Complications
Chromatic Fugue, a seasoned collector, draws attention to the often-overlooked beauty of the three-quarters plate in A. Lange & Söhne movements. While many admire the obvious intricacies of openworked calibers, Chromatic Fugue highlights how the Glashütte striping on the three-quarters plate, particularly on his Lange 1 Moonphase, offers a subtle yet captivating display of horological artistry. This piece delves into the aesthetic appeal and unique characteristics of this foundational movement component.
The 1815 Grand Complication represents a pinnacle of traditional horological artistry from A. Lange & Söhne, showcasing a comprehensive array of complex mechanisms within a single timepiece. This reference is a testament to the brand's commitment to high-complication watchmaking, integrating multiple grand complications that are meticulously finished and assembled by hand. It stands as one of the most intricate watches ever produced by the Glashütte manufacture, reflecting a deep respect for classical watchmaking principles.
The watch features a platinum case with a diameter of 50mm and a substantial thickness of 20.3mm, housing the manually wound L1902 caliber. This movement provides a power reserve of 30 hours. The dial is silver, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters. The intricate movement is visible through a sapphire case back, revealing the complex architecture and traditional finishing techniques.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking the ultimate expression of mechanical complexity and artisanal craftsmanship. It is a significant piece within A. Lange & Söhne's haute horlogerie offerings, demonstrating the brand's capability to execute multiple grand complications harmoniously. The 1815 Grand Complication is a limited production piece, underscoring its exclusivity and desirability among serious collectors of high-complication watches.
...even though you deprived us of the dial side
I'm curious, are there photos anywhere of what a Lange 1 looks like with the 3/4 plate removed? Would love to get an idea of what the finishing is like underneath!
...filed under 'Things that sound dirty but aren't.' : )
In the meantime here’s an interesting article by Jack Forster about the distinction between the first and second generation movements for the Lange 1: In-Depth: The Original Lange 1 Compared To The New Version For 2015
I haven’t noticed any patina yet for this one (which stands to reason because it’s only two years old) or my first gen 1815 Chrono.
... slightly more yellow color. However, it reverts back to the like-new color during servicing. I once asked if there's any way for Lange to preserve the patina during factory servicing and was told no, there's not.
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