A. Lange & Söhne Little Lange 1
The Collector’s Guide – November 2024
A phenomenon occurs in almost every high-end watchmaking brand: there is the signature collection that serves as the face of the brand, and then there is an accompanying, lesser-known sibling. Precisely because it’s less recognized, this “sibling” becomes extremely rare, yet remains undeniably charming. It’s reminiscent of Patek Philippe’s 3800 next to its 3700, Audemars Piguet’s 4332 beside its 5402, and A. Lange & Söhne’s Little Lange 1 paired with the Lange 1.
Quick Facts:
- Introduced in 1998
- Mainly addressed to the Asian Market
- Measures at 36.1 (first generation) and 36.8 mm (second generation) as opposed to classic Lange 1 at 38.5 mm.
- First generation has significantly low production period / numbers.
It might seem unusual to name a collection simply as the “Littler” version of another. However, for those familiar with the German language and culture, this directness is going to feel natural. The language is so straightforward that it leaves little room for interpretation (or humor, for that matter!). In Saxony, you’d hear people often greet each other on lunch breaks with Mahlzeit, literally meaning Mealtime. Or a general zeugnaming, an example being feuerzeug for lighter, literally “fire thing”—no frills allowed. So, in the same spirit, a more compact version of the iconic Lange 1 could only be called the Little Lange 1.
To understand the existence of the Little Lange 1, we need to understand watch sizes in the 1990s and where A. Lange & Söhne stood at the time. The Lange 1 collection debuted in 1994.
A. Lange & Söhne’s 1994 lineup consisted of four pieces: the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite, the Lange 1, the Saxonia, and the Arkade. The two standout pieces were the Tourbillon and the Lange 1, both measuring 38.5 mm in diameter. This was ambitious; because Swiss manufacturers, even for their most complicated watches, typically opted for sizes around 36–36.5 mm. Examples include Breguet’s 32xx, Patek Philippe’s 3940 and 3970, and Vacheron Constantin’s 47101—all crafted in 36 mm cases.
In 1994 and 1995, Lange distributed its watches solely within German-speaking countries, expanding to Italy, the U.S., and Asia by the late ’90s. One thing was clear to Blümlein: Japanese collectors, often ahead of their time, found the 38.5 mm size slightly too large. Swift to respond, Blümlein launched the Little Lange 1 collection in a 36.1 mm size in 1998, catering especially to markets in Japan and Singapore.
Since then, like its predecessor, the Little Lange 1 collection has seen two generations. Most of this article, however, will focus on the first generation, where we’ll explore a host of experimental and playful pieces. In this article, we are also going to take a brief look at the Little Lange 1 Moonphase collection.
Little Lange 1 – An Overlook
The Little Lange 1 collection was introduced as a complementary line to the Lange 1 series. Thus, in 1998, the Little Lange 1 debuted as an accompanying piece to the main series, with reference numbers beginning with 111.xxx to match the main series’ 101.xxx references. All of the following references were introduced in 1998—though they won’t be found in most German or English catalogs, as these rare models were primarily intended for the Japanese market:
- 111.021 (Yellow gold / Champagne dial)
- 111.025 (Platinum / Silver dial)
- 111.027 (White gold / Silver dial, possibly a unique piece)
- 111.028 (Yellow gold / Blue dial)
- 111.031 (Pink gold / Black dial)
- 111.032 (Pink gold / Silver dial)
- 111.035 (Platinum / Black dial)
A Lange Sohne Little Lange 1 “Darth” (left), yellow gold 111.021 (middle) and “Stealth” 111.025. Sold at Langepedia x The 1916 Company Marketplace.
Most of these references had very limited production runs. For instance, reference 111.028 was reportedly only in production for a year and is so rare that, for years, the only photo of it I’d seen was a press photo from 1999, alongside its similarly rare and larger sibling, reference 101.028. Perhaps this is the only image you’ve seen of it, too—until now.
Despite the collection being aimed at the Japanese market, a significant number of these pieces were still sold through German or Italian retailers, as they absorbed some of the remaining stock from Asia. As beautiful as these pieces were, they proved challenging to sell, which is likely why Lange ceased production relatively early for many of them.
By the early 2000s, the brand had halted production of most Little Lange 1 references. The collection made a comeback only in 2014, marking A. Lange & Söhne’s 20th anniversary. However, in this phase, the Little Lange 1 was shifted away from its unisex appeal, and chose the easy way to address the ladies’ with gem-set designs.
Little Lange 1 “20th Anniversary” Editions. Courtesy of Hodinkee.
The final two examples of the 36.1 mm cases are references 113.041 and 113.043, featuring purplish mother-of-pearl dials in pink gold and white gold cases, respectively. These are incredibly charming and rare pieces that remain underrated. A very dear friend calls the dial hue of these gems “twilight sunlight” and as soothing. We are also going to see a bit more below in the case section a few more Little Lange 1s with mother of pearl dials. Indeed, A. Lange & Söhne was quite generous with the use of exotic materials within the first generation.
In 2018, the Little Lange 1 collection reemerged with an enlarged 36.8 mm case and the new caliber L121.1, again adapted from the parent collection. Released in pink and white gold with vibrant CNC guilloché dials, the brand moved away from gem-set designs to offer a more cohesive collection. The grey dial variant (reference 181.037) became particularly popular among men, alongside the first-ever purple dial (reference 181.039).
Little Lange 1 in pink gold with a blue/purple Mother of Pearl dial. Irresistable.
Following, we had 25th Anniversary variants and finally the Onyx “Darth” in 2024 for the 30th anniversary celebrations – I’ll comeback to these with a separate article.
Little Lange 1 – The Case
The Little Lange 1 measures a compact 36.1 x 10 mm, yet its case design goes beyond being a mere scaled-down version of the Lange 1. Though it presents a slight “biscuit” effect—where the thickness can appear a touch disproportionate to its diameter—Lange made thoughtful adjustments to refine its proportions for the smaller size.
A closer inspection highlights significantly slimmer lugs and a narrower bezel on the Little Lange 1, evoking the elegant profiles of the 36 mm 1815 collection from the same era. Like its larger counterpart, it features brushed case bands, which provide a subtle contrast to the polished bezel and case back ring. This design choice is especially impactful for a watch of this size, using visual cues to create a slimmer profile.
A first generation Little Lange 1 in platinum 111.025. Sold at Langepedia x The 1916 Company Marketplace
One aspect I particularly appreciate about the Little Lange 1 is its full case back. Despite the smaller size, it houses the classic Lange 1 caliber L901.0, originally designed for the 38.5 mm model. This movement fills the case back beautifully, extending edge to edge for a view that feels perfectly proportioned—simply delightful.
A personal indulgence I enjoy with the Little Lange 1 is admiring this full case back. The use of the caliber L901.0 in the smaller case provides a stunning view, with the movement filling the space completely. The convex case back ring enhances the effect, further opening up the display. Just lovely.
A first generation Little Lange 1 in platinum 111.025. Sold at Langepedia x The 1916 Company Marketplace
My only complaint regarding the Little Lange 1 case came up during a recent visit to the 1916 Company offices in Philadelphia. A friend asked, “Why don’t the Little Lange 1s have a pusher for the date?” Well, why indeed? I don’t know—perhaps Lange wanted to keep the case as simple and circular as possible, avoiding the disruption of a large pusher. Still, I’d prefer one, as I don’t always carry my pusher or even a toothpick!
Apart from the classic variants, A. Lange & Söhne introduced some extremely delightful baguette-bezel versions for the Little Lange 1 collection, featuring stones from rubies to sapphires. These gems add a touch of heft to the 36.1 mm beauties, perfectly complementing the playful mother-of-pearl dials.
I must admit, I’m not quite bold enough to pull off these designs, though I wish I were! These references are rare treasures, seldom seen in the wild—and perhaps that’s for the better. Every time I do come across one, it’s pure delight.
A Little Lange 1 with ruby baguette (left – Sotheby’s) and Classic Lange 1 with diamond baguette (Thewatchclub.com)
Little Lange 1 – The Dials
One common misconception about the Little Lange 1 dials is that they are identical to those of the Lange 1. However, they are not. While the sub-dials are the same size, the overall diameter of the Little Lange 1 is smaller. You might think that the Lange 1 dials are effectively trimmed at the outer edge to fit the more compact cases of the Little Lange 1.
You can spot this by observing the distance between the hour and minute sub-dials and the rehaut. On the Little Lange 1, the sub-dials are positioned much closer to the edges, giving the impression that they fill the dial entirely.
As a result, the Little Lange 1 dials appear slightly more “full” and perhaps even cramped—a look that took me some time to appreciate. Yet, this fullness brings its own charm. It intensifies the sense of asymmetrical harmony that defines the Lange 1 design, leaving no room for distraction and fully embodying the iconic layout.
Little Lange 1 (left) vs Classic Lange 1
As mentioned earlier, the early dials of the Little Lange 1 are identical in style to those of the Lange 1, sharing the same fonts and finishes. This is particularly evident in the black and blue dial versions of the Little Lange 1, where the delightfully striped and two-tone surfaces come to life with every turn of the wrist. Under direct sunlight, the dial reveals a reflective depth reminiscent of F.P. Journe’s lacquer-like finish, creating the illusion that the hands are effortlessly floating above a shimmering silver sea.
Notably, most early Little Lange 1s (ref. 111.xxx) were produced before 2001–2002, so it’s common to find them with the early sans-serif font. If you encounter a model with a later, modern font, it is likely fitted with a service dial. As always, I recommend verifying its history to ensure authenticity.
Given the Little Lange 1’s origins as a watch with a more “feminine” designation, A. Lange & Söhne has explored Mother of Pearl and diamonds extensively in this line. From twilight-like purples to soft blues and pinks, these dials have served as an experimental canvas for the brand, offering a playful contrast to the restrained, classic aesthetic of the larger Lange 1s.
Phew! Reference 813.044B.
Little Lange 1 Moonphase
Come to 2009, on the 15th Anniversary of the re-birth of both A. Lange & Söhne and the Lange 1, the brand introduced a delightful limited edition of 150 pieces, marking the debut of a new collection: the Little Lange 1 Moonphase.
These gems featured bezels adorned with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds and came with either white or blue Mother of Pearl dials—you might recognize the latter from the Lange 1 Dubail Edition of 2003. Each was housed in a 36.8 mm case with a thickness of 10.4 mm, representing the second generation of the Little Lange 1 collection with its slightly enlarged case.
Little Lange 1 Moonphase with oval shaped hour markers. Delightful!
Please take a moment to look at the dial. Look past the magical blue Mother of Pearl. What do you notice? Yes! The Little Lange 1 Moonphase from this series carries a rather more serene, less defined, and warmer appearance. Have a closer look at the hour and seconds markers—they are not the usual diamond-cut style but are oval-shaped instead. Isn’t that a delightful tweak? It gently nudges the design into a more feminine realm, adding another layer of charm to these pieces.
After these two iterations, A. Lange & Söhne didn’t release another Little Lange 1 Moonphase until 2017. It wouldn’t be a stretch to speculate that it took seven years to sell all 300 pieces.
The new reference, however, was more restrained, more streamlined than adventurous. The Little Lange 1 Moonphase reference 182.030 came in pink gold, paired with a CNC engraved guilloche dial and a gold moon disc, powered by the new Lange 1 caliber L121.2. Another modern reference, 182.086, featured a blue aventurine dial. At first glance, the aventurine looks striking, but unfortunately, the excitement fades rather quickly. Using a material as complex as aventurine on an already intricate dial like the Lange 1 diminishes the impact of both. Personally, I prefer aventurine in the simpler Saxonia design.
In my opinion, the only truly special Little Lange 1 Moonphase of the modern era is the reference 182.066, created for the 25th Anniversary Collection.
Reference 182.066, limited to 25 pieces. Sold at the Langepedia x The 1916 Company Marketplace.
Take a moment to examine this piece: with its printed indexes reminiscent of the early Lange 1 reference 101.027x, the overall radiant blue theme, and that very, very special hand-engraved solid gold moonphase disc, it is a tremendous watch. Limited to just 25 pieces, it also features a “25” engraved on the balance cock—an added detail that elevates the charm. This reference is, without a doubt, a standout.
Apart from the references mentioned above, Little Lange 1 Moonphase with Aventurine dial deserves a worthy mention, symbolizing A. Lange & Söhne’s return to exotic dials with rather adventurous façade, supported with star shaped indexes.
Little Lange 1 – The Movement
The collection draws a clear parallel to its sibling from a movement perspective as well. In 1998, the Little Lange 1 collection debuted with the caliber L901.0, the same movement used in the original Lange 1. With the introduction of the second generation in 2017, it transitioned to the modern L121.1 movement.
With both generations, my observation about the “full view” through the case back holds true—and it’s delightful. Of course, you spend 90% of your time viewing a watch from its dial, but there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing your watch is a complete package. It’s not just a small movement dropped into a larger case with mediocre finishing. I can’t bring myself to appreciate such shortcuts, and I wish more enthusiasts would demand better. This is one of the reasons I also admire Journe’s work—there’s always a sense that you’re getting a fully realized creation, where every detail is considered and the visuals reflect true craftsmanship.
The second generation of the Little Lange 1 retains the concave case back ring structure, which further showcases that gorgeous German silver plate with Glashütte ribbing. The design expands the movement’s visual presence, making the view even more captivating.
Little Lange 1 Moonphase “25th Anniversary”.
As always, the finish and architecture are quintessential A. Lange & Söhne. Hallmarks such as the hand-engraved balance cock, gold chatons, blued screws, and the flat-polished escape-wheel cap are ever-present. No compromises are made, even though this is ostensibly a “ladies’ watch.” It’s true high-end watchmaking, housed in a 36.8 mm case, and possibly offering the finest work you can find at this price point.
A. Lange & Söhne Little Lange 1 – Concluding Thoughts
Often friends ask me, what is the most under-appreciated A. Lange & Söhne collection? It is tough to answer, because I try to write extensively, especially about the collections I think that are under the radar, hence, shed a bit of light on the “rusty” gems. Though as best as I can try, the market dictates the popularity, and leaves some behind the scenes. In my answers, I always allude to the basic Richard Lange, Langematik Perpetual, the early Langematik, 1815 Up/Down, etc.. Well, add Little Lange 1s there too, especially the first-generation examples with Mother of Pearl dials.
The production numbers of the Little Lange 1s, compared to most Lange 1 editions are, extremely low. Most of these references were catered to a very small number of clienteles, for a few years. However, it is important to make a distinction. There are references such as 111.028, yellow gold and blue dial, which I have seen (and of course acquired) only once in my 15 years of Lange chasing, and then there are more common editions. When I say common, though, I mean within A. Lange & Söhne context. For modern watchmaking almost every early reference the brand has produced is rare.
Little Lange 1 reference 111.028 with blue dial. Very, very rarely seen. See here its bigger brother, 101.028.
That said, re-market values, we can once again draw parallels from the classic Lange 1 collection.
What are the most popular editions? The Darth, the stealth, the blue dial variants, etc.. Same applies to the Little Lange 1 collection. The references 111.035, 111.025, 111.028 are going to be the most in demand versions, along with the very, very lesser known and appreciated Mother of Pearl dial editions.
As a rule of thumb, accounting the market of the last 5 years, I can say that a Little Lange 1 edition would charge a premium to its corresponding Lange 1 model. This premium is more modest for pieces like 111.035, which its Lange 1 edition also commands a strong demand, and will be extra for a reference such as 111.025, where a corresponding Lange 1 edition is rather modest in the market due to its lengthy production.
Little Lange 1 reference 113.043 with a twilight dial.
For the future, I have a few guesses. As mentioned in previous newsletters, A. Lange & Söhne closely follows the pre-owned market and often reissues editions that align with its trends. We’ve seen this with the 25th Anniversary Lange 1s reflecting the livery of the 101.027x, the Zeitwerk Lumen Honey Gold, the Datograph Handwerkskunst following the design of the first-generation Datograph, and, of course, the Lange 1 and Little Lange 1 Onyx dials, which pay homage to the Lange 1 Darth.
The common thread in these reissues and tweaks is that they follow the best-performing variants in their respective collections. Considering the success of the Onyx dial editions, I am confident we’ll see more Lange 1 and Little Lange 1s with exotic dials in the future. Hopefully, this includes a return of the mother-of-pearl dials—offered in a way that feels fresh and exciting, while remaining respectful of earlier collectors’ pieces.
One last important point to note is that, during the early days, A. Lange & Söhne was quite generous on honoring individual requests. Especially in the Little Lange 1 world, I encountered a few watches that are off-catalogue. So chances are, before dismissing it as a franken piece, which unfortunately there are a few, always check with the brand or myself.
Many thanks for your time, and please do not hesitate to reach out!
I hope this was a valuable guide for whomever is looking for a Little Lange 1 model or just want to learn the details and history of these pieces. If you’d like to chat, sell or buy a Little Lange 1, please kindly reach out to me via [email protected]
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