A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moonphase Platinum Review
Review

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moonphase Platinum Review

By amanico · Oct 14, 2014 · 32 replies
amanico
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Nicolas (amanico) presents an in-depth look at the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moonphase Platinum, affectionately dubbed 'The Torquemada's watch.' His detailed review and evocative photography highlight why this timepiece, with its distinctive size and moon phase complication, stands as a significant milestone in Lange's collection.

 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION:
 
 
Let's face it, this watch is a torture for any man who has a minimum of taste.
 
Lange, at the best of its cruelty, introduced the 1815 Moonphase at the basel fair, in 1999, with another horological Monster which will become a Reference for any Chronograph Lover, the Datograph.
 
1999 was certainly an excellent " Horological Cru " for Lange:
 
 
 
 
It is funny to see that the Datograph and the 1815 Moonphase both share this simple, strong and irresistible look, due to the contrast of a deep black dial with a sparkling case and decoration.
 
The 1815 Moonphase is, with the Datograph and the Langematik Anniversary, the watch which drove me to the Lange world.
 
A dream is coming true, or, my personal vision of the Lange Holy Trinity:
 
 
 
 
The strange thing is that since a short time before getting it, I NEVER saw this watch in the flesh...Only in pictures.
 
So the question was to know if this Lange was only a phantasm, or a devastating one, a watch you know you absolutely have to get, a ... R.O ( Real Obsession ).
 
After reading this post, you'll have the answer...
 
smile
 
I/ The case.
 
All my friends warned me about the very small size of this watch, that it would be disappointing, once you try it...
 
As very often, you have to do your own journey to make your mind.
 
The size is not a problem, it is an asset, in my opinion.
 
Yes, the case is small ( 35,9 mm ) and relatively thin ( something around 8, 4 mm ) BUT when you consider the whole watch, in this case,  I'd rather say that I would not imagine it bigger.
 
There is a size for Elegance, there are ratios, harmonious volumes, and in this case, we are touching Perfection.
 
 
 
 
The slender lugs, as well as the small crown, keep this touch of elegance, perfectly integrated to the case.
 
You will also notice the brushed sides of the case, which contrast very nicely with the polished bezel and lugs.
 
A jewel!
 
 
 
 
Do you really think it has to be bigger???
 
II/ The dial:
 
We are here somewhere between Art, Poetry, and Horology.
 
The dial is the ultimate expression of refinement, not an astronomical watch, but, at least a beautiful approach.
 
In my point of view, this Lange 1815 is the nicest Moonphase I know, with the latest De Bethune.
 
The dial is like a sky, a deep black and pure summer sky, illuminated by some delicious stars, constellations ( in this case, the Ursa Major, made in white gold wink, and why not, with a little effort of imagination, the round applied indexes, in such a decorum, could be seen as planets.
 


Indeed, the 3 stars at 3, 6 and 9 o' clock let suggest that the applied round indexes at 1, 2 5, 7, 10 and 11 o 'clock have an astronomical meaning, don't you think?
 
Anyway, the outcome is captivating.
 
The big 12, the sword hands and the small seconds remind us that this is not only a masterpiece, but also a watchn which would give you the Time and the moonphase in a poetic way.
 

 
 
III/ The movement.
 
If the soul of this watch ( the dial ) is fascinating, the heart is not less interesting.
 
 
 
 
 
The Cal L 943.1 is not only beautifully decorated and finished, it is also stunningly accurate.
 
The owner of this watch monitered it for several days, and he told me that his watch was under 2 seconds per day, which is nothing but excellent.
 
There is more spectacular, as we speak about accuracy...The moonphase will have a difference of only one day, if you let the watch running all the time, at the end of ... 1058 years, or, if you prefer, 6,61 seconds per moonphase!
 
Here, at the contrary of an " ordinary " moonphase, the moon is not set once per day, but at the exact hour.
 
A kind of ... Lunar Chronometer!
 
Lange is also synonym of sophisticated decoration and finish.
The 1815 Moonphase is not an exception to the rule, as you can imagine.
 
The three quarter german silver main plate is decored with " Cotes de Genève ", and receives some nice anglages, even if I would have preferred to see them more pronounced and sweeter, but it is difficult to not succomb to this beauty.
 
Therefore, the movement is not too small for the case ( 27, 5 mm ) and its height ( 3, 85 mm ) allows the case to stay thin.
 
 
 
 
Among other sophistications, the screwed gold chatons, heated blue screws, hand engraved balance cock, and a sensual swan neck achieve to complete the amazing visual show:
 
 
 
 
A view on the anglage of the three quarter mainplate, on the hand engraved balance cock and on the swan neck, a summary of all the aesthetical virtues of this movement, in only one picture:
 
 
 
And, to end, a close up of the whole movement, as it doesn't fear macros!
 
 
 
 
Accurate, sophisticated, the Cal L 943.1 offers a comfortable autonomy of 45 hours ( same power reserve on the Cal L 943.2 of the new 1815 Moonphase " Homage to F.A Lange " wink, which is much more interesting than the Datograph ( 36 hours ) or the Cabaret Moonphase ( 42 hours ), but much less than the Lange 1 Moonphase ( 72 hours ).
 
CONCLUSION:
 
Special Moonphases are a Lange speciality.
 
All started with this " Homage to Emil Lange ", before seeing the Grande Lange One in 2003, and, in 2010, the heir of the first 1815 Moonphase, the Homage to F.A Lange.
 
The " Luna Mundi ":
 
 
 
 
Naturally, the closest Moonphase to the Emil Lange is the latest " Homage to F.A LANGE ", which share the same stunning moonphase accuracy, in a bigger case and with a totally different dial.
 
In fact, the Emil Lange and the F.A Lange are really different.
 
The F.A Lange is easier to wear on a big wrist, due to the additional 1,5 mm, and it has a very different personnality, with its guilloché dial and a more conventional moonphase look.
 
 
 
 
The movement, too, mechanically similar, has a particular treatment with a sunburst finish on the three quarter mainplate and a hand engraved HONEY GOLD balance cock.
 
 
 
A nice heir, too, which will make 265 people happy, without doubt.
 
As for the Emil Lange, you got it, I'm madly in love with it.
 
To me, as I said, it is one of the nicest moonphase, interesting on a mechanical point of view, and one of the most appealing Limited Edition ever made by Lange.
 
Lange made only 150 of them in platinum, and 250 more in a warmer version, in rose gold.
 
More understated, or warmer?
 
 
 
 
The confrontation with the piece in the flesh was an unforgettable moment and confirmed that my quest for this piece, since its release, is really worth it.
 
I am a happy owner, since October 2011...
 
Best to All.
 
Nicolas
This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-10-14 08:27:38 This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-10-22 14:25:39

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

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
CO
colton_d
Oct 14, 2014

Nicolas, Thank you for treating us (finally ;) ) to an in-depth look at one of the most beautiful Langes created. Like you said, the size is an asset rather than hindrance in separating this piece in its ubiquity. Lucky are the owners who may strap this and the RG version on. Best, Colton

4J
4Js
Oct 14, 2014

I too was mesmerized by all the pix on the net as well as your words. I never got to see this watch in the metal before purchase. I reached a point where I had to have the watch over anything else. I actually made a not so good deal just because I was afraid the window to own the platinum was closing with so few out there. The day the watch arrived at my office, I had to hide in the bathroom as I was so overwhelmed by this watch on my wrist. All the attributes mentioned, you have hit the nail on

TH
TheMadDruid
Oct 14, 2014

I almost bought that watch in 2001. One of my regrets. Wear it well, Nico.

TO
TonyR
Oct 14, 2014

Thanks for the great review. The watch is certainly well laid out and one of the nicest Lange's ever made. I would love to see how this piece looks in a 38mm case with the same dial layout. Out of the 3, the Langematik Anniversary probably is my personal favorite and a piece that I would love to own one day. What is your favorite of the three? (I'm guessing the 1815 moonphase!) Tony

FE
fernando
Oct 14, 2014

for me to follow even though it was so well written and presented with such beautiful pictures! The Emil MP is the star of the era and more so now as we appreciate its lasting beauty. A real shame I let this one slip by when I was so close. :( I'm glad you are the proud owner of such a legendary piece - are we even now? ;) The magic of these early pieces soon after Lange's resurrection has become the soul of the brand IMO and the Emil MP exemplifies this prominently. The quest for the others rem

CR
CR
Oct 14, 2014

Thank you Nicolas for this wonderful homage to a masterpiece -- or, more accurately, to several masterpieces. Although the beauty of the PT and RG Emil Lange 1815 Moonphase watches transcends words, your post does the best possible job of conveying just how exquisite these watches truly are.

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