A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Flyback Chronograph Boutique Edition

A. LANGE & SOHNE 1815 CHRONOGRAPH 414.026
White Gold | white 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, prior to 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 merely making the most of Lemania, Valjoux and El Primero based movements. To its advantage and detriment, the Datograph was a serious heavy hitter. For those in the know who held serious coin, it was a no brainer. 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 still provided the brand’s refreshing Germanic design language. Crucially though, the 1815 was less expensive than the Datograph coming in at $33,600 verses 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 yellow gold, 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 a year later as a Boutique Edition. Only available through A. Lange & Söhne boutiques, this model brought back some of the design cues found on the earliest reference and since has become extremely sought after.

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 represents an exceptional example of the Boutique Edition. 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 step-down bezel design directly plays into the hands of wearability and dynamism, setting the stage with ease for the extraordinary dial.

One of the most noticeable elements of this stark white dial is the amount of depth. Looking at the piece head-on, this isn’t overtly apparent, however, all it takes is a turn of the watch and instantly the multi-layered dial shows itself. A reoccurring theme is the application of bright, fresh blue seen throughout the font and hands. This is first noticeable surrounding the dial where a fan favourite from early 1815 Chronograph’s is found: a pulsometer. This shares the periphery of the dial with the ‘A. Lange & Söhne’ signature proudly being displayed at the 12 o’clock position. Taking one step further, we arrive at the heart of the dial which accommodates three different layers. Firstly, a railway 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 approached from an engineering perspective. Large, Arabic numerals (also complete in the refreshing tone of blue) are only interrupted at three and nine to allow for the two, slightly off centred concentric circled sub-dials. 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 Lange style. We start with its elongated chronograph hand. Thermally blued, stretching right to the centre of the pulsation scale with a diamond-shaped counterbalance. The second hand adopts the same design, whereas the jumping seconds opts for a more direct design. The hour and minute hands silence any naysayers thanks to their alpha design presented in rhodium-plated white gold. Truly, there is nothing to fault with these chic yet completely appropriate hands.

This effortlessly contemporary, appropriately unique, and coherent chronograph symbolises the epitome of Lange’s approach to German watchmaking. Another future classic Lange in the making.

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 clearly statistically impressive. However, with the movement being produced by Lange, listing its statistics and performance is really only half the story. The craftsmanship and beautiful aesthetics are what this movement is all about. Enjoyable through the display caseback, an overwhelming mix of German silver bridges, polished and brushed levers, a blend of sharp interior angles and soft bevelling is methodically achieved. With its signature highly engraved balance cock, fine finishing is quite literally everywhere you look.

In a phrase: mind-blowing.

How It Wears

The 1815 Chronograph "Boutique Edition" 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 added bonus of wrist hugging properties. The silver base of the dial is an exceptional backdrop enabling the commanding blue dial details to come alive and in many lights, shift to a black tone.  

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

Condition

This 1815 Chronograph "Boutique Edition" comes complete as a full set example. The watch is presented in mint condition with only honest, hairline scratches and has not been polished. The watch has been fitted to an incredibly supple and comfortable Mr Watchley leather watch strap.

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

Reference	414.026
Movement	Manual Wound
Caliber	Calibre L951.5
Dial	White
Size (Case)	39,5 mm
Material (Case)	White gold
Bracelet	Mr Watchley Grained Navy Blue
Glass	Sapphire
Condition	as new
Year	2021
Papers	Yes
Box	Yes
Warranty	2 years