A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Kalenderwoche - Limited to 50 Pieces

The Watch

If you're reading these pages, then there's a high probability you're aware that A. Lange & Söhne isn't your everyday watch manufacturer. From the game-changing Datograph to the showstopping Odesseyus Chronograph with central totaliser, they innovate at the highest level; take this 1815 Kalenderwoche, ref. 245.032. You'll be forgiven for not recognising this reference or, in fact, the entire watch itself, as this 2006 release debuted as a retail exclusive watch to mark the 150th anniversary of retailer Andreas Huber, Munich. To be clear, this entire model and the calibre were produced solely for a retail partner. Again, few do it like ALS. The example here today represents just one of 50 pieces rendered in pink gold, and at 38.5mm wide with a slenderness of only 9.8mm, despite its rarity, the exterior comprises unmistakable Lange hallmarks. The notched lugs in a polished finish with accompanying beveling and a gentle downturn, the rounded bezel and its pair of gracefully squared-off pushers. It's a sight dominated by skilful construction, creating an imposing yet simplistic presence. This reference is known as the 1815 'Kalenderwoche' with its name translating to 'calendar week' as it can measure the day of the week and the week of the year. Although the size, placement, and shape are identical to what you'd expect on a chronograph, the aforementioned pushers operate these complications.

This coherent execution is typical of the 1815, regardless of this being the only time it came to fruition. The bold Arabic numerals are a must, and here they're delivered in a classic black printed and prominent fashion. Another 1815 classic, the elegant railroad track bridges the gap between the numerals and week indicators, framing the argenté dial with practical symmetry—another quintessential A. Lange & Söhne feature. The hour, minute and second hands are seen here in an Alpha-style form, forged from steel and treated to thermal blueing. On the other hand, what is most undoubtedly atypical of timepieces from this Saxon watchmaker is the centralised needle style hand realised in 18ct pink gold to indicate the week. The centralised sub-register at six displays the day of the week and the running seconds, with a continuation of black printing and a repeated precious metal hand for the day indication.

While omitting a date may appear unconventional, as Langepedia puts it, "The watch has some real-life benefits in the German Speaking business world as most projects are done on a weekly basis". Whether seeking a watch that occupies a 'business watch' category or after an embodiment of the brand's penchant for overdelivering, this scarcely seen 1815 carries features representative of the Lange language, yet it stands alone. A generally unknown treasure that depicts the distance A. Lange & Söhne goes to assert watchmaking excellence.  

The Movement 

Powering this Kalenderwoche is the A, Lange & Söhne L045.1 calibre. Based on the L941.1 found throughout the generations of the 1815 and Saxonia, this manually wound movement carries a power reserve of 45 hours, features 29 jewels, and is decorated to the brand's exacting standards. Its unmistakable German silver hue is coupled with a swan-neck regulator, an exquisitely hand-engraved balance bridge, and the iconic Glashütte stripes adorning the ¾ bridge are all visible through the sapphire caseback. Central to the movement is the engraving "ANDREAS HUBER MÜNCHEN 1856-2006"; an important reminder of the exclusivity of this piece.

How It Wears 

The 1815 is a proportional masterclass. On paper, it delivers a sweet spot in width, height and length; in person, these measurements translate effortlessly. The prominent lugs confirm the unequivocal Lange design language with the bonus of wrist-hugging properties. The soft hue of the 18ct rose gold is wonderfully paired with the crisp, sharp argenté dial, and due to the significance of this exceptionally exclusive model series, that almost unexplainable feeling experienced when wearing any Lange is catapulted to even loftier heights.

Condition

This A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Kalenderwoche Ref. 245.032 is offered as a full set and dates from 2006. The watch is presented in excellent condition with some minor hairline scratches. The watch is complete with its original strap, rose gold Lange signed buckle, original strap, and is fitted to a Mr Watchley Grained Brown strap.

Origin

The often tricky second album. With triumphs like the Lange 1 and Saxonia debuting at A. Lange & Söhne's re-launch twelve months prior, a worthy follow-up that could maintain momentum with conviction was essential. Walter Lange and Günter Blümlein decided authenticity was necessary, as the custodians responsible for Lange's success took it back to day one.

The year was 1815, and a certain Mr Ferdinand Adolph Lange was born in Dresden, Germany. When he reached 30, he founded a watch company called A. Lange & Cie, which later became A. Lange & Söhne. At the time, he focused on building best-in-show pocket watches, often highly complex and ornately finished pieces with defining visual characteristics: charming King Louis XIV hands, striking numerals, and black typeface. Fast forward some 147 years, and in 1995, modern-day Lange announces the 1815, a watch created with the spirit of its early pocket watches in mind, bearing the name of its founder's birth year. Since then, the 1815 has flourished within the brand's lineup, cementing itself as one of the A. Lange & Söhne cornerstone models. The series has expertly adopted a plethora of complications and design nuances while preserving the core tenets outlined in the 19th century. First released as a time-only reference before a chronograph in 2004, a tourbillon in 2014 (although it's thought the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite of 1994 was an 1815 in disguise), and an annual calendar in 2017. It's become one of the unassuming greats—pure Lange.

But that's only part of the story, as A. Lange & Söhne has established a reputation for consistently pushing boundaries. Early special editions became an area where they excelled, thriving in the pursuit of innovation. As the new brand on the block, establishing dependable routes to market was crucial. Reliable relationships sell watches, and with production numbers at a fraction of legacy watch brands, building those connections and establishing a foothold was essential. Therefore, A. Lange & Söhne produced numerous special editions over the years for important retailers, often in fewer than 100 pieces per metal. As they were produced for dedicated locations, these were often sold without any international knowledge of their existence. Special editions such as the Lange 1 Leon Maartens, the 1815 Cuvette "Oeding Erdel", the 1815 Side Step, and a certain 1815 Kalenderwoche remain truly memorable pieces.

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

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