Lange 1815: A couple of weeks ago at SIHH 2014, Lange unveiled another one of our favourites from the show – the new Lange 1815, which has been downsized from the time-only Lange 1815 to 38.5mm. It still retains the same aesthetically pleasing dial and L051.1 movement but with a slight modification to case.
By and large the new Lange 1815 is very similar to the current Lange 1815, with the only major difference being the size of the case. 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, first seen on the 1815 Up/Down last year, and the subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock. The solid-silver dial is reminiscent of Lange’s historic pocket watches, though most Lange watches have a bezel that sits flush with the case, the stepped bezel of the 1815 breaks up the vertical lines of the case, giving it a slimmer look.
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.
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.
As the saying goes, “Less is more”, and although you are getting a smaller case – this definitely lends to the sophistication of this new Lange 1815. With a trend of watchmakers downsizing their timepieces and harking back to the more traditional watch size of yesteryear, there is no doubt this timepiece will be gratefully received by Lange collectors.
The new 1815 will be available in yellow and pink gold and will retail at a price of €20,000. The white gold will retail at a price €21,000. For more information on the new Lange 1815, visit the official A. Lange & Söhne website.
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