foversta provides an in-depth review of the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down, comparing it to its 1997 predecessor and the three-hand 1815. This comprehensive analysis highlights the 2013 model's distinct aesthetic, refined case design, and the significantly re-engineered L051.2 movement, offering valuable insights into Lange's evolution of a classic complication.
It would be a wrong idea to think that Lange has applied the same recipe in 2013 with the 1815 up / down than several years ago with the release of the first 1815 with a power reserve display. In 1997, the 1815 up / down, despite the presence of an additional power reserve sub-dial and of an off-centered sub-dial dedicated to the second hand, remained very faithful to the simple three hands 1815 by using the same 35.9 mm case and especially a similar basic movement. However, it was slightly thicker due to a bigger movement height of 0.5 mm.
Some data about the 3 hands 1815 and their up / down versions: In 2013, Lange has unveiled an 1815 up / down that clearly stands out from the three hands version. But the fact that it belongs to the 1815 family can't be denied. I find again with a great pleasure the Arabic numerals and the blued steel Alpha hands which tell the time while browsing an elegant railway-style minute track on the silver dial. However, very quickly, two fundamental differences come out: the diameter of the watch is smaller than the three hands version (39mm vs. 40mm) and the L051.2 movement does not have the same architecture than the L051.1 of the simple 1815.
The trio of 1815 up / down, each version using blued steel hands:
The more contained rendering of the case is not its unique feature: it has an unique aesthetic difference. While with the Lange traditional way, the bezel and the case side are continuous, with the case of the 1815 up / down, there is a slight step on the bezel. I must admit that I was a little surprised at first, this feature appeared to me almost like an infringement to the Lange principles and rules! Nevertheless, it reduces the dial opening and gives a feeling of balance to the whole. It is therefore a welcome change. The greatest asset of this watch is certainly the beauty of its dial which manages to combine its very classic and symmetrical style with a touch of fantasy: the end of the power reserve display, located on the upper right side of the subdial, is outlined in red. Taking into account the mirror effect between the two sub-dials, this color breaks the "German strictness" of the dial while preserving its refinement.
The L051.2 movement reveals far more than any other 3/4 plate caliber:
The power reserve indicator takes on its meaning because the power reserve is increased up to 72 hours and larger when compared to the three hands version one. It is the same as the most famous Lange with a similar display: the Lange One. This increase in the power reserve is a kind of clue that tends to prove that the L051.2 movement is not necessarily derived from L051.1 as its reference might suggest. After having turned over the watch, the doubt is no longer possible: the L051.2 movement differs markedly from the three hands 1815 caliber. With its apparent ratchet and crown wheel, it also evokes another movement that also has a power reserve of 72 hours, the Saxonia Thin one. Therein lies the trick done by Lange. By placing the L051.2 caliber into the same approach as the L093.1 of the Saxonia Thin which is renowned for its finesse, the Saxon Manufacture manages to keep for the 1815 up / down movement the diameter and thickness similar to that of the three hands 1815 one despite the 57 components of the mechanism of the additional complication. Equipped with a screw balance and an in-house hairspring , the L051.2 movement has a 3hz frequency as it is very often the case with Lange.
The yellow gold version:
Gazing at this movement gives a lot of pleasure. It reveals more than the 3/4 plate movements and it differs from the Saxonia Thin one with the presence of additional gold chatons. Obviously the winding system is visually more complex due to the additional complication. The finishings are in coherence with the standards of Lange and the execution of the chamfered and polished edges, of the Glashütte ribbing, of the solarisation of the winding system wheels is flawless and qualitative.
On the other hand, given its similarity to the movement of the Saxonia Thin, the winding is not as enjoyable as in the Lange tradition. It is certainly less smooth than with the three hands 1815. This is something I noticed with the Saxonia Thin and it is surely due to the structure of the movement and to the shape of the mainspring, flatter but wider to manage to provide with a long power reserve with a contained height. I was disappointed at this level, not the watch is difficult to wind, it is quite the contrary, but because I was not able to find the perfect feeling that Lange has used to offer with any of its handwind watch.
The white gold version: The 1815 up / down is unquestionably a very attractive watch when put on the wrist. It is balanced, with a great elegance and it embodies a classic style without being boring. The 1815 up / down is in my opinion one of the nicest simple watches from Lange and from the high end segment. The diameter / thickness ratio of the case is close to perfection. In addition, the 39mm diameter reminds us that classic watches may eventually win charm and impact when their sizes remain "controlled". I am so very pleased to see that Lange did not hesitate to go below 40mm for its latest simple watche. The 1815 up / down is a beautiful achievement and only the feeling of the winding prevents it from reaching the zero fault result.
The pink gold version: The 1815 up / down in available in yellow gold, rose gold and white gold but not platinum.
Thanks to the team Lange & Söhne for its waerm welcome at the 2013 SIHH.
Pros:+ a very balanced dial lay-out
+ the ideal case proportion
+ the beauty of the movement and its finishings
+ the 72 hours of power reserve
Cons: - A disappointing winding feeling for a Lange watch
Fr.Xavier
