Lange Langematik for Wempe: Observation Link
Reference Guide

Lange Langematik for Wempe: Observation Link

By amanico · Oct 24, 2010 · 54 replies
amanico
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
54 replies25329 views0 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Amanico's article, "Lange Observation watch, the missing link: Langematik Limited Edition for Wempe," uncovers a significant piece of A. Lange & Söhne history. This post highlights the 2005 Langematik for Wempe, positioning it as a crucial bridge between Lange's early 20th-century observation pocket watches and the modern Richard Lange series. Amanico meticulously details the watch's historical inspiration, aesthetic appeal, and technical features, making a compelling case for its desirability.

54 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →


From the pocket observation watch, released in the very early XXth Century ( I read somewhere that only 15 pieces were made ... ) :



To the Richard Lange, introduced in 2006:



There is a watch we didn't often speak about ... The Langematik made for Wempe, in 2005.



If you compare the dial of this watch with the " Grosse " ( 57 mm ) Observation pocket watch dial shown above, there is, obviously and undisputably, an " air de famille ", as they both share the same small seconds and power reserve subdials.

This is also an homage to the tradition of Chronometry from Wempe, hence, through this watch, the link between the 2 german brands is very clear and logical.

So, the idea behind this time keeper was certainly brilliant.

Let's talk about the watch itself, now.

If I'm not wrong, this is the first and only Langematik to display a power reserve indicator.

It is interesting to notice that both the pocket watch and this very special Langematik share a 48 hours power reserve indicator, too.

The Langematik for Wempe is a very desirable watch, in my opinion.

First of all, the dial, not only charged in history, but also aesthetically " very Lange ".

Discrete, sober, understated, well, very elegant, with a nice and original balance as we are rather used to see the power reserve and small seconds subdials displayed in an horizontal way.



Even the writing is symmetrically located, making a kind of line between the 3 and the 9 o' clock indexes.

The heated blue hands ( hour, minute, power reserve and small seconds ) give this touch of life to the dial... Superb.



The case is another appealing point, in my opinion.

The Lange codes of " Belle Horlogerie " are here:

- Brushed sides, contrasting with the polished parts.

- Elegant lugs.

- Harmonious proportions ( 40, 6 mm big for an estimated 9 to 10 mm thickness )



Compared to another cult Langematik, the famous Anniversary, this " Gang Reserve " looks much bigger, with its additional 3,6 mm.

It may be seen as less subtle, but in my opinion, it is still very elegant.



The movement, as on every Lange watch, is not less interesting...

Hand engraved balance cock:



Swan Neck:



Reset to Zero mechanism:



Maillechort ( German Silver ) for the bridges and plates, screwed chatons 3/4 rotor, heated blue screws:





The Cal L 921.6 is a true Lange movement, receiving an expected finish for such a watch with the interesting and useful reset to zero sophisitication.

Another view on the movement, and specially on the three quarter rotor in solid glod and platinum:



The Langematik for Wempe was a Limited Edition in Rose Gold, Yellow Gold and Platinum.

The funny thing is that the RG is the rarest version, while I would have thought that, as usually, it would have been the platinum.

Indeed, the RG was made in 25 pieces, while the YG and the Pt were released in a limited Edition of 100 pieces each.

Conclusion:

You got it, I fell in love with this watch, once again.

I saw it in the flesh some 4 years ago, and at this moment, I was positively impressed.

Seeing it again in the flesh and having the opportunity to " play " with it for some time lately was just a pleasant revelation.

I'm a bit stuck in my wish list right now with two other obsessive pieces, the 1815 Moonphase and the Cabaret platinum, but yes, this may well be my 5th Lange!

I Hope you'll enjoy the reading, and I look forward to hear your comments and thoughts on this very unusual and rarely seen watch.

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-10-24 02:05:45 This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-10-28 06:58:41

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

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
KI
KIH
Oct 24, 2010

I once was thinking about this model, but due to the size and the fact it was automatic stopped me back then. Like you said, I may want to revisit my thoughts and think again.... Thank you much for reminding us of this watch. Very nice looking watch, indeed! Ken

VM
VMM
Oct 24, 2010

An excellent review of a precious and rare timepiece. The beauty of simplicity with the exclusivity of a very well balanced timepiece. LOVE it. Thanks for sharing. Vte

FO
foversta
Oct 24, 2010

it is the rarest version because it was dedicated to Wempe NY only as you can see on this pic I took at the Manufacture 5 years ago: I think that the most interesting point about this watch is that it is the sole automatic Lange to feature a power reserve indicator. I would like to see it on others because I find it more useful than for a classic HW watch. A beautiful watch as you perfectly described it. Thanks a lot for the review. Fr.Xavier

TE
tee530
Oct 24, 2010

Nicolas - Thanks for reviving this one. It is one my my favorites, along with the other two you mention, the LM Anniversary and the RL. One minor note: I believe the original Lange deck watch had a PR of 40 hrs. The dial is very well done. Do you know if it is printed or engraved (like the GO Senator Chronometer)? Lange chose to update two significant parts of the watch: the hands aren't the poire hands of ship's chronometers, and of course the automatic movement. As with almost all of Lange's d

MO
moc
Oct 24, 2010

undoubtely a Lange watch,oozea quality and craftmanship from every pore. Thank you fot reminding us....... Mo

AM
amanico
Oct 24, 2010

It was my pleasure to see it in the flesh, and to be able to write this post. Best, my friend. Nicolas

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the A. Lange & Söhne forum with 54 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →