1898 A. Lange & Söhne 18K Gold Pocket Watch — A Masterpiece of German Precision
In the world of haute horlogerie, few names carry as much gravitas as A. Lange & Söhne. Founded in 1845 in Glashütte, Germany, the brand quickly established itself as one of Europe’s premier watchmaking houses — rivaling Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin in both technical mastery and artistic refinement.
This exceptional A. Lange & Söhne 18K gold pocket watch, sold in 1898 to Joh. Huber’s Söhne in Vienna, is a pristine example of the brand’s late 19th-century craftsmanship. Accompanied by its original presentation box, replacement crystal, and authentic German Watch Museum archival certificate, the timepiece stands as a historical and mechanical treasure.
Historical Significance and Provenance
According to official records from Glashütte, this watch (movement and case number 34,995) was completed and sold on January 3, 1898, for 342 Marks — a significant sum at the time. It was delivered to Joh. Huber’s Söhne, a renowned Viennese retailer known for distributing the finest German and Swiss timepieces.
Its original documentation, meticulously preserved, connects the watch directly to Lange’s 19th-century production archives — a level of provenance that dramatically enhances both collectibility and value.
Technical Excellence — Caliber 43, Quality 1A
The watch houses a Caliber 43 / 19-ligne movement, built to Quality 1A, the highest grade offered by A. Lange & Söhne during the period. Features include:
¾ plate movement with hand-engraved balance cock
Diamond endstone on balance staff
Gold screw compensation balance
Five gold chatons and heat-blued screws
Gold lever and escape wheel
Schwanenhals (swan neck) micrometer regulator
Crown winding system with exquisite precision
The movement’s double sunburst ratchet wheels — a signature of Moritz Grossmann’s finishing technique — attest to the meticulous hand-finishing Lange applied even to functional components.
Case and Dial
Encased in solid 18K gold, this heavy open-face “Bassin” style case features Lange’s hallmark as well as the German Reichsgold 0.750 assay mark. The guilloché back displays subtle wear consistent with age, while the engine-turned detailing remains crisp and elegant.
The two-part enamel dial bears classic Roman numerals, a recessed subsidiary seconds dial, and the original blued spade hands — perfectly preserved under its replacement glass crystal.
At 50mm and 97 grams total weight, the piece carries a commanding presence yet retains the understated dignity that defines late 19th-century Glashütte design.
Original Box and Museum Archive Certificate
This example is accompanied by its original A. Lange & Söhne presentation box, lined in burgundy velvet and gold-stamped with the brand’s Dresden hallmark. It also includes a replacement crystal and an Extract from the Archivesissued by the German Watch Museum Glashütte, dated August 22, 2023 — confirming its authenticity and original sale details.
Collectibility and Appraised Value
High-grade Lange pocket watches from the 19th century remain cornerstones of serious horological collections, representing the foundation of what would later become one of the world’s most prestigious modern brands.
With its complete provenance, near-perfect condition, and verified museum certification, this example would appraise between $40,000 and $65,000, depending on the international auction venue and demand cycle.
Collectors should note that authentic archival confirmation from Glashütte is extremely rare and substantially elevates value.
Expert Authentication and Valuation for Fine Timepieces
For collectors of historic horology, documentation and provenance are key to establishing both authenticity and fair market value. Whether it’s a 19th-century Lange, a mid-century Patek, or a modern Rolex complication, DJR Authentication provides expert appraisal, authentication, and consulting services for fine watches and timepieces worldwide. Learn more about DJR Authentication’s online and in-person watch appraisal and authentication services — trusted by collectors, estates, and curators alike.
