The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar was presented at the SIHH 2013 and was 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. This fascinating timepiece available in Platinum or Pink Gold —like the one we are reviewing here— is not only amazing from an horological standpoint but also extraordinary when it comes to its visual appeal and looks.
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar ref. 421.032 is fitted with a pink gold case measuring 41.9mm in diameter and 14.7mm in thickness. As it is common with watches from this manufacture, the craftsmanship is just out of this world. This watch features a split-seconds chronograph and a perpetual calendar with silver dial with date and day indicator at 9, month and leap-year indicator at 3, moon-phase indicator and running seconds at 6, and Up/Down power-reserve indicator and minute chrono register at 12 o'clock. The dial is perfectly balanced with red accents and two blued hands —for the minute register and the rattrapante seconds hand— that provide the ultimate level of contrast.
The high polished case band is delicately finished with perpetual calendar correctors and rectangular pushers for the chronograph —at 2, 4 and 10 o'clock— perfectly placed in a harmonious way to guarantee that elegance is not compromised by functionality and the other way around. The pushers for the chronograph are rectangular in shape but with rounded ends in order to keep the rounded silhouette of the watch perfectly balanced.
This extraordinary timepiece is powered by the manual-wound A. Lange & Söhne calibre L101.1 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 display case back. This movement is perfection and an absolute treat to the eyes.
This fascinating timepiece is fitted with a perfectly crafted brown alligator strap with deployant buckle. The strap is very comfortable and supple and it rounds out the classic and elegant look of the watch.
On the wrist, as expected, once you put this watch on you won't want to take it off. The watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size but with a wrist presence that is hard to describe and hard to match unless you are wearing a Patek Philippe ref. 2499. Honestly, it really doesn't get any better than this.
Sticker Price $189,000 USD. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
