A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down: New Compact Limited Editions in 37.5mm

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down: A Compact Tribute to a Historic Invention

The 1815 collection from A. Lange & Söhne pays homage to the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, presenting timepieces that echo the design language of the brand's historical pocket watches. Among these, the 1815 Up/Down stands out for its power reserve display, a feature rooted in a patent from 1879. Now, the collection welcomes two new limited editions with a more compact 37.5mm case size, available in pink or white gold, each restricted to 300 pieces.

Historical Roots and Innovative Mechanics

Power reserve indicators date back to the 18th century, but early versions were often complex, fragile, and added significant bulk. In 1879, Richard and Emil Lange patented a space-efficient differential gear system that allowed their pocket watches to remain slim. The modern calibre L051.2 in these new models uses a similar concept, integrating a planetary gear system directly into the movement rather than stacking it on top. This engineering approach contributes to the remarkably thin 8.7mm case profile.

Design and Dial Details

The 37.5mm case is smaller than the 39mm standard version from 2013. It features satin-brushed flanks, a polished concave bezel, and sharply curved lugs that attach seamlessly. The fluted crown ensures a secure grip. The dial is a deep blue, with the signature recessed center of the 1815 Up/Down. At 8 o'clock, the power reserve sub-dial is snailed in silver, with a black segmented track, Arabic numerals, and a double red zone indicating when the watch needs winding. A blued-steel hand points to the remaining power. Balancing this at 4 o'clock is a snailed small seconds counter with a railway track pattern and a longer blued-steel hand. The peripheral minutes track follows the railway style, with dots at each hour and triple dots at the quarters. White pad-printed Arabic numerals and lancet-shaped hands in matching case metal complete the elegant face.

Movement and Craftsmanship

Through the sapphire caseback, the manual-winding calibre L051.2 reveals its heritage: a German silver three-quarter plate with Glashütte ribbing, solarised winding wheels, and seven gold chatons secured by blued screws. The balance cock is hand-engraved, and the movement is assembled twice to meet Lange's exacting standards. It beats at 21,600vph and provides a 72-hour power reserve.

Limited Editions and Availability

These two new references—one in pink gold (ref. 244.037) with a reddish-brown alligator strap, and one in white gold (ref. 244.028) with a blue alligator strap—are each limited to 300 numbered pieces. They are presented at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace from September 4-6. Pricing is available upon request.

Technical Specifications

Case: 37.5mm diameter x 8.7mm thickness, 18k white or pink gold, polished concave bezel, satin-brushed flanks, sapphire crystal front and back
Dial: Blue with recessed center, snailed silver power reserve sub-dial at 8 o'clock with red depleted zone, snailed small seconds at 4 o'clock, railway minutes track, white Arabic numerals, lancet hands in matching gold
Movement: Lange calibre L051.2, manual-winding, integrated planetary gear system, 30.6mm x 4.6mm, 245 parts, 29 jewels, 21,600vph, 72-hour power reserve, German silver 3/4 plate, hand-engraved balance cock
Strap: Pink gold with reddish-brown alligator; white gold with blue alligator, both with matching prong buckles
References: 244.037 (pink gold), 244.028 (white gold)
Availability: Limited to 300 pieces each, numbered
Price: On request