By Jovan Krstevski
For this year’s SIHH, A. Lange & Söhne presents a new model of the classic 1815 Chronograph which now comes on an elegant 18ct pink gold. Fortunately, it still comes with its iconic pulsation dial that we all have come to love. Note that most of us consider this watch a purist chronograph, thanks to its originality and pulsation dial. As expected, these new models are geared towards collectors who of course just like us want more choices in the matter, besides wouldn’t you want one? For now, we could only surmise whether it would feature a unique black dial or a subtle argenté dial, but no matter what, exciting times ahead.
For now, it’s safe to believe that we all know the popular A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph. We just saw a release of this watch last year in a stunning black dial and white gold case model. And if we remember fondly in 2015, the Boutique Edition was also splendid. We are mentioning these models because we see a pattern that the brand slowly returns to the earlier ramifications of the 1815 dial which is that of a raised inner flange printed with a pulsation scale. This we believe is a purist iteration of a chronograph, it is ergonomic and highly legible.
The pulsation dial has a long withstanding history with doctors, back when they still use the pulsation scale in their watches to measure their patient’s heartbeat. As of date, we have sophisticated machines to do so, but in the field, if you know how to read the pulsation scale, it would be a lifesaver. This pretty much gives the 1815 Chronograph a remarkable vintage feel and quite a stronger character for its dial.
Just like the previous white gold versions, the pink gold case is nicely configured at 39.5mm. It is also thin at 11.0mm for a chronograph. Most notable is the dial design which is the same compared to the white gold versions with the pulsometer scale on the raised inner flange. It also displays the central time for hours and minute, and running seconds and 30-minute counter on sub-dials positioned slightly lower than the central axle. We also get the same large Arabic numerals for the indexes featuring the traditional Lange font.
As we surmised earlier, there would be 2 dial options: black and argenté. Pink gold hands are styled for the black dial version except for the chronograph sweep seconds hand that is now made of gold-plated steel while blued steel hands adorn the argenté dial for a closer Lange look. Overall, the dial elements are pretty much identical but the color choices easily give it unique character that suits a particular occasion.
Powering the new 1815 Chronograph is an in-house calibre L951.5, a manually-wound movement based on the same calibre that powers the Datograph. It comes equipped with a flyback, and column-wheel chronograph and cranks out an impressive 60-hour power reserve. The movement is also lavishly decorated and assembled by hand which we can partially see through the exhibition caseback. alange-soehne.com
