A. Lange & Söhne, founded in Glashütte, Germany in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, was destroyed by Soviet expropriation after WWII and magnificently revived by Walter Lange in 1990 after German reunification. The brand represents the pinnacle of German watchmaking — an alternative tradition to Swiss horology with distinct aesthetic codes including the proprietary outsize date, three-quarter plate, and hand-engraved balance cocks.
Available below retail on the secondary market at 15% discount, this model offers exceptional value for buyers willing to purchase pre-owned. This pricing makes it one of the better value propositions in the dress watch category.
The WVS Value Score of 67/100 reflects the balance between this watch's specifications, brand positioning, and market dynamics. While not the highest-scoring watch in its category, it may offer advantages in other areas such as design, availability, or raw specification value.
The estimated annual cost of ownership is $2745 per year, accounting for depreciation, servicing, and insurance. While this is higher than some alternatives, it should be weighed against the wearing pleasure and prestige the watch provides daily.
Understanding the true cost of owning a luxury watch requires looking beyond the purchase price. Our cost-of-ownership model calculates the annual net expense of keeping the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 191.032 on your wrist, factoring in three key components.
First, depreciation: based on historical pricing data for this reference and similar A. Lange & Söhne models, we estimate annual value change at 6%. This depreciation rate is typical for this price segment and brand positioning. Second, servicing: A. Lange & Söhne recommends periodic maintenance to ensure accuracy and water resistance. We amortize the estimated service cost across the recommended interval, arriving at $120 per year. Third, insurance: at approximately 1.5% of market value, annual insurance costs $525 to protect against theft, loss, or accidental damage.
Combining these factors yields a net annual cost of $2745. That's roughly $7.52 per day — comparable to a daily lunch expense.
Estimated market price trend based on aggregated public listing data. Prices reflect average asking prices for complete sets in excellent condition. Updated monthly.
Our proprietary score rates every luxury watch on a 0-100 scale across five dimensions. Scores above 85 indicate exceptional value retention and market positioning. The formula is transparent and weight-based.
When considering the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 191.032, it helps to understand how it compares to alternatives in the dress watch category. The highest-scoring alternative is the Rolex Day-Date with a Value Score of 80/100, slightly above the 191.032's 67/100. The comparison table below provides a detailed side-by-side analysis of all key metrics.
| Watch | Market Price | Size | WR | Own/Yr | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 191.032 | $30,000–$40,000 | 38.5mm | 30m | $2745/yr | 67 |
| Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227G-010 | $28,000–$38,000 | 39mm | 30m | $2595/yr | 73 |
| Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227R-001 | $28,000–$38,000 | 39mm | 30m | $2595/yr | 73 |
| Rolex Day-Date 228238 | $38,000–$52,000 | 40mm | 100m | $210/yr | 80 |
| Rolex Day-Date 228239 | $38,000–$50,000 | 40mm | 100m | $1660/yr | 78 |
| Rolex Day-Date 228235 | $40,000–$55,000 | 40mm | 100m | $215/yr | 80 |
Dress watches prioritize elegance and slim profiles over technical specifications. Designed to slip under a shirt cuff, they typically feature minimal dials, thin cases, and leather straps. For the collector, a dress watch represents the art of restraint — where value lies in finishing quality rather than feature count.
Key metrics for dress watches are case thickness (ideally under 10mm), movement finishing visible through a display caseback, dial quality, and strap/buckle craftsmanship. Water resistance is typically lower (30-50m) since these watches aren't designed for sport use.
Dress watches are ideal for business formal, black tie, and occasions where subtlety is valued. They may feel under-dressed with casual wear. Many collectors own a dress watch alongside a sport watch to cover all social contexts.
Lange watches are available through a select network of authorized dealers and boutiques. Most models are available without significant waitlists, though limited editions sell out quickly. The Saxonia and 1815 lines offer the most accessible entry into Lange's world, while the Lange 1 is the brand's signature piece.
Every A. Lange & Söhne movement is assembled twice — first to test function, then disassembled and reassembled with final finishing. The brand uses German silver (untreated maillechort) plates that develop a golden patina over decades, hand-engraved balance cocks unique to each calibre, and blued screws heated by hand. Movement finishing is arguably the finest in production watchmaking at any price.
Service is recommended every 4-6 years with costs of $1,500-$3,000 depending on complication. Lange's service is handled through their Glashütte headquarters, ensuring original-quality standards. Turnaround times can be 6-12 weeks for complex calibres.
A. Lange & Söhne watches are increasingly recognized as undervalued relative to their quality. The Lange 1 and Datograph hold value well and have appreciated in recent years as collectors discover the brand. The secondary market offers a rare opportunity to acquire arguably the best-finished watches in the world at reasonable premiums over retail.
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| Ref | Variant | Retail | Score | Own/Yr | Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 191.032 | White Gold/Silver ◂ | $41,000 | 67 | $2745/yr | $30,000–$40,000 |
Value Score 67/100 · $2745/year to own · 94% retention