A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Yellow gold Ref. 206.021 - Full set & ALS Service sealed
Origin
The 1815 range from A.Lange & Söhne is named after the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, the brand's founding father and pioneer of German watchmaking. Over his sixty-year life, Lange was a prolific and accomplished watch and clockmaker. From being Joseph Thaddéus Winnerl's apprentice in Paris, to developing the Glashütte lever escapement and contributing to Glashütte becoming the centre of German watchmaking, Lange's impact on the German watch landscape is immeasurable. When his great-grandson re-introduced A.Lange & Söhne to the horological world, paying homage to the work of his ancestors was of great importance. When the first four Lange references were released in 1994, the most complex of the range was the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite. Despite this reference's tourbillon, the model carried some core design elements which outlined A.Lange & Söhne's most simplistic reference released just one year later: the 1815.
In the virtue of its founder, the collection blends traditional Germanic watch design with timeless modernity. Having a striking classical appearance, the Lange 1815 stood out by character amongst the early models of the new A. Lange & Söhne era, such as the idiosyncratic Arkade, Saxonia, and the legendary Lange 1.
Lange connoisseurs regard the 1815 as the specific modern reference which bridges the gap between the early days of the Lange operation and the late 20th-century re-imagination. The most apparent callback is the overall dial configuration of the 1815 and how it authentically evokes 19th-century pocket watch dials produced during Ferdinand Adolph Lange's time. The essence of the current A.Lange & Söhne DNA seemingly stems from the basic 1815 design and remains present throughout the A.Lange & Söhne series of watches.
The first-generation of 1815 models remain highly sought after references.
The Watch
This 2007 1815 ref. 206.021 from A.Lange & Söhne dates just one year before the first generation was discontinued in 2008. With a rather reserved 35,9 mm case width, the 206.021 is a traditionally configurated reference that tastefully matches the model's mid-sized proportions. Cased in 18-carat yellow gold, this 1815 features short signature lugs that are polished with accompanying bevelling and a gentle downturn. The case is skillfully constructed with an overriding air of simplicity. Its rounded bezel design directly plays into the hands of wearability and dynamism, setting the stage with ease for its classic dial.
Less is certainly more with the 1815 as this reference's silver time only dial demonstrates. A black railroad seconds track frames the dial with traditional Saxon porcelain dots in line with each hour. Taking a further step into the dial reveals a set of Arabic numerals, also thickly printed in black from one to twelve, with the six being cut in half by the centralised subsidiary seconds dial. The handset on this 1815 is textbook A. Lange & Söhne. Produced by thermal blueing, the Alpha style hour and minute hands command the dial's centre with an elongated needle style hand with diamond counter balance quietly occupying the sub-register. Continuing on the narrative of simplicity, the German watchmaker's refined hand-finishing is reflected in the branded crown, signed case and dial – the eminent arc brand signature referring to its cradle underneath: Glashütte i/SA ('in Saxony') – and 18-carat yellow gold A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle and signed movement.
Despite the model's focus on just the hours, minutes, and seconds, the 1815 (and more specifically the 206.021) is one of the purest expressions of A.Lange & Söhne with elegance in abundance and charisma throughout.
Please note: This 1815 ref. 206.021 has just been serviced by A.Lange & Söhne and is sold sealed. The watch has only been taken out of its seal for the sake of accurate photography.
The Movement
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1815 206.021 houses the mechanical L941.1 manual movement, celebrated for its outstanding functionality and avant-garde precision, beating at a traditional frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (3Hz), providing a 45-hour power reserve.
This in house hand-wound movement features thermally-blued screws, gold chatons and red rubies adorning the warm German silver signature three-quarter plate. A hacking seconds mechanism, exquisite hand-engraving on the balance cock, screwed balance wheel and escape wheel cap can be viewed through the sapphire crystal caseback and are paired with Glashütte stripes, artisanal bevels, and black polish finish.
How It Wears
Round A. Lange & Sohne watches typically sit around 38mm and larger, creating a noticeable yet considered wrist presence. Regardless, the 1815 coming in at 35,9mm and the scaling down of typical A. Lange & Sohne proportions only works to emphasise the sophistication provided by the 206.021. A yellow gold exterior combined with a silver dial and a thermally blued handset creates a quintessential and luxury look for a time only dress watch. And yet simultaneously, the 1815 is just at home with a pair of jeans and an Oxford shirt as it is with a three-piece suit. Refined, clean, and effortlessly elegant, this 206.021 was conceived to work with all manner of wrist sizes.
Condition
This A. Lange & Sohne 1815 ref. 206.021 dates from 2007 and is presented in like-new condition. The watch is complete as a full set and comes with the paperwork confirming its recent service by A. Lange & Sohne. Complete with its original 18-carat yellow gold pin buckle, the 206.021 is fitted on our Mr Watchley Grained brown leather watch strap. The watch has just been serviced by A.Lange & Söhne and, as such, is sold sealed. The watch has only been taken out of its seal for the sake of accurate photography.
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
No stock kept on site
| Reference | 206.021 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Manual Wound |
| Caliber |
Calibre L941.1
|
| Dial | Silver |
| Size (Case) | 35,9 mm |
| Material (Case) | Yellow gold |
| Bracelet | Mr Watchley Grained Brown |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | Like new, just out of ALS service |
| Year | 2007 |
| Papers | Yes |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |