A. Lange & Söhne Small Complication Watches
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A. Lange & Söhne Small Complication Watches

By Gabriel Yip · Jul 20, 2025 · 44 replies
Gabriel Yip
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
44 replies3528 views6 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Gabriel Yip, known as Mr.Gatsby on WatchProSite, shares an extraordinary acquisition: a new old stock A. Lange & Söhne Cellini 40th Anniversary 1815 Up/Down. His post delves into the intriguing backstory of how this limited edition, originally debuted eight years prior, resurfaced from the Glashütte vault, offering a rare glimpse into the unexpected availability of highly sought-after timepieces.

And sometimes new old stock too. The AD called this week to say that a certain client of theirs enquired about the Cellini 40th anniversary 1815 Up/Down watch and guess what? They found two NOS pieces sitting in the vault at Glashütte.

I enquired as to how this is even possible when the watch debuted some 8 years ago. The answer was not so straight forward. They said it seems Cellini couldn’t place all 40 pieces at the time, but also deliveries only started to happen from 2018 onwards. Shortly after the Cellini LE debuted, Lange started to cut ADs across the globe. I didn’t think Lange had to wait 8 years later to sell a LE watch for an AD just to enjoy the increase in MSRP…but the truth is, some of these little gems do pop up from time to time. I was offered the watch and decided to get it.



Regular version on the left, Cellini on the right.


Somehow very satisfying to look at this little 1815 up/down.


The German silver has started to patina. Love those Glashütte ribbons


Pocket watch vibes


Mandatory wrist shot with kitten


The cat obviously didn’t come with the watch.

Thanks for watching, and hope there are forum members who own this piece. Please post photos of it if you own one.

Best,
Gatsby

About the A. Lange and Söhne Ref. 1815UPandDOWN

The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 UP/DOWN, reference 234.026, is a distinguished member of the 1815 collection, known for its classic design and traditional Saxon watchmaking elements. This particular reference integrates a power reserve indicator, a practical complication that enhances the functionality of its manually wound movement while maintaining the collection's characteristic aesthetic purity. The UP/DOWN designation refers to this power reserve display, a feature historically significant in precision timekeeping instruments. It represents a blend of historical horological utility with contemporary finishing standards.

This timepiece features a white gold case, measuring 39.0 mm in diameter and 8.9 mm in thickness, providing a balanced and comfortable presence on the wrist. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on both the front and the display case back, offering a clear view of the meticulously finished L051.2 manual winding caliber. This movement provides a substantial power reserve of 72 hours. The dial is silver, complementing the white gold case, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters.

For collectors, the 1815 UP/DOWN appeals to those who appreciate traditional watchmaking without excessive embellishment. Its design is rooted in the pocket watches of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, emphasizing legibility and classical proportions. The inclusion of the power reserve indicator adds a layer of practical utility that is valued by enthusiasts of manually wound timepieces, offering a clear indication of the remaining running time. This reference is a strong representation of A. Lange & Söhne's commitment to classical horology.

Specifications

Caliber
L051.2
Case
White Gold
Diameter
39.0 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30 m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
KM
KMII
Jul 20, 2025

Photogenic cat and welcome to WPS 🎉🎊🎈👏🏻👍🏻

GO
Goh
Jul 20, 2025

The watch looks great on your wrist. Sometimes I wonder how such allocations work... I came across a Datograph Lumen waiting to be picked up by a lucky/VIP client a couple of years ago at a boutique.

GA
Gabriel Yip
Jul 20, 2025

Really strange this WPS. They logged me out and then I signed in on a new account. Weird !

QU
quattro
Jul 20, 2025

and congratulations on this wonderful acquisition ! Best, Emmanuel

IN
India Whiskey Charlie
Jul 20, 2025

Please go back and try signing back in using your original email and password. You are not allowed to have more than one account on WPS.

JA
jack johnson
Jul 20, 2025

And you made my day with the last photo

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