A. Lange & Söhne: Ultimate Watch Collection

sham1 · 2022-03-11T02:04:53Z

Explore sham1's review of the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold and the challenges of acquiring limited editions in today's luxury watch market.

sham1

WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum

127 replies27897 views1 photos

In a captivating post, sham1 shares his profound experience encountering the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold "Homage to F. A. Lange" in person. His detailed account goes beyond mere aesthetics, delving into the emotional connection a collector can forge with a timepiece, even one initially perceived as outside their comfort zone. sham1's reflections offer a valuable perspective on the allure of limited editions and the complex realities of acquiring highly sought-after watches in today's market.

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While visiting the Lange boutique in Singapore, I had a chance to try on a watch I had only previously seen in photos. I knew it would be too heavy and too large for me but it was one of those watches, any enthusiast would not give up the chance of trying on if the opportunity arose. Lange is a great brand but I have not always been a fan due to my own personal experiences with the weight and thickness of the watch and even its reliability.

But when I tried on this limited edition split second chronograph, it was love at first sight and I have been dreaming of this watch ever since. The 100 piece limited edition to commemorate Lange's 175th anniversary is sold out bar a few of the limited edition box set of three watches. It is highly unlikely that Lange would be willing to break up these sets of three watches. And the watch I tried on was for a Thai customer who is waiting for the right time to collect it.

So what do I like about this watch?! Just about everything actually - the dial is for me one of the most beautiful dials with the arabic numerals and I like the location of the sub dials too. The rose gold numerals and hands also contrast well against the black dial. The honey gold case is obviously an attraction due to its rarity and I like the fact that the case is not too thick(12.6mm) by Lange's standards bearing in mind the complexity of the movement, The watch does have heft but it is not too heavy (you can tell I am in love when I make such irrational remarks!). The curved lugs also help make this 41.2mm watch wearable.

I can safely say that this watch is the most beautiful watch I have ever worn and I have worn just about every brand, Dufour apart and a few small independents. Never has 41.2mm looked better on my wrist! Yes beauty is in the eyes of the beholder but I know my eyesight is not too bad still!

Key Points from the Discussion

The current retail landscape often requires a specific purchase history with a particular boutique or authorized dealer to qualify for special or limited edition pieces, even if a collector has a substantial history with the brand through other channels or regions.
The emotional connection to a dream watch can sometimes override rational considerations, leading collectors to contemplate navigating challenging sales practices to acquire a truly exceptional timepiece.
Many collectors are increasingly put off by sales tactics that require purchasing less desirable models or building an extensive, localized purchase history to access allocation pieces, viewing it as a 'bad taste' experience.
The practice of requiring customers to buy 'unwanted pieces' to obtain a desired watch dilutes the overall purchase experience, which for many collectors should be a momentous and cherished occasion.
Even within the same retail group, purchase history with a subsidiary in one region may not be recognized by another subsidiary in a different region, further complicating access to limited editions.
Brands often struggle to sell large, complicated pieces, especially those with high price tags, suggesting that production numbers or box set configurations for such models might need re-evaluation.

The Discussion

FabR

Mar 11, 2022

Given your amazing reaction in front of this watch, which VERY rarely happens, and your experience from many years of collecting, my advice can only be: do EVERYTHING you can to include it in your collection my friend, no matter how hard it seems! ;-)

sham1

Mar 11, 2022

You are not helping my bank account Fabrizio! :-)

I have asked Lange Singapore to find our if there is any chance this watch might still be available to be sold on its own. The boutique had told me that I would have to spend at least SGD60k on other Lange watches which is their new policy before being allowed to buy the Rattrapante. Usually I would abhor such sales tactics but in this case, I would not mind meeting this criteria as Lange watches are currently quite marketable. Failing all this, one could always put out a contract on the Thai ow

sham1

Mar 11, 2022

I sure hope that the Thai owner is not a purist!!! :-)

or he may return the compliment!!!

FabR

Mar 11, 2022

In that case, as a good Italian, I would have to see who offers me more! ;-)))))

sham1

Mar 11, 2022

Fabrizio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have just defined 'money talks, bullshit walks!'

FabR

Mar 11, 2022

I’ve got to be fair to people..😉😂😂

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