Introducing The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph In 18k Pink Gold

The purest measure of time.

When it comes to the mechanical chronograph, it’s hard to imagine a more pure expression than the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph. Starting with the same base as its elder sibling, the Datograph – considered by many to be the ultimate chronograph – its design and construction have been distilled down to the essentials, whilst still offering the same inherent complexity and exquisite finishing we have come to expect from our favourite luxury German watch manufacturer. New for 2018, this highly sought-after model is now being offered in a striking 18k pink gold case. Read on for all the details.

The historic headquarters of A. Lange & Söhne in Glashütte around 1920

For many collectors, the 1815 Chronograph is an exercise in elegant understatement. Presented in a round 39.5mm case and measuring just 11mm thick, it is extremely comfortable on the wrist and can slide away discretely under the cuff if needed. When on display, however, you can be sure all eyes will be drawn to the distinguished dial, which contrasts superbly against the warmth of the new 18k pink gold case.
As with the white gold model, the solid silver dial on the new 18k pink gold 1815 Chonograph will be available in two colours: jet-black and argenté (silver). Both feature attractive Arabic numerals and are stylized with the distinctive Lange font. The hours and minutes are displayed centrally by either pink gold or blued steel hands, along with the chronograph seconds, whilst the running seconds and 30-minute chronograph counter are indicated on separate sub-dials, positioned slightly lower than the central axle.

The defining feature though, must be the pulsometer scale on the raised inner flange. Reintroduced on this model in 2015, it gives the 1815 Chronograph a delightful vintage twist and harks back to the days when doctors would use their watches to measure a patient’s heartbeat. Although now we have electronic equipment that can do this more accurately and quickly, it gives the watch real character and makes for an interesting alternative to the more commonplace tachymeter scale.

Inside is the exceptional, manually-wound Lange manufacture calibre L951.5, which uses the same base calibre as the Datograph and features a shock-resistant balance wheel and in-house manufactured balance spring oscillating at a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour. Expertly constructed from 306 parts and using 34 jewels (including 4 in screwed gold chatons), this mechanical marvel is equipped with a column wheel flyback chronograph boasting a precise jumping minute counter. When fully wound, it offers a practical power reserve of 60 hours.
Revealed through a sapphire caseback, the manufacture calibre l951.5 is entirely decorated and assembled by hand. The plates and bridges are made of untreated German silver, whilst the hand-engraved balance cock is simply exquisite and demands closer inspection. An absolute spectacle to behold, this exceptional movement is sure to take the breath away of even the most seasoned aficionado.
Presented on a hand-stitched alligator leather strap, in either black or reddish-brown depending on the dial colour, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph in 18k pink gold is sure to find favour with well-informed collectors. With small production quantities and high demand, however, we expect these watches won’t be available for long, so if you would like the chance at adding one to your collection when they come on to market later this year, please contact us immediately.