Lange watches are still created in-house to the traditional high standards of the earlier generations of pocket watches. Today, as throughout their history, A. Lange & Söhne times remain amongst the world's most sough-after watches.