A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Homage to Emil Lange - 231.031 - Full set - NOS/UNWORN

The Watch

Among the many references produced during the remarkable rebirth of A. Lange & Söhne in the 1990s, few embody the manufacture's heritage as completely as the 1815 Emil Lange Moonphase. Introduced in 1999 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Emil Lange's birth, this highly exclusive reference pays tribute to the man who, alongside his brother Richard, transformed the family business into one of the world's foremost makers of precision pocket watches.

Produced in a limited series of just 250 examples in pink gold, reference 231.031 is far more than a commemorative edition. It represents one of the most distinctive interpretations of the original first-generation 1815, combining traditional Saxon watchmaking with a playful astronomical theme found nowhere else within the A. Lange & Söhne catalogue.

Measuring a classical 35.9mm in diameter and just 8mm thick, the pink gold case perfectly reflects the restrained proportions of nineteenth-century pocket watches that inspired the collection. Its characteristic Glashütte three-step construction, polished surfaces and slender soldered lugs create an elegant profile that remains unmistakably Lange.

The dial retains the hallmarks of the original 1815 collection, including its finely printed railway minute track, Arabic numerals and elegant alpha hands. Yet it is the celestial details that distinguish the Emil Lange from every other Lange ever produced. Seven applied gold stars recreate the Big Dipper within the Ursa Major constellation, while additional gold appliques represent the surrounding stars across the dial. Even the traditional numerals at three, six and nine o'clock have been replaced by delicate star motifs, creating a composition that is both whimsical and remarkably refined.

The asymmetrically positioned small seconds display between three and four o'clock features its own railway track and beautifully counterweighted seconds hand, balancing the magnificent solid gold moonphase display positioned opposite. Accurate to an astonishing 1,058 years before requiring correction, the moonphase complication adds both technical sophistication and visual depth to an already captivating dial.

As with every early A. Lange & Söhne creation, the details reward close inspection. The curved signature above six o'clock references the manufacture's home in Glashütte, while the signed crown, case, dial and matching pink gold pin buckle complete a watch that perfectly captures the spirit of Lange's extraordinary renaissance.

The Movement

Powering the Emil Lange Moonphase is the hand-wound caliber L943.1, derived from the celebrated L941.1 movement found in the original 1815 models and developed entirely in-house by A. Lange & Söhne.

Operating at a traditional frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5Hz), the movement delivers a 45-hour power reserve while driving one of the most precise moonphase displays ever produced, requiring adjustment only once every 1,058 years under continuous operation.

Viewed through the sapphire caseback, the movement showcases every hallmark of traditional Saxon watchmaking. The untreated German silver three-quarter plate develops a warm golden patina over time, beautifully contrasted by flame-blued screws, screwed gold chatons and polished ruby bearings. Glashütte ribbing, hand-finished bevels and sharply executed chamfers demonstrate the extraordinary level of craftsmanship throughout.

Particularly captivating is the hand-engraved balance cock, individually decorated by one of Lange's master engravers. As with all early Lange calibres, no two engravings are precisely alike, giving each movement its own subtle individuality and reinforcing the artisanal philosophy that has defined the manufacture since its revival.

How It Wears

The Emil Lange Moonphase possesses a charm unlike any other A. Lange & Söhne. While its technical excellence is immediately evident, it is ultimately the warmth and personality of the dial that define the experience of wearing it.

Its compact 35.9mm case sits effortlessly on the wrist, offering proportions that feel elegant, balanced and exceptionally comfortable. At only 8mm thick, it slips easily beneath a cuff, while the pink gold case adds just enough warmth to complement the rich golden accents scattered across the dial.

The celestial display transforms what could have been a traditional dress watch into something quietly expressive. Depending on the light, the applied stars and solid gold moonphase catch subtle reflections, revealing new details throughout the day without ever becoming ostentatious. It is a watch that rewards prolonged ownership, revealing layers of craftsmanship and character with every wear.

As one of only 250 examples ever produced, the Emil Lange Moonphase offers a level of exclusivity rarely encountered, yet never feels defined by its rarity alone. Instead, it stands as one of the most poetic and imaginative creations of the early modern A. Lange & Söhne era, combining historical significance, exceptional craftsmanship and timeless elegance in equal measure.

Condition & Set

This A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Emil Lange Moonphase Ref. 231.031 is presented in NOS/unworn condition. Limited to just 250 examples in pink gold, each caseback is individually numbered between 1 and 250, with serial numbers ranging from 124001 to 124250.

The watch is offered as a complete set, accompanied by its original presentation box, Warranty papers, manual and pin