A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Side Step "Wempe" Edition 222.049

1815 Side Step "Wempe" — 222.049

Some of the most adventurous and wildest concepts from A. Lange & Söhne were made for retailer partners. Especially from the late '90s to the late 2000s, the brand came up with extraordinary editions across core collections, from the 1815 to the Lange 1, the Richard Lange, and even the Datograph. The Lange 1 shines very bright here, with editions like the Dubail in blue Mother of Pearl, the first Soirée with a guilloché dial made for Sincere Fine Watches, or the Oeding-Erdel editions. The 1815, however, has been more reserved—and none the less for it, perhaps even richer.

The Side Step edition was made for Wempe's 125th Anniversary in 2003. 125 pieces in total: 75 in pink gold and 50 in platinum. Crafted in the classic 1815 proportions of the early 2000s, it measures 35.9 × 7.45 mm—wearing extremely elegant and, dare I say, timeless. Although the platinum and black dial coupling is well-utilised across the Lange 1 and Datograph collections, the 1815 Side Step remains the only 1815 piece ever configured in the signature "Darth" livery. To enhance its distinctiveness further, A. Lange & Söhne placed the sub-seconds at 4 o'clock, subtly reminiscent of the 1815 Up/Down of the late '90s—minus the power reserve indication. The sub-dial is made of solid silver and develops a tasteful patina over the years, crowned with a blued-steel seconds hand.

The real show, however, is at the back, a rare thing to say of a time-only 1815 model. The Side Step reference 222.049 is the only piece from A. Lange & Söhne to carry a fully hand-engraved three-quarter plate. It is engraved in a floral pattern drawn from early 20th-century pocket watches, alongside the A. Lange & Söhne logo and even the movement number. The gold lines form a stunning contrast against the German Silver, and the palette formed by blued screws and gold chatons is truly a sight to behold. The caseback ring is further engraved with "Wempe" and the individual limitation number of each piece.

The 1815 Side Step "Wempe" in platinum, reference 222.049, is a one-of-a-kind gem from an era of A. Lange & Söhne experimentation, a piece we may never see the likes of again. This example is sold with its original box and papers from its first owner.