A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moonphase Honey Gold: The Engraver's Challenge
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A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moonphase Honey Gold: The Engraver's Challenge

By ianny · Mar 5, 2020 · 24 replies
ianny
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
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Ian's personal account of his A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moonphase Honey Gold offers a unique glimpse into the challenges of crafting such an exclusive timepiece. His interaction with the engraver at the Lange manufacture reveals the extraordinary effort behind the watch's intricate details, particularly concerning the notoriously hard Honey Gold alloy. This post highlights how the provenance and manufacturing story can deepen a collector's appreciation for their watch.

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Visited the Lange manufacture a few years ago with this. Got told by the engraver of my watch that it was a real pain to do the balance cock because of the hardness of HG. HG has a hardness of 300 HV.

She has had to replace quite a few tools because they broke during the engraving process. Somehow hearing that makes me treasure this watch even more.

Best,
Ian




About the A. Lange and Söhne Emil Lange Ref. 1815

The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 reference 206.032, introduced in 1999, is a notable example of the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking principles. This model is part of the 1815 collection, which pays homage to the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange and emphasizes classic design elements such as Arabic numerals and blued hands, drawing inspiration from historical Lange pocket watches. It represents a more understated and purist aesthetic compared to some of the brand's more complex offerings, focusing on fundamental horological excellence.

This particular reference features an 18k rose gold case measuring 36mm in diameter and 7.5mm in thickness. It houses the manually wound L941.1 caliber, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front, protecting a solid silver dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.

The 1815 206.032 appeals to collectors who appreciate classical proportions and a focus on fundamental watchmaking without excessive complications. Its smaller case size reflects a more traditional approach to men's wristwatches, making it a desirable piece for those seeking a discreet yet highly refined timepiece. The combination of rose gold and a silver dial offers a warm and legible presentation, consistent with the collection's historical inspirations.

Specifications

Caliber
L941.1
Case
18k rose gold
Diameter
36mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
LA
Langepedia
Mar 5, 2020

Do you still have this?

PA
patrick_y
Mar 5, 2020

One of my favorite Langes!

DR
drhr
Mar 5, 2020

Btw, European Watch Company in Boston has one listed now if anyone is interested . . .

SH
sham1
Mar 5, 2020

I had the privilege of owning one for a few months many years ago. Honey gold is indeed a rare metal but I found it too yellow for my liking. Just my weird tastes

IA
ianny
Mar 5, 2020

The balance cock of the 1815 200th Anniversary F.A. Lange Honey Gold for example is not made of HG. Best, Ian

SH
sham1
Mar 5, 2020

Still, I do like the size of the watch and look forward to Lange's next 1815 moonphase!

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