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Considerations for buying an older Lange? (1815 Automatik)
Hi everyone. Thanks for the wonderful info and photos over the last few months. (Hope nobody minds that I also posted this on TimeZone.)
As a huge fan of the 1815 series, I'm considering buying one of the (very few) 1815 Automatiks that occasionally come on the market (303.021, 303.025, 303.032), made from 2004-2008.
I'm only very familiar with more recent Langes. Besides the smaller case sizes, what's different between then and now? Are there any surprises, gotchas, or things to watch out for when buying one from that period? And why did Lange make so few of these?
Thanks in advance for any help.
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Collection
Maltie completes his A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Platinum collection, featuring rare limited editions and the 206.025. See the full set.
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Considerations for buying an older Lange? (1815 Automatik)
Hi everyone. Thanks for the wonderful info and photos over the last few months. (Hope nobody minds that I also posted this on TimeZone.) As a huge fan of the 1815 series, I'm considering buying one of the (very few) 1815 Automatiks that occasionally come ...
Definitely!
Not that I criticize the newer Lange, but that I just feel "more Lange-ish" from the older, smaller ones. When serviced, it will be as good or sometimes better than the "modern" Lange in terms of accuracy, reliability, and aesthetic department. Just my 2 ...
I have a friend in Singapore
With an 1815 automatic and he has no problems with the watch for years now. Langes of those years are imho very charming in their small cases. Some of them have become increasingly collectible as they get more difficult to hunt Good luck and keep us updat...
Great piece
The 1815 Saxomat is a beautiful watch, only a very few were made and it took me a long time to find one to add in my 1815 collection. If you can get it, don\'t hesitate for one minute.
To play Devils Advocate...
First, I think that the "3/4 gold rotor" and it's relief engraving is a work of art. That's the best part over the full automatic rotors on entry level modern Lange watches like the Saxonia automatic or moonphase. However, something feels missing. Perhaps...
The patina develops very quickly on older Lange...
...if that is your thing. My old Lange Moonphase in YG 1. case has turned few shades darker intense. 2. The dial too appears very dark yellowish not the original silver anymore. 3. I dont believe the old ones had the blue anti-glare coats the newer ones d...
Could anti-glare crystals be swapped in...
...by Lange (or Alkis) for a relatively reasonable price? How does platinum patina over time? The color is fairly stable, right? Changes in the dial color would be concerning. Think the platinum model's dial would noticeably shift from the original silver...
Definitely! Alkis or Lange will swap front and/or back crystals...
Having AR-coated crystals (at least on the dial side) makes a huge positive difference on any Lange. Personally, I haven't noticed any significant changes in Lange's dial colors. I'm not saying they don't change a bit over time -- just that I never notice...
Pros and cons...
The 1815 Automatik is a beautiful watch. No doubt. It gives the opportunity to enjoy the Sax-o-Mat caliber. But for me, there is a little problem: I consider the 1815 as a handwind watch... don't ask me why but I prefer to see this caliber with a Langemat...
I personally like the older automatic 1815's the best...........................
At 37mm the size is just big enough. Moving from 37mm to 36mm makes a big difference in my opinion so I think going with an automatic version from that time period is key. For a dress watch I always felt 40mm was a little to big unless you have a big wris...
I agree with Tony, I think this is a great representative of the 1815 family
The 40 mm 1815 is a bit too big for me. The newer 38.5 version is a better size, but only comes in gold... This one is in platinum! Nothing like the weight of a platinum watch on the wrist. The inclusion of the wonderful Sax-0-mat movement is icing on the...