A. Lange & Söhne Vintage Collector's Opinion 2023

Teacher Yang · 2023-09-21T19:41:42Z

Revisit the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Annual Calendar, a unique reference with a bespoke movement. Collectors discuss its controversial dial, movement size, and historical significance.

Teacher Yang's retrospective on a specific A. Lange & Söhne timepiece invites collectors to revisit their initial impressions of a watch that sparked debate upon its launch. This discussion highlights how perceptions evolve and how unique design choices, initially met with mixed reactions, can gain appreciation over time. It offers a valuable opportunity to explore the nuances of a distinctive Lange reference through the lens of long-term ownership and expert opinion.

Key Points from the Discussion

The dial's 'quirkiness' and perceived 'messiness' are precisely what make the watch appealing and help it stand out, especially for those who appreciate busy dials.
In person, the rose gold edition of this watch transcends initial criticisms; its 38.5mm size is perfectly proportioned, and the movement, often criticized as small in photos, appears cohesive and mesmerizing in reality.
This model holds a special place in Lange's history due to its uniquely produced movement for a limited edition run, making it unlikely that Lange will release a similar piece again at this price point.
The watch features push buttons for setting the day and week, eliminating the need for corrector pins or a stylus, a design choice that enhances user experience.
The absence of a date function was a deliberate choice, likely to avoid significant movement and dial redesigns, especially given its exclusivity to a local market rather than international appeal.
The weekly calendar complication, while perhaps less universally appreciated than a date function, is a unique feature, and the watch's lack of a date is a positive for some collectors.

The Discussion

LiftAngle51

Sep 21, 2023

Honestly, it is not a watch that i know.

mdg

Sep 21, 2023

...is kind of pointless. I've heard that a week indicator is more of a European thing (I'm probably wrong, I often am), but Americans don't care. And as Nico stated, the movement is too small...

Jay (Eire)

Sep 21, 2023

This is one I’ve looked at a few times. I don’t think I noticed it when first released. In the last several years when I have looked at it the attraction is that the dial is maybe less than perfect, could have been executed better, is messy perhaps and so a little quirky. It’s the quirkiness which I see and find appealing as the watch stands out because of that. I also have always liked busy dials, even though more recently I’ve steered away from them. The comments re the movement I agree with;

VinnieD

Sep 22, 2023

There is only one similar Vacheron 47052, this is really a niche complication which I love

Sho-nuff

Sep 22, 2023

I have this watch in the rose gold edition, and once you have it in your hands, none of the criticisms matter. On the dial side, the 38.5mm size is the perfectly proportioned sweet spot. Better than the 36mm and 40mm 1815s. On the back, unlike in the pictures, in reality the movement does not look small at all; rather it comes across as cohesive against the rose gold case and mesmerising to look at. This model has a special place in Lange’s history, being a uniquely produced movement for a limit

Sep 23, 2023

Setting aside the aesthetics, I do appreciate the context of this watch: One of the few Langes with a bespoke movement made in a small batch for a specific dealer.

A. Lange & Söhne Vintage Collector's Opinion 2023

Key Points from the Discussion

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