A. Lange & Söhne

Part 4: 1815 Tourbillon

 

The 1815 Tourbillon, available in Platinum (limited edition of 100 pieces) and in PG gathers two technical features already seen in the Lange world:

- the stop-tourbillon (unveiled with the Cabaret Tourbillon)
- the zero-reset of course offered by each and every Sax-O-Mat movement but seen for the first time in a handwind movement at Lange with the Richard Lange Referenzuhr.

The 1815 Tourbillon is a very classic watch at first glance (diameter of 38,5mm, usual 1815 features (railroad, arabic figures, Alpha hands), the way the Tourbillon is displayed) but I could appreciate the large opening on the dial which allows to have a clear view on the Tourbillon despite the overlapping bridge.

Without any doubt, the main asset of the watch is its flawless finishings and the feeling to handle a watch which symbolizes perfectly classic and fine watchmaking. On the other hand, I was not surprised by its design and if you would asked me to imagine what could be an 1815 Tourbillon, I think that I would have been close to this version. The lack of surprise is not a problem by itself but despite its overall quality, the watch lacks the little something to become fully desirable. But it will fulfill the expectations of the collectors who look for a watch which strictly follows the path of tradition.

The Platinum version is my fav one:

The large opening on the dial allows to take advantage of the Tourbillon behaviour The finishings of the Tourbillon cage are perfect.

Pull the crown and the Tourbillon stops and the second hand goes instantaneously to zero in order to set the time with precision:

The movement with the diamond endstone:

You will notice the large chatons and jewels:

On the wrist, a balanced watch with a perfect size (39,5mm):

The PG version:

The Tourbillon does a full revolution every minute but it features a second hand to take advantage of the stop-tourbillon and of the zero-reset:

Despite its indisputable qualities, I was not as attracted by this watch than with the Richard Lange Terraluna. Maybe it is because its design is without any surprise. On the other hand, seeing the Tourbillon stop and resume its revolution brings a lot of pleasure.

Some data:

Case: PT (100 pieces), PG
Diameter: 39,5mm
Thickness: 11,1mm
Handwind movement, 262 parts, 20 jewels including 1 diamond endstone

Pros:
+ the combo of the stop-tourbillon with the zero-reset
+ the large opening which allows to observe the superb Tourbillon cage
+ a balanced size

Cons:
- the watch lacks some surprises especially when it comes to design



This message has been edited by foversta on 2014-01-26 08:08:50