A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moon Phase Review
Review

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moon Phase Review

By Chromatic Fugue · Feb 11, 2018 · 31 replies
Chromatic Fugue
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
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Chromatic Fugue shares his initial impressions of his new A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moon Phase, marking his return to the brand after a decade. He delves into the subtle allure of the watch, praising Lange's commitment to movement innovation and the aesthetic perfection of the Lange 1 format. The author draws parallels between the watch's design and classical music, offering a unique perspective on its artistic merits.

It has been a few days since I picked this one up, and I love it.  It is my first Lange since 2008, when I sold my 1815 36 mm.  I am delighted to be back in this fold, and a big thanks again to everyone here who weighed in on my earlier posts.  A few thoughts:

1.  This is a very subtle watch:  the more you look at it in the metal, the more you like it.  And that's why I ended it buying it.

2.  Part of the charm is Lange's decision to overhaul the underlying Lange 1 movement in 2015.  Hodinkee put it well:  "That is indeed the beauty of Lange -- they do things not because they have to, but because they want to.  While their brother and sister brands are recycling the same old movements in new cases, Lange is building entirely new movements for the same cases just because they feel like they should."   

3.  Aesthetically, the Lange 1 format is very austere yet very beautiful in its mathematical perfection.  On this watch, the moonphase and day-night indicators, with their royal-to-navy blue backgrounds and laser-etched stars, remind me of moments in Bach cantatas when the formal structure of the counterpoint veers into a transcendent romanticism.  

I am getting carried away.  But that is appropriate, both for Bach and for the watch.








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
59
5980
Feb 11, 2018

Carried away, probably. Extremely (and rightfully) excited about your new timepiece, absolutely!

JT
JToddH
Feb 11, 2018

...of an absolutely stunning timepiece!

TH
TheMadDruid
Feb 11, 2018

I guess you feel you made the right choice of Langes.

WA
wangany
Feb 11, 2018

Apparently, I'm in the queue at my local AD. Your pix make me lust for mine even more. Regards, Alex

TH
TheWindingStem
Feb 11, 2018

i especially love the pic of the moonrise and the stars! Congrats on your new Lange and welcome back to the club!!

NI
ninolitaliano
Feb 12, 2018

"...moments in Bach cantatas..... Pour les francophones seulement : savourer " que ma joie demeure" avec cette montre au poignet est un plaisir inégalé! N'oubliez jamais que l'Epicurien se plaît à rechercher les sources du bonheur!

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