A. Lange & Söhne

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Hands on review of the Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph 2017 Edition

Decidedly, the life of the 1815 chronograph is not as peaceful as the Datograph one. The Datograph, in its simple configuration, has existed so far in two versions and the original version, introduced in 1999, was replaced only 13 years later by the Datograph Up & Down. The pace of change of the 1815 chronograph is much higher. The first version was unveiled in 2004. It was characterized by the presence of a pulsimetric scale located on a peripheral flange. After being removed from the catalog in 2008, it was replaced in 2010 by a new model which aimed to remedy some criticisms against it.

On this picture, 4 generation of 1815 chronographs are gathered to celebrate the arrival of the new version with black dial:




The1815 chronograph 2010 edition  was distinguished by its slightly expanded case (39,5mm vs 39mm for the first version) and especially by its purer and flatter design in order to enlarge the subdials and improve the readability. Although it was obviously a very nice piece (a chronograph watch from Lange is always a reference not least because of the beauty of the movement), some (including me) regretted the loss of character. This watch was more consensual, more formal than its predecessor and had a perceived size on the wrist substantially higher despite the shy difference in diameter of half a millimeter . It was also characterized by an evolution of the flyback chronograph movement  that allowed it to reach a 60-hour power reserve versus 36 hours previously (the number of the movement parts decreasing from 320 to 306). As of that date, all movements of the 1815 chronograph would get this improved power reserve.




In 2015, a boutique edition completed the range of 1815 chronographs, still with a 39,5mm diameter. This edition marked the return of the design of the first version with a bolder flange featuring a pulsimetric peripheral scale. However, Lange avoided the mistake to clone the 2004 watch by playing with the proportions. The narrower flange than with the initial watch allowed the manufacture  to slightly enlarge the subdials.

We are now in 2017 and the big news is the arrival in the catalog of a white gold version with black dial incorporating the aesthetics of the boutique edition. This version is not limited nor only dedicated to the Lange & Söhne boutiques. The 1815 chronographs (in white gold and pink gold) 2010 edition are no longer in production even if they remain available in various points of sale.



It is very often the case in the small watchmaking world, just a detail moves and the perception we have of a watch radically changes. By using a black dial, white painted numerals and rhodium-plated hands, Lange transforms this watch that becomes far in its spirit from the boutique edition. Taking into account the predominant black, the perceived size of the new chronograph is smaller than the one of the boutique edition. The watch also appears to be much more elegant and refined while the boutique edition is more faithful to the relaxed and sporty look of the first version in 2004.

The movement L951.5 features a balance wheel with counterweights:




This is not the first time that Lange uses a black dial in the context of the 1815 chronograph. Remember, the 2004 chronograph in the pink gold version was featuring a black dial. But the atmosphere is not at all the same. The watch from 2004 was warm and bold by offering a strong contrast between the case and the dial, and between the dial and the white subdials. The new chronograph is more subtle and immediately seduces any collector looking  for a reference piece in the high horology segment and wishing to maintain some discretion. Moreover, the fact that the subdials are also black prevents the watch to be perceived as a Datograph without the large date display. It is a very positive point since the watch is more balanced this way.

It has the same architecture than the original movement  L951.0. The power reserve increase is due to the removal of a mechanism which limited it to 36 hours, what explains the decrease in the number of movement parts:




As a proud owner of the first version of the 1815 chronograph in white gold, I appreciate that Lange has proposed such a predominant black that contrasts significantly with previous versions. However, I think this chronograph is too sober if not austere. It doesn't have a single touch of color that could brighten the dial and make it more relaxed. This approach is obviously assumed by Lange & Söhne and is in the same vein than with the 1815 Platinum celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of F.A. Lange. Even The Richard Lange Pour Le Mérite in white gold and black dial featured some small details in red. I would have appreciated that some subtle (and colorful) elements break this rigidity from Saxony. In addition, in certain light conditions, the contrast between the hands and the dial fades and affects the legibility of the data. Definitely, the original 1815 chronographs and the versions from 2010 are the most legible.

The first 1815 chronograph:




The 2010 edition:





But the highlight of the watch remains its incredible movement. The caliber L951.5 is a reference in the world of high horology chronographs. It is obviously very beautiful as any chronograph movement from Lange. It looks the same as the Datograph Up & Down one and therefore offers beyond its perfect finishes a striking feeling of depth, each bridge and each mobile component seem to weave a fine mechanical lace. However, it stands in contrast  at first glance to the movement L951.0 which powered the first 1815 chronograph because its balance wheel is equipped with counterweights while the movement L951.0 used a balance wheel with screws.

The boutique edition:




The great asset of this movement is the pleasure it provides on the daily use. Its low frequency (2.5Hz) causes a slow ticking which is very pleasant to listen to. The winding experience is very smooth and the triggering of the pushers is perfect: it is the best  "sensitivity" setting of the market. Finally, as each Lange chronograph, the instantaneous minute counter ensures an optimal and accurate display.

The new 1815 chronograph is, unsurprisingly, a success from Lange which  recites a perfectly known and controlled score. The watch is of a rare elegance and its size, slightly smaller than 40mm ensures a good balance and an overall consistency. Playing the card of discretion and refinement, the latest edition of the 1815 chronograph  however lacks some daring or original details that could raise its character and personality. Its main drawback is finally to be exactly where we expected Lange to be and I would have liked to be a bit surprised to be totally seduced.

And the latest version with a black dial:




The new 1815 chronograph  is sold in France at a price of 49.400 euros with taxes, the same than with the boutique edition and the 2010 version.

Thanks a lot  to the team of Lange boutique in Paris - Rue de la Paix.

Pros:
+ The beauty of the handwind movement
+ The smooth winding experience, the perfect behaviour of the pushers and the instantaneous minute counter.
+ The watch is not a boutique edition and so will be available in different points of sale when delivered... but don't expect high production figures!
+ A very elegant and refined dial ...

Cons:
- ... but that seems too austere to my taste
-  the legibility becomes delicate in certain light conditions

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