A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moon Phase Hommage F. A. Lange
Complications

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moon Phase Hommage F. A. Lange

By samwan · Feb 12, 2012 · 31 replies
samwan
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
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Samwan's pictorial showcases the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moon Phase from the 'Hommage to F. A. Lange' edition, a limited series distinguished by its unique honey-colored gold. This article provides an intimate look at the watch's intricate details, from its meticulously guillochéd dial to the superb finishing of its movement, offering readers a deep appreciation for Lange's craftsmanship and astronomical precision.

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Two years ago, A Lange & Sohne paid tribute to the founder of the German watchmaking dynasty with the "Hommage to F A Lange" edition, comprising three iconic timepieces:

* The TOURBOGRAPH "Pour le Merite"

* The LANGE 1 TOURBILLON

* The 1815 MOON PHASE

The hallmark of these limited edition (265 pcs) masterpieces is a totally new alloy of remarkable hardness and radiance: 18 carat honey-colored gold.

I was fortunate enough to lay my hands on one such piece and made a hasty post about it, but promised to take some proper pictures when I have the time.

The 1815 Moon Phase is characterised by its meticulously guilloched central segment dial, the blue lustre of the moon phase indicator and of the hands, and superb sunburst finishing of the movement. The outer portion of the three-quarter plate displays the hand-engraved signature "A. Lange & Sohne/Sa." and the balance cock carries unique hand engraving, a task mastered by only a handful of watchmakers at Lange.

Rather than using the rounded value of 29.5 days for the lunar month, the 1815 MOON PHASE operates on a mean orbit of 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 3 seconds. Each watch is delievered with a moon phase time table. So long as the watch runs without interruption, it offers astronomic precision for 30 generations - the moonphase display would have to be corrected by a day in 1058 years!

Without further ado...here are some wonderful pictures taken by my friend Ogyia:

 



Escapement:


Hacking and balance - the balance spring operates at the rate accuracy of 100 nanometres (about 1/100 part of the diameter of a human hair). Truly mind-boggling...



Screwed gold chatons:





The guilloched central dial:


Superbly engraved balance cock:


The immaculately finished three-quarter plate:


Hope you enjoyed these pictures.

Sam



 

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

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The Discussion
CO
COUNT DE MONET
Feb 12, 2012

Wow, what lovely pictures from this romantic watch: the aura is fully present on the pictures. The first one looks nearly like painted, very atmospheric. Let us see if someone else is also missing one stone ... . Regards Moritz

AM
amanico
Feb 12, 2012

Thank you so much for the morning pleasure. Best, Nicolas

SA
samwan
Feb 12, 2012

Hope it will be fixed soon Best Sam

SA
samwan
Feb 12, 2012

Oygia and I worked for a whole Sunday afternoon (well...he worked and I simply nosed around) so more nice pictures of several other pieces are on the way. Stay tuned. Cheers Sam

FO
foversta
Feb 12, 2012

This 1815 Moonphase was a watch which led to mixed emotions when it was released due to the comparison with the Emil Lange. But I like it a lot and the "homage style" is perfect for this complication. Thanks a lot! Fx

DO
donizetti
Feb 12, 2012

thanks a lot! What an exquisite piece! Best Andreas

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