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Lot #1517

A. Lange & Sohne Arkade 103.021 Yellow Gold

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Introduction

Following the collapse of East Germany, Walter Lange immediately set about creating four timepieces that he would launch during his bid to revive his great-grandfather’s iconic company in 1994. While three of those models were created for men, one of them was designed for ladies, the Arkade. Originally controversial due to its presence as a legitimate piece of watchmaking, the Arkade broke from the norm due to its use of high-end luxury watchmaking, something that other watchmakers had yet to begin doing as they instead created luxury female timepieces with quartz movements and elaborate gem-set designs that did not feature movements to match their price tag. Lange broke from this norm and created the Arkade after taking inspiration from the arcades in the courtyard of Dresden Castle, which led to the arch-like shape of its case. Featuring a large date display, as is Lange’s signature, the Arkade feels every bit like a Lange timepiece as any men’s model, and rightfully so, with its stunning silver dial and exhibition caseback showing off what made it so unique for its time.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

M 9

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$8,000 – $12,000

The Details

Brand

A. Lange & Sohne

Dimensions

29mm x 22mm

Model

Arkade

Movement

Manual-wind cal. L911.4

Reference

103.021

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 1990s

Condition

Near-Mint

Material

18kt yellow gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Silver

THE DIAL

Sporting a silver dial with an even texture throughout, with the exception of its recessed running seconds subdial, the Arkade's aesthetic is that of a kind of minimalism that women's watches never really had until the Arkade was launched.

THE CASE

Made of 18kt yellow gold and inspired by the tiered arcades throughout Dresden castle's courtyard, the Arkade's case is tall and slim with an arched top and bottom, and long lugs that are immediately reminiscent of the columns that divide each arcade.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in overall near mint condition. Seemingly kept in a time capsule, the case has developed a rosy patina over the years. The surfaces are sharp and crisp, as are the hallmarks. Minor wear from hadling visible in some areas, such as the buckle.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.

Our Perspective

An iconic watch that contributed to the newfound focus that brands finally began to give the luxury women's timepiece as a category of watchmaking in and of itself, the Arkade is arguably just as iconic as the three other watches it was launched in tandem with, if not more.

Eric Ku

Co-founder