A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Flyback Chronograph - Black dial

A. LANGE & SOHNE 1815 CHRONOGRAPH 414.028
White Gold | Black dial

Origin

First introduced just ten years after the brand released its initial collection, the 1815 Chronograph was Lange's answer to requests for the Glashütte based watchmaker to produce a more wearable, simplified, and affordable chronograph. See, before the 1815, in 1999, Lange released a follow up to the first four watches of 1994: the Datograph. This technological wonder was a true behemoth of a watch powered by a brand new movement, the L951. Both watch and movement took the industry by storm, as other watchmakers at the time were only making the most of Lemania, Valjoux and El Primero based movements. To its advantage and detriment, the Datograph was a serious heavy hitter. It was a no-brainer for those in the know who held serious coin. But Lange was still a young company, and people wanted to see something more reserved and a little more approachable; a pure chronograph. Lange had earned its stripes with the Datograph, but the new challenge was to provide the same level of 'wow' in a more concise manner.

In 2004, Lange debuted their answer: the 1815 Chronograph. The watch was still powered by the L951(minus the date complication) and naturally provided the brand's refreshing Germanic design language. Crucially though, the 1815 was less expensive than the Datograph, coming in at $33,600 versus the Datograph's $40,000 price tag. It seems that people voiced their wants and wishes, and Lange listened. 

Since '04, the 1815 Chronograph has evolved through three generations, with each iteration carrying discernible nuisances. Offered in pink gold, and white gold, the 1815 Chronograph has been fitted with black dials, white dials, and even more recently, a salmon dial. However, after the second generation stopped production in 2014, the model returned as a Boutique Edition a year later. Only available through A. Lange & Söhne boutiques, this model brought back some of the design cues found on the earliest reference. Since then, the 1815 Chronograph returned to the range.

The Watch

Often referred to as the little brother of the Datograph, the 1815 Chronograph is the perfect intersection of haute horology meets realistic, daily usability. The example seen here dates from 2020 and represents an exceptional example of the 414.028 which was first introduced in 2017. Encased in stealthy white gold, this 39.5mm wide watch features signature notched lugs complete in a polished finish with accompanying bevelling and a gentle downturn. The case is skillfully constructed with an overriding air of simplicity. Gracefully squared off chronograph pushers occupy the right-hand side of the case with its suitably sized, easy to operate crown to match. A rounded bezel design directly plays into the hands of wearability and dynamism, setting the stage with ease for the striking dial.

A subtly yet significantly impacting element of this 414.028 is the amount of depth found in its jet black dial. This is complemented by a monochromatic colour palette starting right from the surround of the dial. This is where a fan favourite from early 1815 Chronograph's can be found: a pulsometer. This scale shares the periphery of the dial with the 'A. Lange & Söhne' signature proudly being displayed at the twelve o'clock position in white text. Taking one step further, we arrive at the heart of the dial which accommodates three different layers. Firstly, a seconds track with traditional Saxon porcelain dots provides superb legibility to what could easily be a cluttered dial. Fortunately, the 1815 Chronograph is far from that, as the traditional elements have been considered from an engineering perspective. Large, Arabic numerals complete in black are only interrupted at three and nine to allow for the two, slightly off centred concentric circled sub-registers. The left sub-dial keep track of the running seconds, whereas the right sub-dial measures elapsed minutes through a jumping minute hand.

Completing this wonderfully characterful timekeeper is a handset delivered in textbook A. Lange & Söhne style. Made from white gold, a needle style chronograph hand directly aids the piece's character as it stretches right to the edge of the dial with a diamond-shaped counterbalance. The running second hand adopts the same design, whereas the minute hand opts for an Alpha design. In a similar vein are the hour and minute hands, also crafted from white gold in Alpha style.

The Movement

Like every single Lange, the 1815 Chronograph has both the brains and beauty thanks to none other than the L951.5. With 60 hours of power reserve, vibrating at 21,600 vph this flyback, column-wheel chronograph movement is statistically impressive. However, with the movement being produced by Lange, listing its statistics and performance is only half the story. The craftsmanship and beautiful aesthetics are what this movement is all about. Enjoyable through the display caseback is a mix of German silver bridges, extensive polishing, sharp interior angles, and soft bevelling. With its signature highly engraved balance cock, fine finishing is quite literally everywhere you look.

How It Wears

The 1815 Chronograph is a proportional masterclass from A.Lange & Söhne. On paper, it delivers a sweet spot in width, height and length and in person, these measurements translate effortlessly. The prominent lugs confirm the unequivocal Lange design language with the bonus of wrist hugging properties. The under-the-radar white gold case combined with the contrast focused black dial is incredibly sophisticated and unassuming. 

Dressed up or down, this 1815 Chronograph is destined to put a smile on the face of the wearer and others around them.

Condition

This 2020 1815 Chronograph 414.028 comes complete as a full set example. The watch is presented in like-new condition with only honest, small hairline scratches. In addition, the watch has been paired with an incredibly supple Mr Watchley Grained Light Grey strap. The original Lange & Söhne Black alligator strap is new, unworn and included in the set. (The Watch Stand in the pictures is not included)

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. 

Reference	414.028
Movement	Manual Wound
Caliber	Calibre L951.5
Dial	Black
Size (Case)	39,5 mm
Material (Case)	White gold
Bracelet	Mr Watchley Grained Light Grey
Glass	Sapphire
Condition	Mint, like new
Year	2020
Papers	Yes
Box	Yes
Warranty	2 years