A. Lange & Söhne

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12054

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1. 1815 Ref. 235, 38.5mm

A watch of character

The new 1815 showcases classic design and intrinsic values

With a 38.5-millimetre case and all of the unmistakable hallmarks of the A. Lange & Söhne style, the 1815 embodies the paradigmatic ideals of a sleek mechanical timekeeping instrument. Thus, it follows the horological standards upheld by Ferdinand A. Lange, whose birth year is reflected in its name.

“Medèn ágan – nothing in excess” is one of the wisdoms of antiquity that advocates moderation and modesty at the entrance to the Temple of Delphi. Ferdinand A. Lange, the founder of the German precision watchmaking industry, may well have adopted it as the motto of his life. As a congenial expression of principles, it also characterises the style of his legendary pocket watches. They comply with his tenet that “each piece be as simple as possible and serve its purpose steadfastly and reliably”. This product philosophy also applies to the 1815. Each detail of its timeless design and each of the 188 parts of its manufacture movement derives its aesthetic appeal from the combination of functional integrity and immaculate craftsmanship.

Noble understatement permeates the finesse of the watch, which is available in yellow, pink and white gold. Its 38.5-millimetre case diameter addresses the preference of many watch connoisseurs. The larger version with a diameter of 40 millimetres is also still available. With its two-tier design and the subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, the solid-silver dial is reminiscent of Lange’s historic pocket watches. This look is emphasised by a gently contoured bezel and the slender lugs. A railway-track minute scale, black Arabic numerals and blued-steel hands accentuate the classic appearance of the watch and enhance the legibility of its argenté-coloured face.

With a power reserve of 55 hours and its lavishly hand-decorated movement parts, the manually wound calibre L051.1 epitomises Lange’s acclaimed watchmaking artistry.

A watch of character: The new 1815 showcases classic design and intrinsic values, page 2
Many traditional Lange hallmarks are visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback: the
three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver, a hand-engraved balance cock, a
screw balance, a whiplash spring, screwed gold chatons, and thermally blued screws are
manifestations of haute horlogerie at its very finest.