A. Lange & Söhne doesn’t launch watches often, so when it does, it’s always a special treat for watch fans. Today, the German manufacturer is unveiling two new pieces. Or rather, two new takes on watches already in the catalogue.
First up is the 1815 Up/Down, now available in 750 Pink and White Gold. Each version is limited to 300 pieces.
It’s a classic Lange design. You’ve got a railway-track minute scale around the outside of the dial, Arabic numerals, and a lovely recessed centre. But this time it’s all set against a deep blue face, with argenté-coloured (silver) sub-dials for contrast.
I think it’s a genuinely stunning combination. The blue gives the watch a more contemporary feel, without losing any of that old-world pocket-watch charm Lange is famous for.
Inside sits the manually wound L051.2 calibre. It’s made from 245 parts, 29 jewels, and has a 72-hour power reserve, which is what the Up/Down in the name refers to.
The case is compact too, at 37.5mm wide and just 8.7mm tall, so it should wear beautifully.
Then there’s the Triple Split, which the the launch for fans of more complex watches.
Launched back in 2018, the Triple Split is still the only split-seconds chronograph in the world that can measure intermediate and comparative times across a full 12 hours (most rivals cap out at 60 seconds).
Now it’s getting a third colourway. A. Lange & Söhne is building 100 examples in 950 platinum, paired with a rhodié-coloured dial and darker grey sub-dials.
It follows the original white gold version, and the pink gold edition that came along in 2021.
I love this combination – there’s just something about that cool platinum case next to the warm rhodié dial that works so well.
The L132.1 movement inside is very special. It’s got 567 parts and powers a triple rattrapante mechanism, letting the watch track seconds, minutes and hours independently, all while flying back to zero with a single push.
Lange says the movement had to be engineered carefully to keep the case height sensible. At 43.2mm wide and 15.6mm tall, it’s still a big watch, but for what it does mechanically, that’s understandable.
Both watches will be shown off in person this weekend at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace.
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