Two new references join the 1815 collection – small in size, mighty in make
At this year’s Watches and Wonders, A. Lange & Söhne introduced two new references to the classic 1815 collection, in a sleeker silhouette. It’s all that is loved about the 1815, and more. In character with the understated elegance that defines the 1815, the new blue dial stands out in a refined fashion.
Named after founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s birth year, the 1815 honours his relentless, pioneering spirit in watchmaking. The 1815 watch family itself has seen more than 63 references and 17 movements since its launch in 1995, encompassing many horological complications while retaining its renowned well-organised dial. This time, it is the classic 1815 that takes the spotlight, 30 years after its debut.
At 34mm, it is the smallest 1815 model to date, its discreet silhouette emphasised by its mere thickness of 6.4mm. A slender, slightly tiered bezel, in white gold or pink gold, encircles the charming blue dial made from 925 silver, in a contemporary touch. Against this new backdrop, the historical references to Lange’s pocket watch remain intact: a railway-track minute scale, Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o’clock.
The 1815 has been described as a bridge between heritage and innovation, and it’s apparent why. The railway-track minute scale, for instance, is a nod to Lange’s historic pocket watches. Pocket watches of the time often made reference to the railway, a significant development in the 1800s that changed not just the way people travelled but also their perception of time; precision in time-telling had become necessary to ensure timetables are kept.
The gravitas of this timepiece is less about achieving presence through size than it is about what it holds within. Turn the watch around, and you’ll see the newly developed calibre L152.1 in all its glory through the sapphire-crystal caseback. This manually wound movement is the 75th calibre since the re-establishment of the manufacture.
A new oscillation system with a freely oscillating balance spring and a large screw balance crafted in-house, ensures precision throughout the power reserve of 72 hours. According to Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne, the challenge was in making the new 1815 even more elegant in proportion while maintaining its characteristic simplicity and functionality.
And despite the discreet case diameter, our watchmakers additionally succeeded in increasing the power reserve to 72 hours and incorporating a new going train.
Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development at A. Lange & Söhne
In true Lange spirit, each component of the movement is meticulously decorated with a specific type of finissage, regardless of its visibility through the caseback. The four screwed gold chatons, the bearing jewels and the securing thermally blued screws add colourful points of interest. Besides the balance cock bearing the Lange-style floral pattern engraved by hand, there is the distinctive three-quarter plate with Glashütte ribbing.
Introduced in 1864 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, the three-quarter plate is now a characteristic feature of Glashütte watchmaking, accommodating the bearings of the going train. Deft hands are required during its assembly to ensure it is accurately positioned over several arbors at the same time. Doing so adds stability to the movement, as compared to conventional configurations based on multiple bridges. The three-quarter plate also reduces the axial distance tolerances of the wheels, and makes movements more resistant to soiling, as exemplified by historic pocket watches.
Perfection in form is thus achieved by the classic three-hand 1815 timepiece, balancing precision and functionality with elegance in design. More than a pleasure to behold in sight, the 1815 is also comfortable when worn, its compact new size versatile for all occasions. Both the pink-gold model (Reference 220.037) and the white-gold model (Reference 220.028) come paired with an alligator leather strap, rounding out the subtle style of the 1815.
Inside and out, the new 1815 epitomises A. Lange & Söhne’s resolve to never stand still, all while keeping tradition alive.
Images courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related links:
A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Collection: Over Time
A. Lange & Söhne: Splitting Time
