A. Lange & Söhne Honey Gold Collection Favorites
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A. Lange & Söhne Honey Gold Collection Favorites

By patrick_y · Apr 9, 2025 · 38 replies
patrick_y
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
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Patrick_y, a respected voice in the WatchProSite community, initiates a fascinating discussion on A. Lange & Söhne's proprietary Honey Gold. His original post delves into the material's unique properties, its limited application across just thirteen references since 2010, and its distinct aesthetic. This article synthesizes community insights, exploring collectors' favorite Honey Gold models and their nuanced perspectives on its color and durability.

Honey Gold.  Debuted by Lange in 2010, it's a pale gold with one pragmatic quality; it is much harder than traditional 18K or 750/1000 gold.  The formula is a closely guarded secret, but there are rumors that it's 75% gold and the remainder is mostly copper and zinc.

Since 2010, there have only been about thirteen references endowed with the material.  

Personally.  I really like the idea of the hardness of the material.  That's a significant advantage.  But as for the color; I'm not drawn to it like I am to traditional 18K yellow gold or 18K rose golds.  Those to me have a richness and warmth that honey gold doesn't have - in my eyes, honey gold is a bit too pale sometimes.  

However, that pale-ness can be a very positive thing for some people who want a very low-key watch that is a little warmer than white gold but not quite as warm as rose or yellow gold.  It could be a stylistic choice too.  And giving consumers more choices doesn't hurt.  

The exclusivity for Honey Gold as a unique feature for Lange has probably run out.  Like patents, these "brand exclusives" generally have a limited time frame when they're exclusive to a specific brand.  But don't expect the product from other brands anytime soon.  As the cost to manufacture honey gold is supposedly very high due to the hardness, ductility, and other characteristics of the material.  Also, foundries aren't all capable of making such a material, and many foundries wouldn't want to make such a material if the order wasn't substantially large.  

Now that you're an expert of Lange's honey gold watches, which models are your favorite?  




It's a nice Lange!  It's also not too big nor too thick, a perfect piece for both men and women to wear!  



I attended the debut of the honey gold Zeitwerk in NYC.  What a cool event!  







Another favorite of mine is the 1815 ultra thin Honey gold (and the standard 1815 honey gold which I don't have a picture of).  

What are your favorite Lange honey gold creations?  There are about thirteen of them!  


I'm rather biased - I like the 2010 1815 Moonphase model myself.  The charm of the moon phase, the guilloche dial, and the overall aesthetic just works in my eyes.  The balance cock is also made in honey gold and is carved by Lange's in-house team of carving artisans.  I'm also a former owner of this piece - I say former, since I only owned it for a few hours before I gifted it to a family member!  

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

The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moonphase, reference 1815Moonphase, is a notable variant within the 1815 collection, distinguished by its inclusion of a moon phase complication. This reference maintains the classic design principles of the 1815 line, which draws inspiration from the pocket watches of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, emphasizing legibility and traditional watchmaking aesthetics. It represents a more intricate offering compared to time-only 1815 models, appealing to collectors who appreciate additional horological functions without excessive complexity.

This particular iteration of the 1815 Moonphase is presented in a 37.5 mm white gold case, with a thickness of 8.9 mm, providing a balanced and wearable profile. It is powered by the manual-winding caliber L943.2, which offers a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch features a sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and clear visibility of the black dial. Water resistance is rated at 3 ATM, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.

The 1815 Moonphase appeals to collectors seeking a refined dress watch with a classic complication from a respected German manufacture. Its design adheres to the brand's established aesthetic, characterized by clear Arabic numerals and blued hands. While the provided text mentions a "Honey Gold" variant, the specific reference 1815Moonphase is known in white gold, offering a distinct aesthetic within the broader 1815 family. The combination of traditional design and a practical complication makes it a considered choice for a discerning collector.

Specifications

Caliber
L943.2
Case
White gold
Diameter
37.5 mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
3 ATM
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
CO
COUNT DE MONET
Apr 9, 2025

My best horse in the stable, with an innhouse Lange balance spring. No, it did not come with that Shirt. Apart from my 1815 I would say the rattrapante is a great piece.

JA
Jay (Eire)
Apr 9, 2025

Somewhere along the line the alloy changed and there is a noticeable difference between the Emil and my 1815 for example. We compared them side by side a while back with BigAppleBill. In terms of favourites it is hard to beat simplicity. Some of the recent watches are too much. In my opinion the star of the show here is the alloy. I would add to this that the dial of the 200th Anniversary HG 1815 is by a long way the most interesting and adds to the overall impression of the metal. It’s just a g

QU
quattro
Apr 9, 2025

about honeygold, and it’s the one I would personally like to own. Thank you, Patrick, for this very relevant honeygold thread. And thank you, Jay, for this 1815 advocacy and photo ! Best, Emmanuel

PA
patrick_y
Apr 9, 2025

And half the forum here knows I especially like the 233 model line of 40 mm 1815 3 hand watches.

PA
patrick_y
Apr 9, 2025

I really like the 233 series from Lange. Probably their best product in my eyes.

SE
seabas132
Apr 9, 2025

inviting, but still have to see one in person to be sure if I would want this version of the metal or not.

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