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To commemorate 175 years of precision watchmaking in Saxony, A. Lange & Söhne released three exceptional anniversary pieces in honeygold with frosted movements. Gadalex provides an exclusive, up-close look at the prototypes of the 1815 Rattrapante, 1815 Thin, and Tourbograph, capturing their intricate movements just before they returned to Germany. His detailed photographs offer a rare glimpse into the exacting standards of Lange's craftsmanship.
I finally managed to make it back to the boutique in London to photograph the movements of the three anniversary pieces (the afternoon before they were heading back to Germany). All three are prototypes, but that does not in any way suggest that the watches weren't finished to the exacting standards one would expect from Lange.
In order:
- 1815 Rattrapante
- 1815 Thin
- Tourbograph
All watches are cased in honeygold and exhibit frosted bridges as opposed to striping.
Lange 1815 Rattrapante
Lange 1815 thin
Lange Tourbograph
About the A. Lange and Söhne Emil Lange Ref. 1815
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 reference 206.032, introduced in 1999, is a notable example of the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking principles. This model is part of the 1815 collection, which pays homage to the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange and emphasizes classic design elements such as Arabic numerals and blued hands, drawing inspiration from historical Lange pocket watches. It represents a more understated and purist aesthetic compared to some of the brand's more complex offerings, focusing on fundamental horological excellence.
This particular reference features an 18k rose gold case measuring 36mm in diameter and 7.5mm in thickness. It houses the manually wound L941.1 caliber, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front, protecting a solid silver dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.
The 1815 206.032 appeals to collectors who appreciate classical proportions and a focus on fundamental watchmaking without excessive complications. Its smaller case size reflects a more traditional approach to men's wristwatches, making it a desirable piece for those seeking a discreet yet highly refined timepiece. The combination of rose gold and a silver dial offers a warm and legible presentation, consistent with the collection's historical inspirations.
Specifications
- Caliber
- L941.1
- Case
- 18k rose gold
- Diameter
- 36mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Ref. 1815Rattrapante
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar represents a pinnacle of the brand's complicated watchmaking, combining two of horology's most esteemed complications within the classic 1815 collection. This reference integrates a split-seconds chronograph with a perpetual calendar, offering both precision timing and comprehensive calendrical indications in a single, highly refined timepiece. It stands as a testament to Lange's commitment to traditional Saxon watchmaking, emphasizing technical complexity and artisanal finishing.
This particular iteration features a white gold case paired with a solid pink gold dial, often referred to by collectors as 'salmon.' The movement, a manually wound caliber, is characterized by its intricate architecture, including a column-wheel chronograph mechanism and a perpetual calendar module displaying day, date, month, leap year, and moon phase. The case typically measures around 41.9mm in diameter, providing a substantial yet balanced presence on the wrist. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing the hand-engraved balance cock and Glashütte ribbing.
For collectors, the 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar is highly sought after due to its technical sophistication, limited production numbers, and the aesthetic appeal of its dial and case material combination. Its blend of a rare complication set with Lange's distinctive design language and meticulous finishing positions it as a significant piece within contemporary high horology, appealing to those who value both mechanical ingenuity and understated elegance.
Specifications
- Caliber
- L101.1
- Case
- White gold
- Diameter
- 41.9 mm
- Dial
- Pink gold (salmon)
- Water Resist.
- 30 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire
Key Points from the Discussion
- Another collector had the opportunity to try on the anniversary pieces at the London boutique, noting that while photography of the movements was not permitted, the experience allowed for a direct comparison with other beloved pieces.
- One collector secured an allocation for the 1815 Thin from the Singapore boutique, highlighting that Richemont-owned boutiques appear to receive higher allocations for limited editions compared to independently owned ones. The actual watches were expected to arrive in December, coinciding with A. Lange's founding month.
- There is a question regarding the deployant buckles for these special editions; specifically, whether the Tourbograph features a new quick-release honeygold buckle and if the 1815 Rattrapante comes with a honeygold folding deployant or a standard prong buckle, as information has been conflicting.
- The Singapore Lange boutique, despite being a first-time interaction for one collector, provided exemplary service with no pressure to purchase additional watches, requiring only a 30% deposit via a convenient online credit card link for the limited edition 1815 Thin.
- A direct question was posed to the original author about whether the boutique required the purchase of a non-limited edition watch to secure an allocation for these highly sought-after limited edition pieces.
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