A. Lange & Söhne

My view on the PG 1815 chronograph first edition

 

I would like to come back to the PG 1815 chronograph first edition (reference 401.031).

Several years ago, I had the ability to choose between the two versions available of the 1815 chronograph:

- WG with silver dial and blued hands
- PG with black dial and PG hands

After a long hesitation, I finally chose the WG version which was in my mind more classic and maybe more timeless. But it was a hard choice: the PG version has a lot of charm.

First of all, the combo PG case and black dial gives to the watch a lot of character. Surprisingly enough, the contrast is not too agressive: the warm touch of the case gives balances the dark side of the dial. We know that the Datograph "Dufour" has a similar atmosphere and it is  a watch which is highly appreciated.

The Datograph "Dufour":



We speak much less about the PG 1815 chronograph but I think it deserves the same attention. Obviously, the hands of the 1815 chronograph are not luminous and they become more elegant than with the Datograph. Colours codes are the same on both watches:

- PG hands for the two main hands + the second hand of the chronograph
- blued hands for the two subdials hand


This colour code is not logical in a sense because the chronograph display uses a blued hand (minutes) and a PG hand (seconds) at the same time. But it is much more efficient in a pure aesthetical point of view! And I have to confess that seeing the big second hand at work is a true joy for the eyes.


Another point I wish to highlight is the beauty of the two subdials. There is a constant a remark which is often made when this PG 1815 chronograph is presented. Due to the subdials colour, their off-centered position is clearly visible and maybe the lack of the big date which draws a perfect triangle with the two subdials becomes more obvious. But again, there is something special which occurs. This unbalanced lay-out makes the watch "different" and explains, in my point of view, a part of the charm it embodies. Moreover, don't expect here a mere black & white contrast between the dial and the subdials, it is more subtle! In the context  of the PG case, Lange chose a coherent colour: they appear to  be close to ivory. This is a very beautiful detail.


When I compare both versions of the 1815 chronograph first edition, I consider the PG one more elegant and the WG more casual. The more homogeneous and light colours of the WG version makes it a bit larger on the wrist.

They share in common some strong assets:
- the thinner case when compared with the Datograph due to the removal of the big date system
- the beauty of the L951.0 movement
- the flyback chronograph
- the pleasure given by a low frequency watch (2,5hz)
- the perfect behaviour of the pushers
- the feeling of depth on the dial thanks to the shape of the flange
- and of course, the precisely  jumping minutes counter

On the other hand, I find the crown too small. Hopefully, the movement is easy to wind but I would have preferred a larger crown. Another negative point is the low power reserve (36 hours) but since the watch has to be wound on a daily basis, it is not a main issue.


The 1815 chronograph first edition was produced between 2004 and 2007. It is very difficult to know how many pieces where produced. If we make some hypothesis about the % of chronographs in the whole production, an overall number for both versions over the period could be between 300 and 400.

The WG 1815 chronograph:


A limited edition of the 1815 chronograph was released within the Dresden set: it was featuring a PG case and a silver dial (the other watch of the set was a Lange 1 Moonphase with a PG case and a slate dial, 8 sets were produced, 8 like the 800th anniversary of Dresden). Frankly speaking, I much prefer the non-limited PG chronograph which is warmer and which has a stronger character.


On the wrist, I could appreciate its subtle originality. As an owner of the WG version, I was surprised by the different feelings the PG version gives. I don't regret my choice: I prefer the WG version because I wished to take advantage of blued hands and I was not looking for such elegance with a chronograph. But the PG version is as charming thanks its own assets. And if I had to compare it with the current PG 1815 chronograph, there is no hesitation in my mind: the black dial, the presence of the pulsometric scale and the several layers of the dial give for me a clear advantage to the first version. This advantage is not offset by the enlarged power reserve of the current 1815 chronograph.

Fr.Xavier


This message has been edited by foversta on 2013-04-06 14:45:13