Last week A. Lange & Söhne presented the new 1815 with a 38.5 mm case. The 1815 is a watch with all the unmistakable hallmarks of the A. Lange & Söhne style, the 1815 embodies the paradigmatic ideals of a sleek mechanical timekeeping instrument. Thus, it follows the horological standards upheld by Ferdinand A. Lange, whose birth year is reflected in its name. “Medèn ágan – nothing in excess” is one of the wisdoms of antiquity that advocates moderation and modesty at the entrance to the Temple of Delphi. Ferdinand A. Lange, the founder of the German precision watchmaking industry, may well have adopted it as the motto of his life. As a congenial expression of principles, it also characterises the style of his legendary pocket watches. They comply with his tenet that “each piece be as simple as possible and serve its purpose steadfastly and reliably”. This product philosophy also applies to the 1815. Each detail of its timeless design and each of the 188 parts of its manufacture movement derives its aesthetic appeal from the combination of functional integrity and immaculate craftsmanship.

Noble understatement permeates the finesse of the watch, which is available in 18K yellow, pink and white gold. Its 38.5-millimetre case diameter addresses the preference of many watch connoisseurs. The larger version with a diameter of 40 mm will continue to be available. With its two-tier design and the subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, the solid-silver dial is reminiscent of Lange’s historic pocket watches. This look is emphasized 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 silver face.

The lavishly hand-decorated hand wound calibre L051.1 epitomizes Lange’s acclaimed watchmaking artistry with its full unobstructed view via the display case back. The new 1815 showcases classic design and intrinsic values. 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. This fine calibre composed of 188 parts and 23 jewels —five of which are in screwed gold chatons— provides a power reserve of 55 hours.

The new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 is pure class and one of the best examples from this manufacture from Saxony. The new 1815 will be available in 18K yellow gold, 18K pink gold and 18K white gold.

Sticker Price $27,100 USD for 18K Yellow and 18K Pink Gold. $28,400 USD for 18K white gold. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.