Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The new, more compact A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down Limited Editions
Smaller 37.5mm case sizes for Lange’s power reserve indicator inspired by a patented device used in historical Lange pocket watches.
A Lange & Söhne’s 1815 collection honours the year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s birth with a lineup of traditional watches with design details inspired by Lange’s historic pocket watches. The seemingly straightforward 1815 Up/Down, with its power reserve indicator on the dial, has a fascinating historical background and was inspired by patent no. 9349 granted to A. Lange & Söhne in 1879 for a device in pocket watches “recognising whether the watch is wound or unwound.” Two new models, in compact 37.5mm pink or white gold cases, each limited to 300 pieces, join the family.
While power reserve indicators have been used since the 18th century, these were often complex, fragile and bulky, requiring many extra gears. Richard and Emil Lange’s patented power reserve addressed this issue with a space-efficient differential gear system, allowing their pocket watches to maintain a slim profile. Using the same foundational concept, Lange’s calibre L051.2 relies on a space-saving planetary gear system directly integrated into the movement, rather than stacked on top, resulting in the exquisitely thin 8.7mm case height.
Available in pink or white gold, the 37.5mm case is smaller than the “standard” second-generation 39mm released in 2013. A paragon of Saxon restraint and elegance, the case has horizontal satin-brushed flanks and a brightly polished concave bezel. The lugs, which are attached to the case, have a sharp downward curve, and the crown is fluted for enhanced grip.
The new references feature blue dials with the signature recessed centre of the 1815 Up/Down (AUF/AB in German). Playing a starring role, the power reserve is displayed in a snailed silver sub-dial at 8 o’clock with a black segmented track on the periphery, black Arabic numerals, a clearly demarcated double-segmented red zone at the AB (DOWN) position and a blued-steel hand.
Perfectly symmetrical, the power reserve counter is balanced by the small seconds display on the right, also snailed with a black railway-track pattern and a longer blued-steel hand. In keeping with the 1815’s personality, inspired by traits found on Lange’s historic pocket watches, the crisp white peripheral railway-style minutes track features small dots on the hour with triple dots marking the quarter hours. The white pad-printed Arabic numerals stand out beautifully against the dark blue dial and are indicated by lancet-shaped hands matching the case material.
Revealed through the sapphire crystal on the caseback, the manual-winding L051.2 references historical pocket watches with its German silver three-quarter plate, the integrated winding wheels decorated with solarisation, and the seven gold chatons secured by blued screws. Decorated to Lange’s exacting standards, the balance cock is hand-engraved, and the three-quarter German silver plate features signature Glashütte ribbing. Assembled twice, the movement beats at 21,600vph and delivers a 72-hour power reserve.
Limited to 300 pieces each, the new 1815 Up/Down will be presented at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace (4-6 September). Price is upon request. For more details, please visit www.alange-soehne.com.
