A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante PC Handwerkskunst
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A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante PC Handwerkskunst

By samwan · Jan 11, 2018 · 80 replies
samwan
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
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samwan shares his journey acquiring the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst, a limited-edition masterpiece celebrating the Roman moon goddess "Luna." This post details the watch's intricate enameling and engraving, showcasing Lange's exceptional craftsmanship.

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Sometime in August last year, I made a trip to Europe and discovered that Lange & Sohne was planning to launch another handwerkskunst model - this time using the 1815 split seconds chronograph perpetual calendar - a complication introduced in 2013, often compared to Patek Philippe's reference 5204.

I was initially skeptical about the idea - the dial layout was already quite busy and I could not imagine how the handwerkskunst ( a German word which means "craftsmanship") tremblage could fit in.

In less than a month's time, Lange officially unveiled the watch - a lavishly decorated timepiece dedicated to celebrate the Roman moon goddess "Luna". Upon seeing the 'live' pictures, I was immediately moonstruck, if you will excuse the pun. Never before had Lange created a watch that combines enameling with engraving. In short, it was an awesome piece of art with a huge "wow" factor. There was no turning back as I solemnly resolved to hunt down the piece, although with a limited production of just 20 pieces, I could envisage a fiercely-fought battle just to lay my hands on it.

The 1815 Rattrapante PC HWK is the 6th model in the handwerkskunst series, the other five being:

- Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar in platinum
- Lange 1 Tourbillon with back enamel dial in platinum
- Zeitwerk in platinum
- Richard Lange PLM Toubillon in rose gold
- 1815 Tourbillon in rose gold

The number of pieces produced in each case was inevitably of a very small quantity, and ranged from 15 to a maximum of 30.

I quickly registered my interest and, like a good boy, waited patiently. After what seemed like an eternity, the boutique advised that my piece would arrive just before Christmas but I had to hold my breath because shipment could not be effected as most people were on leave in Europe. Alas, my grail arrived today....

With further ado, here are some hastily taken pictures.







The case is carved in solid white gold with iridescent blue enamel applied over the top. The date and day of the week counter appears at 9 o'clock while the month and leap year indicator is positioned at 3 o'clock. They are surrounded by an argente-colored flanage ring with railway track minute scale.






True to its tradition, Lange pays a lot of attention to the hands:

- the hour and minute hands are in rhodiumed gold
- the rattrapante hands are in rhodiumed steel
- the minute counter hands are in blued steel






On the back side of the watch is a hinged hunter-case containing a figure of Luna wearing a crescent moon diadem and holding a torch, executed in tremblage engraving which provides a rather subtle but grained texture. Circling the medallion is an engraved star-and-cloud relief in champleve enamel.





There is no deficiency of detail in the movement either - the watch basically carries the same 631-part L 101.1 as in the original model. It is hand-wound with a 42-hour reserve. The base plate and the bridges are beautifully finished with granular frosting and, together with the balance cock, are highlighted with relief stars-and-cloud engraving.






The movement has a height of just 9.1 mm which gives the watch a case of 41.9 mm in diameter and 15.8 mm high (compared to 14.7 mm for the original model). All these mean it is a rather substantial watch but nevertheless quite a sight to behold with all the fancy decorations.






Frankly, the watch is a bit 'loud' on the wrist and can hardly serve as a daily beater - it is probably more suitable for special occasions. Holding the watch in my hand, I am now a very contented man - which leads me to wonder what my next target should be. 

So, the almost anti-climax question to ask is - Could this be my exit watch?

Regards,
Sam

About the A. Lange and Söhne Lange 1 Ref. 1815Tourbillon

The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon, reference 730.078F, is a distinguished model within the 1815 collection, known for its focus on traditional watchmaking and classical aesthetics. This particular reference stands out for its combination of a tourbillon complication with a black enamel dial, a rare and highly regarded feature that enhances its visual depth and exclusivity. It represents a refined expression of high horology, emphasizing technical sophistication within a restrained design. The hacking seconds mechanism integrated into the tourbillon further underscores its precision engineering.

The watch is presented in a platinum case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 11.3mm in thickness, offering a substantial yet wearable presence. It is equipped with the manual-wind caliber L102.1, which provides a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, allowing appreciation of its intricate finishing and the tourbillon in operation. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters.

This reference appeals to collectors who value traditional German watchmaking and the technical artistry of a tourbillon, especially when paired with a handcrafted enamel dial. The black enamel dial variant is particularly sought after for its depth and luster, which are achieved through a meticulous firing process. It occupies a significant position within the 1815 series as a high-complication piece that maintains the collection's characteristic legibility and classical proportions.

Specifications

Caliber
L102.1
Case
Platinum
Diameter
39.5mm
Dial
Black enamel
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
MT
MTF
Jan 11, 2018

samwan, First, congratulations on a pretty 'little' watch. You asked if it could be your exit watch. It is possible as I've ben counting your 'sell an organ' watches over the years and you seem to have run out of kidneys! Regards, MTF

AL
Alkiro1
Jan 11, 2018

Enjoy and wear it in the best of your health. Best wishes Alkiro

TH
TheWindingStem
Jan 11, 2018

A thousand congrats on acquiring this masterpiece. I would spend days admiring it’s endless details, Well done!

HO
Horologically_minded
Jan 12, 2018

Even the decorations on the hunter caseback is out of this world! J

SA
samwan
Jan 12, 2018

Yes, I found it absolutely irresistible....

SA
samwan
Jan 12, 2018

I will find a suitable occasion to wear it. Right now, it is tugged safely in bed with other members of the Lange family waiting for a formal shooting session

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