A. Lange & Söhne

Hi,
I am considering the purchase of either a Richard Lange (non-PLM) or the new 1815. One factor in the RLs favor is the rate accuracy claimed by Lange and the central seconds hand which I really like. On the other hand, I really like the understated look of the 1815 in white gold. Presently, I am leaning towards the 1815 but am unclear on a few points about the L051.1 movement. For example, one post indicated the balance is free sprung which would be fantastic. I have not, however, been able to find anything official from Lange to corroborate that point. I am also curious about the balance wheel diameter. Based on photos of the movement, I have calculated the diameter to be about 9.26 mm but an official source would be better. A free sprung large diameter balance should make the 1815 a good performer in rate accuracy, perhaps as good as the RL? Lastly, does anyone know when the new 1815 will be available at ADs in the US? Thanks in advance for any info.
Regards

g

I'm flying without a license on this one, but doesn't the existence of a regulator mean that it is not free sprung, and isn't that a regulator? (Pic borrowed from SJX) Whatever the case, it is a beautiful watch, and the larger balance wheel should enhance accuracy.

Best,

Jed

Both the Richard Lange and the New 1815 have a swans neck regulator on the balance. What does a regulator do on a free sprung balance and how does it work? Are there any diagrams available? Thanks again!

but I think, on the Richard Lange at least, it's actually to do with the beat of the movement, and just happens to look like a swan's-neck regulator.  The RL is free-sprung, and uses a system that superficially at least looks very similar to the Patek "gyromax" system.

Not sure about the new 1815, but the old one wasn't free-sprung.

About the RL balance:  "Its balance spring was developed by Lange's master watchmakers and is manufactured in-house. It is attached with a patent-pending clamp that, unlike other constructions, does not deform the spring in the stud but instead merely secures it to simplify any future adjustments that may be needed ."

Someone smarter than me will have to explain whether the "patent-pending clamp" is or is not a regulator, and whether the balance wheel is or is not "free sprung".  I note that Lange do not use the term in describing the balance wheel, though I'm not sure whether that is an intentional omission.

The RL houses an adjustable mass balance wheel, similar in appearance ot the "Gyromax", while the balance wheel of the 1815 looks to me to have more conventional weights for adjustment.  Again, it would be great if someone with sufficient technical knowledge could weigh in (pun intended).

In any event, I wouldn't kick either out of bed!  They are both gorgeous to me.

Best,

Jed

This message has been edited by CaliforniaJed on 2009-03-09 15:18:52

you will come across old posts from the mods/other experts confirming the RL is free-sprung.

May this one shot hopefully help influence you!

Cheers

Stephen

 

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For all their contributions to Western Civilization, most of them not entirely original, we on this forum should be most grateful for one - the invention of the Roman Numerals. Not very efficient for doing calculations, but on an RL - oh boy!

Hi, Platinum Boy!

Amery

I like both but prefer the RL due to the Roman Numeral hour markers. If price is a consideration, I hear that the 1815 will be priced a bit less than the RL. Good luck with the selection process

Dave

I called Wempe in NYC last week and was told that the new 1815 is coming in April and that RG,YG and WG will sell for $18,100. She even thought the price will be negotiable.

For kicks I asked about the Richard Lange PLM and she said it will have a price tag of around $107,000.

I'm in the same boat as you.....I love the idea behind the Richard Lange but have never been a fan of Roman numerals. I've always thought a 40mm 1815 would be perfect.  Too bad it hits the market just in time for the Great Depression II.

Certainly not the price in Euro???I think its cheaper in the states then???Maybe she referred to the RG?

That was the price she quoted in U.S. Dollars.  I didn't ask what metal she was quoting as I assumed that this watch is only made with platinum.

The PLM is available in both platinum (50 pieces) and rose gold (200 pieces). The quoted US MSRP is $128,600 in platinum and $108,600 in rose gold.

Terry

with screws for adjustment of the balance.

- SJX

This message has been edited by SJX on 2009-03-10 19:33:17

Hi,

I am bit late on this thread (!!), but i'd like to report that the accuracy of my 40 mm 1815 (ref. 233.) is BETTER THAN QUARTZ. I have never seen anything like this before. Is it due to the free-sprung large size balance? Honestly i don't know. But i am very pleased and even more surprised by the performance of this watch.

The Arabics are more verstile IMO than the Romans (and also less pretentious, but that's my view only...), the blued hands make a unique contrast on the dial, the heft is very fine, the proportions are unbelievable, the finishing is first class Lange and the understated look feels and looks awsome...

IMO, this is one the most elegant Langes ever.

In a word, i would not trade it for a RG RL, though i like the RL very much.

I have posted a wrist shot on the "Autumn Gathering" thread. I will post more pics (this time, hopefully, quality pics!)

Hope this helps (though your decision is probably taken by now!)

Fred

 

 

 

 

This message has been edited by passetemps on 2011-11-27 14:26:57