A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph Watch Review
The A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph is available in a choice of case materials and dial colours. In this instance, Angus Davies looks closely at a glorious version presented in an 18-carat white gold case paired with a black dial, formed of solid silver (Ref 414.028).
There have been several occasions when my heart has skipped a beat. Those moments have included narrowly missing another car on a motorway, forgetting essential travel documents while driving to an airport, or seeing an object of such profound beauty that all essential matters are momentarily forgotten.
The A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph is a timepiece that is very capable of causing my heart to skip a beat. Its pulchritudinous face deserves attention. It exudes a notable degree of elegance while also proving incredibly practical. Recently, I had the good fortune to wear this noble timepiece for a few stolen moments before returning it to its legal guardian.
A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph dial
Silver-toned, lancine-shaped hour and minute hands span the deep black dial. It’s softly spoken with seemly silver-hued detail. The central chronograph seconds hand and hands on the two subdials are also executed in a rhodium-plated finish. This interplay of black and silver tones works well.
The subdials sit in the southern portion of the dial. Contrary to expectations, the asymmetric positioning of the subdials delivers a harmonious aesthetic. Both the 30-minute chronograph register and the small seconds display are snailed, delightfully shimmering in the merest suggestion of light. The hand on the 30-minute chronograph register jumps, making the read-off of elapsed minutes particularly user-friendly.
A pulsometer scale is located on the flange, providing additional functionality. It seems that A. Lange & Söhne understands its clientele. After raising the observer’s heart rate to three-figure levels having fallen for the model’s bewitching appearance, the wearer can measure their elevated pulse with the pulsometer, calibrated to 30 pulsations per minute.
Sat above the fulcrum of the dial, the words “Flyback Chronograph” reveal this is not ‘merely’ a chronograph. When the chronograph is running, the wearer can press the pushpiece at 4 o’clock and in one step, stop, reset and restart the central chronograph seconds hand and minute counter.
I adore tourbillons, minute repeaters and perpetual calendars; however, my favourite complication is unquestionably the chronograph. I appreciate the day-to-day utility of a chronograph as well as the opportunity to interact with the movement in a way that is sadly lacking with most other complications.
A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph case
The 18-carat white gold case measures 39.5 mm in diameter and has a thickness of 11.0 mm. It is often said that ‘appearances can be deceptive’ and this timepiece certainly looked larger when affixed to my wrist. Ordinarily, I would favour larger watches; however, having worn the A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph, I can attest that I found its dimensions to be perfect.
The push-pieces have a curved profile and, courtesy of its column-wheel and lateral coupling arrangement, confer an incredibly smooth action when pressed. The rear of the watch is fitted with a pane of sapphire crystal, granting sight of the beautifully appointed movement.
A. Lange & Sohne Calibre L951.5
The Calibre L951.5 is a hand-wound movement containing 34 jewels. The balance has a frequency of 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz) and the power reserve is 60 hours. However, it is not these statistics that distinguish the Calibre L951.5 as special but rather the movement’s composition and glorious finishing.
Consistent with other A. Lange & Söhne timepieces, the watch is equipped with a traditional three-quarter plate but with the chronograph mechanism positioned above. The column-wheel, levers, gear-train and balance are freely disclosed. The balance cock is exquisitely engraved and features a swan-neck for fine-tuning the anchor symmetry.
The movement is equipped with a free-sprung balance. The rate is adjusted by rotating the six masselottes positioned on the inside edge of the balance wheel. Thermally blued screws, Glashütte ribbing, perlage, gold chatons, mirror polishing and anglage are just some of the many refinements in evidence. The A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph is a glorious example of exalted craftsmanship and peerless engineering.
A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph – closing thoughts
The A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph feels special. It may not be the most expensive timepiece produced by this prestigious company, but that is of little consequence; its excellence is manifest in the motion of each hand and in the smooth action of its pushpieces.
Every element of this watch’s specification is beautifully considered. The movement is hewn from untreated German silver, while the bridges are engraved with golden text. The wearer can watch the coupling engage with the column-wheel and marvel at the mechanical intercourse at play.
I cannot hide my admiration for this exquisite chronograph – it’s magnificent. Indeed, this is a beautiful expression of Haute Horlogerie capable of causing any purist’s heart to slightly quicken, something that can be quantified using the pulsometer scale presented on the model’s dial.
Further information
Technical specification
- Model: A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph
- Reference: 414.028
- Case: 18-carat white gold; diameter 39.5 mm; height 11.0 mm; sapphire crystal to front and case-back
- Functions: hours; minutes; small seconds; fly-back chronograph.
- Movement: Caliber L951.5; hand-wound movement; frequency 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz); 34 jewels; power reserve 60 hours
- Strap: Alligator strap with 18-carat white gold pin buckle
- Price on application