First launched at the SIHH 2013 and awarded two prizes at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève the same year —not only it received the Grande Complication Prize but also the Public Prize—, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar which we reviewed here, just got even better, if that is even possible at all. The new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst just unveiled in Florence, Italy demonstrates how artisanal virtuosity becomes truly grand art. The dial and the hinged back cover of the new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst consists of blue enameled white gold with elaborate relief engravings.
Ennobled with special decorative techniques, the movement stands out with the rare and fascinating combination of a split-seconds chronograph and a perpetual calendar with a moon phase display. This remarkable timekeeping instrument was the ideal starting point for a limited 20-piece 'handwerkskunst' —craftsmanship— edition. This new watch becomes the sixth A. Lange & Söhne model under the 'handwerkskunst' series that are known to feature a particularly artistic decoration of the movement, dial and case.
The 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst is the first model to combine enamel art and engraving on its dial. Solid white gold is the substrate for the deep-blue enamel beneath which the sculpted contours of the relief engraved stars appear to be a visual extension of the moon phase display. The Arabic numerals are flush with the enamel and harmonize perfectly with the rhodium plated white gold hands. The color of the enamel is echoed by the lunar disc as well as the blued-steel minute counter hand.
These elements contrast exquisitely with the four recessed subsidiary dials in silver colored white gold. The chronograph hand offers an especially distinctive color accent as it is crafted from gold-plated steel. Lastly, the dial is framed by a silver colored flange ring with a traditional railway-track minute scale.
The new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst is fitted with a white gold case measuring 41.9mm in diameter and 14.7mm in thickness and with a half-hunter case back that features a gorgeous engraving and enameling of the goddess 'Luna' —moon.
Opening the hinged half-hunter case back reveals the exquisitely decorated and finished manual wound movement A. Lange & Söhne calibre L101.1. This movement made of German silver is composed of 631 parts, 43 jewels and a large balance spring. The calibre provides a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound and it is fully visible via the anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal. This movement is perfection and an absolute treat to the eyes.
Overall, this sixth piece in Lange's 'Handwerkskunst' series is simply gorgeous and one that we can wait to review in the metal. The watch is available in a highly-exclusive limited edition of only 20 pieces.
Sticker Price €290,000 Euros —approximately $347,000 USD. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
