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foversta
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Part 4: the 1815 Rattrapante PC

The 1815 Rattrapante PC is my fav Lange watch of the year and without any doubt of the Salon.

It is a totally different watch from the Datograph Perpetual which was previously gathering a PC with a chronograph (indeed, without the rattrapante). It is the first time a 1815 reaches such level of complexity. After all, the 1815 was more dedicated to "single" complication watches: moonphase, chronograph, power reserve, week-calendar...

And... everything works here! The design is very classic but very refined with a pocket watch atmosphere which is more than welcome. Actually, the dial is more legible and balanced IMHO than with the Datograph Perpetual. It is at the end a question of priority.

The key data in a calendar watch is the date display. The Datograph has a big date display and so the design seems to be focused on this function. The 1815 Rattrapante PC has a date display by hand and the date is less legible... even if the remaining data are much easier to read. I don't even speak about the Moonphase which seems to "breathe" here while with the Datograph it was almost squashed. I especially like the power reserve display on top which is useful for a PC watch. So think about what it is important for you. Date or balance? I chose the balance.

The 1815 PC Rattrapante is not the largest watch on Earth with a 41,9mm diameter and a height of 14,7mm. But it is a heavy watch. Like with a Datograph or a DS, the watch has to be put on the wrist and tested several time to be sure if it is comfortable on your wrist. With me, it was fine and I love the feeling of weight.

The big asset of this watch with the dial balance is the stunning beauty of the movement. Don't expect here something totally similar to the DS movement. Even if it shares obviously some common points (two column wheels, the Lange style, the feeling of depth), it has a different architecture. So even if you are a happy owner of a DS, you will enjoy the L101.1 like anybody else.

So, with a balanced and beautiful dial, a stunning movement, is the 1815 Rattrapante PC a perfect watch? Maybe not because with a handwind PC watch, I would have expected a larger power reserve (42 hours). So you are obliged to wear it even during the end of the week. But it is a trouble when you consider this masterpiece? I don't think so!

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