A. Lange & Sohne Grande Langematik 18k Pink Gold 40mm 309.031

The back catalogue of A.Lange & Sohne is filled with very special pieces, housing some truly stunning movements. But for us, chronographs aside, the pick of the Lange movements is Sax-O-Mat L921.4 zero reset movement.

Released in the late 90’s, it was Lange’s first automatic movement and featured what they refer to as a ¾ rotor which looks like a very large micro-rotor. It features a patented zero reset function that stops the balance each time the crown is pulled, resetting the seconds hand to zero. It allows precise setting of the time, and is a very cool little party trick. But even more than its technical proficiency, it’s the aesthetics the really speak to us. That ¾ rotor set into the traditional ¾ German silver plate adds an element of depth and details that is not seen in the manual wind non-chrono pieces, while allowing the pieces to remain thin like a manually wound movement. This combined with the technical details are why it is widely considered to be Lange’s finest automatic movement.

These movements are fast becoming collectible with Lange fans, and the one we have here is housed in the superb Saxonia reference 309.031, and is notable for being quite a bit larger than most references that housed the L921, which are typically around 37mm. It features a spectacular 40.5mm pink gold case, measuring in at 10.7mm thick. The deep matte black dial creates a high contrast with the case, with the gilt lumed hands, markers and date windows tying it together oh-so-well. At 12 it features the iconic Lange big-date complication, surrounded by a pink gold window, and with the offset hour and minute track for the upper half of the dial creates a level of interest and intrigue that never gets old. 

This particular piece was first sold in 2009 and presents in TZ 'Excellent' condition. The high polish surfaces shows typical hairlines and light rub marks as expected of gold, but nothing large or deep. Dial is in fantastic condition, with no notable signs of wear or poor servicing, same goes for the movement. Lugs show some strap change marks. Please see images for full condition details.

Currently mounted to an aftermarket leather strap with OEM Lange pink gold tang buckle. Buckle shows desk dive marks.

Service history is unknown. Currently keeping COSC time measured dial-up on a timegrapher at 289 degrees of amplitude, and all functions operating as they should. 

Comes with polishing cloth, guarantee manual (expired), numbered cleaning cloth and instruction manual.

This is quite a rare reference from one of Lange's best eras, well before any cost cutting was taking place. If you want one of Lange's greatest movements, combined with a 40mm case, this is the one.

Brand: A. Lange & Sohne

Reference: 309.031

Year Sold: 2009

Case Material: 18k Pink Gold

Case details: 40.5mm x 10.7mm

Movement: A. Lange & Sohne Caliber L921.4

Dial: Black

Paraphernalia: Polishing cloth, guarantee manual (expired), numbered cleaning cloth and instruction manual

TZ Grading: Excellent

Watch Vault utilises the TZ Grading system. Please see below for details.