A. Lange & Söhne Arkade "Mother of Pearl" No-Date 203.044

Arkade "Mother of Pearl" No-Date — 203.044

Arkade, the smallest piece ever produced by A. Lange & Söhne and introduced alongside monumental references like the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite and the Lange 1 in 1994, might just be the mightiest one. This collection has been the brand's response to the watchmaking world, stating that a ladies' watch should not always be surrounded with diamonds or colorful stones, and that it can pack watchmaking rivaling the greats.

The collection has assumed many forms since its introduction in 1994. It became available in every traditional precious metal, in every traditional Lange combination: platinum / black dial, yellow gold / champagne dial, etc. Yet, few and far between, A. Lange & Söhne let its imagination run wild. We've seen Arkade pieces in full diamonds, adorned with sapphire and ruby indices… Arkades in full baguette-cut emeralds… This is a bit more sane, but still runs wild, in the best possible way.

Reference 203.044 is part of a four-reference series introduced in 2006. The series includes two other white gold editions and one other pink gold edition, each limited to ca. 10 pieces. These gems are extremely hard to come by, and this is the first time in my decade-long Lange following that I've seen one with my own eyes. The lack of date discs opens up a fantastic playing field for the mother of pearl, and the coupling with the small, diamond-shaped indices only emphasizes it even more.

The caliber L911.1 is one of the first and most basic A. Lange & Söhne calibers ever made. Still, somehow within such a confined space, it boasts every signature element of a Lange piece, finished to perfection, and offers 42 hours of power reserve.

This gem came with its original box, hangtag and extract.

Now sold at Langepedia.com.