SIHH 2010: A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph

During the recent SIHH 2010 industry event the German watch maker has presented its new A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph hand-wound wound watch that combines a compact, elegantly shaped and finely decorated body with a state of the art in-house hand-wound movement.

Inside its well-proportioned case, which is available both in pink (Ref. 402.032) and white gold (Ref. 406.026,) is hidden an in-house Lange L951.5 flyback chronograph movement.

Plates and bridges of the movement are made of German silver, which, a matter of fact, is not real silver but a silver-colored alloy of copper, nickel and zinc.

Being only 30.6 millimeters in diameter and 6.1 millimeters in height, the caliber allows for a rather compact casing of 39.5 mm and 10.8 mm respectively.

As you can see on the pictures, the watch features a traditionally clean, easy to read dial. Crafted from solid silver, it sports a somewhat unusual version of the traditional bi-compax layout with the jumping minute chronograph counter* and small seconds sub-dials (they are located at 3 and 9 hours respectively) moved into the lower part of the face.

I am not sure whether the design adds anything to the chronograph’s legibility, but it certainly makes the watch look fresher and, well, different.

Regrettably, neither the hour markers, nor the hands feature even the slightest touches of Superluminova that could make the watch useable in darkness.

On the other hand, the lack of lume allowed the watch to stay true to the image of classic, vintage-inspired timekeeper that looks more elegant, than even some three-handers from the most respected Swiss Manufactures.

It is reported that the German watchmaker plans to sell the new A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph watch at an impressive price of $45,000.

*UPDATE: Here is a pretty short video that lets you see the jumping minute chronograph counter in action. Enjoy.

Photos: A. Lange & Sohne

A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph watch specification

Price range: $45,000
Movement: Lange L951.5, hand-wound, 306 parts, 40 jewels, 18,000 vph, in-house, 6.1 mm high, 30.6 mm in diameter
Complications: Flyback chronograph, stop seconds
Power reserve: 60 hours
Case material: Pink gold (Ref. 402.032) or White gold (Ref. 406.026)
Bezel material: Pink or white gold
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire crystal caseback
Case size: 39.5 mm
Case height: 10.8 mm
Dial: Solid silver
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Blued steel
Strap: Hand-stitched, crocodile strap, Lange prong buckle in solid gold
Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflection coated
Water resistance: N/A