A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph
The Collector’s Guide – December 2020
1815 Chronograph is one of the best watches that A. Lange & Söhne has ever made. No matter the generation, no matter the model, the collection offers one of the best ever chronograph movements with an extremely attractive package and competitive pricing. Oh, I apologise due to such biased start… Simply because my love affair with this watch might’ve caused me rambling a lot. However, I hope that by the end of the article, we are going to be sharing the same affinity towards this brilliant piece while enjoying a time travel from 2004 to this day with the 1815 Chronograph.
Quick Facts:
- Introduced in 2004
- Available only in gold
- Available with bracelet
- Offers three generations as 2004, 2010 and 2015
- Rare first generation pieces
It is inevitable to connect the birth of the 1815 Chronograph to the introduction of the Datograph – therefore the caliber L951 in 1999. Datograph was the second (following Tourbillon Pour le Mérite) technical bomb from A. Lange & Söhne. It was a bomb because the highest echelon of watchmaking has long been utilizing outsourced movements for their watches for decades. There was no intention for building a new one, simply because people were content with the way things were. Then arrived something entirely unexpected, distinct and extremely charming from a brand that is 9 years old – Datograph and its caliber L951.1.
Recommended Reading: The Collector’s Guide to the Datograph
However, as stunning as it was; the platinum Datograph’s price at €40k for a newly launched brand without a strong track record was not easily attainable for many. Consequently, in 2003 Lange tried to address the demand by launching a less expensive and deservedly coveted Dufourgraph in pink gold. Alas, it was not enough. Difference does not necessarily mean attractive. Furthermore, to many, Datograph was too adventurous. Many asked for a pure and a thinner chronograph. The answer was 1815 Chronograph and it landed in in 2004.
1815 Chronograph - 2004
The first pure chronograph of A. Lange & Söhne. People asked and the brand delivered – a slimmer, more traditional and less expensive (its price was $33,600 against the gold Datograph’s $38,900) chronograph with its own unmistakable character.
Funny enough; perhaps to emphasize the 1815 Chronograph’s relative compactness, it was launched next to a monumental piece with a thickness of 15.3 mms: the Double Split. The relationship between the two is like Porsche 911 and Bugatti Veyron. Former is more attainable, driveable and a true timeless classic; whereas the latter is the ultimate flex, not a thing you would drive everyday but you know there is nothing else like its performance.
Since its introduction, 1815 Chronograph changed almost as many faces as Bond. Yet, it has always been an inseparable part of the brand’s collection. The great thing about the 1815 Chronograph line is that each version carries its own aesthetics. Therefore, one cannot simply be indecisive between the first and the second generation for example… So, it is worthy to examine all three generations.
From left to right: 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation of the 1815 Chronograph
That being said, I do have a favorite of the bunch. For numerous reasons which are explained below; for me, the first generation 1815 Chronograph (both the 401.026 and 401.031) is one of the best collections A. Lange & Söhne had ever created. I might even say that it is a must have for every chronograph enthusiast.
Following article starts with an in-depth walkthrough of the first generation 1815 Chronograh. Later transitions to the second generation and finally finishes off with the currently available models. All 1815 chronograph generations are explained in terms of case, dial, mechanisms and market prices.
A Slimmer Case for the 1815 Chronograph
In 1994, A. Lange & Söhne management had to differentiate both the watches and the brand itself completely from its Swiss counterparts in order to claim a place in the collectors’ mind. And for watches, this started from the cases. Lange cases are rather straightforward and follows the same structure since 1994. Constructed on three levels with alternate finish. Though sounds simple, they are built with an exquisite eye for detail.
If you carefully examine the case, you are going to notice a distinction between the lugs and the brushed case band. This is a design rule conceived by Günter Blümlein as a reflection of Lange’s founding principles – being distinctive from romantic Swiss and delivering the engineered feeling in harmony with the mechanical perfection. As a result, the lugs are notched, separately mirror polished on the base, bevelled and then attached to the case. An instantly striking detail that brings so much to the whole.
Please note the notched, angled lugs, alternate finishing on the case band and finish on the pushers
First generation 1815 Chronograph measures 39.5 mm in diameter, 10.8 mm in thickness and 48.4 mm lug to lug. On top of its balanced proportions, thanks to the beautifully curved lug profile, it is a joy to wear. As all Lange cases, where Blümlein described as I want to give the feeling like closing a Mercedes door it reminds you that it is there. It is heavy, but not in a disturbing way; on the contrary, adds more to the experience. Datograph for example is a top heavy piece and hard to balance without a deployant buckle. 1815 Chronograph is just delightful.
The chronograph buttons on the side follow the same angle with the case and carries generous polished bevels contrasting against the brushed surfaces. The ribbed crown is just at the right size and very easy to operate. Finally, the fact that the protruding caseback has much lesser thickness than Datograph, and the diameter/thickness ratio is much better; the 1815 Chronograph delivers a substantially improved wrist presence. It does not wobble on the wrist and sits just right.
The 1815 Chronograph utilizes strap and buckle of 20/16.
1815 Chronograph - A Pure Dial
The dial of the first generation 1815 Chronograph (401.026 and 401.031) is constructed on four layers. Such a construction hallows the collection with a splendid depth. Even though the layered structure is a signature of the 1815 family, the 1815 chronograph carries it to the next level.
1815 Chronograph reference 401.031
The most outer ring carries the pulsometer and the logo with a beautiful slope. This inclination builds a continuum with the bezel’s curve, and connects with the main dial – constructing the first layer while seamlessly connecting itself with the case. In the main part, along with the signature 1815 collection details such as three-dots on each 15 minutes markers or chemin de fer minute track, each second is divided into 5 equal parts to match the tick of the chronograph seconds hand with “m” shaped hash marks. Going a bit deeper, the central portion of the dial is further recessed, and finally the sub-dials are at the deepest point; given a slight contrast on white gold model, a reverse-panda looks for the pink gold.
The 1815 Chronograph is powered by the caliber L951.0 – which is the stripped down version of the Datograph’s L951.1. Therewith, the sub-dials sit well below the center without contributing to the overall symmetry as with the Datograph; which is understandably irritating to some people.
However, as the operations logic would suggest, it makes the most sense to share the assembly line (watchmakers – parts) for both models; thus, the placement of the 1815 Chronograph’s subdials follows its patriarch. Still, it does not bother me. On the contrary, I appreciate this distinct detail for two reasons:
• It was, and still is, different than anything else on the market,
• This sub-dial placement is a common practice for the 1815 family and has a historic ground – as previously seen in Up/Down and Emil Lange models.
Emil Lange Moonphase
1815 Up/Down
Measuring 39.5 mm in diameter with a beautifully curved lug profile, the watch is a joy to wear. As all Lange cases, where Blümlein described as “I want to give the feeling like closing a Mercedes door” it reminds you that it is there. Lange cases are straightforward but they are built with an eye for detail and 1815 chronograph is a proud member of the cult. The signature part of every Lange case, the separately finished, notched and beveled – mirror polished lugs are easily noticable in the photo below upon close inspection. It is what makes Lange cases recognizable instantly without being extraorbitant, like Richard Mille?
One note here: As exceptional the caliber L951.1 is and costly at the same time; taking a movement (L951.1) and putting it into a different watch (1815 Chronograph) family was against A. Lange & Söhne’s mother law. Since the very beginning, the brand had “One movement – One watch” principle. Even though this rule was broken even in 1994 with Saxonia. Nevertheless, in 1999, the following dialogue took place in Peter Chong’s interview with Günter Blümlein;
P: Will you continue to make new movements with every new Lange model?
G: Yes. All our product developments are running under this rule. You may expect some more surprises in the future.
P: When will you consolidate and reuse basic calibers for complications?
G: I am referring to my previous answer
Still, with some exceptions, Lange retains a big part of this principle with more than 60 calibers they have developed to date. A dedication that deserves a round of applause. Even more so when one takes a look at other big brands and sees small movements in shockingly huge cases.
Such a beauty. Reference 401.026.
The 1815 Chronograph in white gold carries blued steel hands which perfectly suits argenté dial whereas the reference 401.031 rose gold carries pink gold hands for the hours/minutes/chronograph seconds and blued steel hands for running seconds and jumping minute counter.
Thing is; the first generation 1815 Chronograph has that vintage puff while appearing unmistakably modern and characteristic. The main dial is notably small, sub-dials are miniscule and the pulsometer scale is unusually thick. Maybe just because of these, just because it does not make sense in theory certain watches become design icons. Like Patek’s 5070 perhaps? Ingloriously small movement causes all the indications to cramp up towards the middle and surrounded by a tachymeter and seconds ring and even a thicker two-stepped bezel. But this illogical combination is exactly the reason why 5070 is a superbly intriguing watch.
Set on this, in my book, 1815 Chronograph is one such model. Not as an outlier; but certainly characteristicand compelling. Unfortunately, none of the successors have been this brave.
1815 Chronograph Caliber L951.0
In order to truly understand the importance as well as the beauty of the 1815 Chronograph’s caliber L951.0, I have divided this section into two parts: Technical and Visual. I believe that knowing how these pieces operate just doubles the joy. Therefore, let’s start by taking a look at its operational principles and later deep-dive into its aesthetics.
What bestowed the legendary status upon the L951.1 was its movement architecture and the variety of finish. The composition was so distinct, the use of color and finish techniques were so harmonious, it stood alone in the ocean of decades old calibers. Indeed, some years later, in an interview with Jack Forster at Forbes.com, the legendary watchmaker Philippe Dufour who also owns a Datograph was going to say:
“Take 10 movements out of the current range of any contemporary brand, put them next to a Lange movement, and comment honestly on what you see. That is the best way to judge — by examining the truth.”
I am sure that sometimes, every 1815 Chronograph or Datograph owner just drops everything, unstraps the watch from his/her wrist and just admires the eternal dance between engineering and aesthetics. Impossible not to. But before admiring its beauty, let’s understand how does a chronograph work.
Courtesy of Lange Uhren GmbH
The processor of the caliber L951.0 is the column-wheel. It is the link between the pushers and the function we see. If you look closer, you are going to see that the clutch lever, zero-reset lever and the operating lever are all connected to it. The 1815 chronograph becomes active when the operating parts of the mechanism connects to the running movement. When the user presses the start button, column wheel spins forward and the clutch lever’s tail falls in between the pillars. Then, the clutch lever moves horizontally and meshes with the chronograph wheel. To stop, pressing the button again, the column wheel spins again, pushes the clutch lever’s tail and disengages the lever from the chronograph mechanism.
How about flyback? This mechanism makes it possible to stop and reset a running chronograph mechanism with a single pusher activation.
The two essential parts of the 1815 Chronograph flyback feature are the two armed heart lever, and zero-reset lever (4) and the coupling wheel (2). The process begins with the push to the zero-reset lever (4). Upon pressing the button, the zero-reset lever is pressed downwards and a pin transfers this motion to the flyback peg (6). The peg holds a pin that is in permanent contact with the claw shaped flyback lever (5). Therefore, when the peg is pressed downwards, it presses the flyback lever to the left; thus, the flyback lever presses the coupling wheel and detaches it from the chronograph seconds wheel (3) and stops the chronograph.
On its downward motion, the peg also makes contact with the heart cam (7). Since the cam is connected to the chronograph seconds’ wheel (3), when the peg (6) pushes the cams, the seconds hand goes back to the zero position. When the pusher is released, the heart lever is pulled upwards and the whole process starts in order.
Technically; the 1815 Chronograph movement L951.0’s only difference from its fabled predecessor L951.1 is the lack of the big date mechanism. Apart from this, the caliber beats at the same 18,000 bph, features flyback and precisely jumping-minute recorder and boasts 36 hours of power reserve.
What differentiates the caliber L951 series movements even today are their architecture and exemplary finishing. Thanks to the construction of bridges, arrangement of the chronograph mechanism and curvature of levers, it has an eminently balanced depth and layout. Although traditional in working principles – horizontal clutch with column wheel – the visuality is timeless.
The watchmaker assembling the coupling lever. Inimitable architecture. Courtesy of Lange Uhren GmbH
A flawless combination of 320 tiny components, 34 jewels and 4 gold chatons brings life to the 1815 Chronograph’s caliber L951.0. Withal, number of parts alone or whatever specifications it has cannot tell you how amazing this movement is. It is the embodiment of the quote perfection is many small parts done right in 30.6 mm in diameter. In this 3 cm across area, you will find 9 different finish techniques – each contributing on a mission to form perfection.
The masterful handwork is evident in every inch of the caliber L951. From engraving to linear finish, from mirror polish to superb chamfering, the movement is indeed worthy of an acclamation from the master Mr. Dufour and many other connoisseurs. Every bridge is ribbed, circumferential polish applied and chamfered. After more than 20 years, it is still at the top. It is the movement that got me into watchmaking over 10 years ago, and my heart still beats faster whenever I strap or see one.
One final anecdote I can deliver is; although not based on a reliable sample size, I can tell that the accuracy of the 1815 Chronograph pieces are superb and well over the mediocre COSC standards. If owners of these pieces can send me their watch’s accuracy and service intervals, I would be more than happy to create a spreadsheet to deliver more reliable guidance.
All in all, despite all the love I am pouring over this model here, it had a lifetime of only 4 years, until 2008. In circles, as unbelievable as it sounds, the reason is spoken to be that the line was not successful – which I tend to believe because Lange is not a brand to cut production if the line is a good seller. On top of that, looking two years down the road, this theory makes even greater sense. Because A. Lange & Söhne would drastically change the appearance of the 1815 Chronograph to make it more appealing to crowd; yet, in my opinion only to fail.
Apart from the mentioned references, A. Lange & Söhne crafted a Japan edition, with pink gold case and silver dial under reference 401.032.
Sold at Antiquorum.
1815 Chronograph - Second Generation
Lange went through a transition following the leaving of its CEO Mr. Fabian Kröne in 2009 and with the arrival of Mr. Lambert – current CEO of Richemont. Lange’s designs became more streamlined, modern and minimalistic and the first signals of such evolution were Datograph Perpetual ref. 410.032, Double Split in 2010 and the second generation of the 1815 Chronograph.
The second-generation of the collection arrived just 2 years after the first generation was discontinued, in 2010. Apart from the signature 1815 features, the design was almost completely renewed and purified. The model was produced only in white gold (402.026) and pink gold (402.032)
When I look back, I recall comments such as too packed and busy for the first generation 1815 Chronograph – which was kind of true. The pulsometer and chronograph hashmarks were invading a big part of the dial with inscriptions. It was unusual, and for some understandably unsettling. I believe that the brand wanted to address such critiques with the launch of the second generation 1815 Chronograph. Hence, the first obvious difference between the two generations is the removal of the pulsometer scale for the sake of clarity.
However, a design has to reveal individuality and controversy, especially at this level. It has to bring out a character and a design needs people standing behind their decision no matter what, as in Odysseus or Zeitwerk. A strategy of chasing the general taste is not a good one and in my opinion this is where the second generation of the 1815 Chronograph line fails. Not because it is not a beautiful collection – on the contrary, it is a pure beauty; yet it fails the deliver a distinction as the first generation does, especially with the 401.031…
402.032 – the second generation of the 1815 Chronograph
With the removal of the pulsometer scale the numerals are pushed towards the outer edge. Consecutively, this arrangement opens more space for the sub-dials (which were a bit cramped in the first generation) and they cover up the space quite nicely. Furthermore, the logo is moved from the peripheral scale to the main dial and. Flyback is positioned at 6 o’clock to balance out the logo as well as to fill up the reminding white space.
Another big difference is in the minute chapter. The deep slope given by the pulsometer scale is gone. So now the transition between the bezel and the dial is more stepped rather than continuation. In return, the dial appears flatter. Unfortunately the depth was one of the defining features of the 1815 Chronograph, so I am not a fan of losing it, either.
All in all, these updates indeed resulted in a much cleaner, legible and optimized look. But they take away from the established character of the 1815 Chronograph. Please note that beauty and soul are two different things. The movement side however is a completely different story. Compared to the earlier L951.0, the caliber L951.5 is superior in every way; featuring a vast array of important technical advancements.
Please note the updated balance wheel, as well as a few adjustments / improvements for the levers.
Thanks to the Never Standing Still movement developers, the power reserve has gone up from 36 hours to 60 hours without a noticeable change in the movement size – probably the removal of the maltese-cross as the same happened to Datograph Up/Down. The caliber L951.0‘s 320 components went down to 306 for the caliber L951.5.
Most importantly, the modernized 1815 Chronograph finally came together with a free-sprung in-house balance wheel and in-house balance spring. Moreover, it is more magnetic resistant than its predecessor. Cherry on top, the caliber L951.5 does all these things while still preserving its unrivaled aesthetics.
After another short run of 4 years, Lange terminated the second generation of the 1815 Chronograph line. Immediately after, Lange presented the 1815 Chronograph “Boutique Edition” in 2015. It was the third attempt of the brand to finally find the perfect chronograph – and also to test the waters for the new design
1815 Chronograph - Third Generation
Introduction of the 1815 Chronograph Boutique Edition (414.026) in white gold in 2015 was the first sign of the new generation. The pulsometer; thus, the beautiful slope on the minute chapter returned and the watch has regained most of its original character with a slight vintage charm. It was a success since day one and Lange wasted no time to expand the collection in the near future.
Recommended Reading: the 1815 Chronograph Boutique Edition
The 1815 Chronograph Boutique Edition is an example on how to modernize a timepiece. Compared to the first generation, the thinner bezel and fonts give much more freedom to argente dial, and the thinner pulsometer scale further contributes to the cleaner look. The dial proportions of the first generation is mildly back but further improved upon with the use of larger sub-dials from the second generation. This resulted in a minimalist and uncluttered appearance. The line retains its size at 39.5 mm in diameter and 11 mm in thickness.
In the 1815 Chronograph Boutique Edition, the use of blue on almost every inscription and white space on the dial stands out the most. The blue’s coupledom with rhodiumed-gold hands as well as argenté dial delivers a cold yet classic and captivating look. From certain angles, the deep blue appears to be black, still they are quite clear to be enjoyed. The watch delivers serenity.
2 years down the road, in 2017, A. Lange & Söhne unveiled, quite possibly the most badass chronograph ever made – 1815 Chronograph white gold/black dial (414.028) and officially launched the third generation of the 1815 Chronograph dynasty.
1815 Chronograph reference 414.028 sold at the Langepedia x The 1916 Company Marketplace.
The 1815 Chronograph Boutique Edition draws a clear inspiration from the first generation reference 401.026 with blued indices, and rather subtle look. However, this one here, even though both of the pieces belong to the same collection, has a whole different aura.
The reference 414.028 is the first 1815 Chronograph model to be blessed with the coupledom of white metal/black dial. It was only Datograph before this one, and finally part of that rather aggressive identity is bestowed upon the collection. Now, if only we could see a platinum 1815 Chronograph…
The black dial 1815 Chronograph was a huge success – still is – and at SIHH 2018, A. Lange & Söhne expanded the third generation of 1815 Chronograph collection with two brilliant additions in pink gold. I am especially fond of the argenté dial (414.032) version as it superbly reflects the layered structure of the dial, the depth; and the blued hands harmony with pink gold case is to die for.
A final word on the black dial versions: Even though the models are extremely captivating, stealth and versatile; at times, the legibility is awful. White and pink gold hands blend with the black background easily, forcing you to carefully look at the watch to read the time. Yet, I believe as we all would agree, reading the time is not the primary impulse to sport such splendid art pieces; and with their craft they easily dodge the critique.
Buying an 1815 Chronograph
A. Lange & Söhne’s 1815 Chronograph is absolutely one of the best pieces that one can add to his/her collection or build upon. Although every collector’s understanding of “value” is utterly subjective; the workmanship, the movement, and attention to detail at the highest level is undeniable and deserves appreciation.
Apart from the stellar craft, the most important thing for me is that the line has a character. You cannot confuse them with any other high-end chronograph. They are not derivatives. Details are so coherently brought together, they created an inimitable identity; which can be said for the most of Lange’s collection.
1815 Chronograph’s first-generation models’ price was around $33k in 2004 and ~$38k when taken out from the catalogue in 2007. As of June 2021, these pieces, just like many other early Lange pieces, have greatly appreciated in value. The white gold version is asking a bit premium compared to rose gold. Compared to some other Lange models, they do not come out pretty often, but with a bit research and patience, they are quite reachable pretty liquid. Albeit the market jumps Up/Down as a result of the financial situation of the world, it is safe to say that the first generation models trade around $65-70k.
The second-generation 1815 Chronograph models were laggards for the most part, and still are, but they’ve also taken advantage of the overall apprecation. These pieces can be found within the range of $45-55k, depending on the set, condition, metal.
The third-generation 1815 Chronograph are more or less on the same level as the first geneartion models. The boutique edition ref. 414.026 and the white gold / black dial 414.028 are the two most popular models of the line. Both models retail at the north of $60k. With patience, the white gold variants can be found in the mid $70s, whereas the pink gold models ask closer to the retail price, or less at some instances.
A note is due here: due to significant price appreciation on A. Lange & Söhne watches, many dealers try to take advantage of the fast-moving market and FOMO effect. It is possible that the buyer sees completely different pricing across known dealers. It is even more dangerous when there’s only one example in the market. Therefore, it would be at the buyer’s advantage to observe the market, and take notes of the sales. The prices given here reflects the June 2021.
I hope this was a valuable guide for whomever is looking for an 1815 Chronograph or just want to learn the details and history of these pieces. If you’d like to chat, sell or buy an 1815 Chronograph, please kindly reach out to me via [email protected]
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