Today we have another review of the highly elegant and sophisticated watches from the German watch company A. Lange & Söhne. And this is quite a special model we are presenting to you - a very restrained watch that, in one way or another, is an integral part of Lange. If we have already reviewed the most complex watches presented for the 175th anniversary of watchmaking in Glashütte, the impressive Tourbograph Perpetual, it's now time to look at the deceptively simple two-handed A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Thin Honeygold. And while the watch looks minimalist on the outside, it conceals many surprises.
This 1815 Thin model is part of a trilogy of watches released in honor of the 175th anniversary of watchmaking in Glashütte. Indeed, in 1845, Ferdinand Adolph Lange opened a manufactory in the town of Glashütte, which would become the center of precise watchmaking in Germany (image insertion of pocket watch and old manufactory). It was a true entrepreneurial project that would give rise to countless other brands and, of course, A. Lange & Söhne.
In honor of the 175th anniversary of watchmaking in Glashütte, the brand released 3 watch models, including the impressive Tourbograph Perpetual, which we have already done a video review of, and the 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold. On the other side of the spectrum is the simple yet exquisitely finished 1815 Thin in Honeygold, which we will talk about today. But simplicity does not mean inferiority, especially at Lange, where creating something simple can be complex.
The "Homage to F.A. Lange" trilogy for the 175th anniversary of watchmaking in Glashütte
The 1815 collection pays tribute to the brand's founder and embodies the essence of Lange watches. It is recognizable by its very clean lines and a dial reminiscent of old precision pocket watches, with exquisite Arabic numerals and a peripheral railway track minute scale. But while this limited series looks familiar, it is actually an entirely new model, different from other watches with a time mechanism and a small seconds hand.
The case of the new 1815 Thin model, as the name suggests, is very thin. Its diameter is 38 mm, and the height is only 6.3 mm, making it the thinnest watch in the 1815 collection. These thin proportions also make the 1815 Thin Honeygold the most dressy of dress watches, with a very restrained and classic appearance. Another important feature of this watch is its material. Named Honeygold, this special 18-carat alloy has a pale and very fine color and is harder than other gold alloys and platinum. It is intended for the most exclusive Lange watches. In the metal, the case tone is simply magnificent and has a very restrained yet luxurious shade.
To recall watches from the past, the 1815 Thin model is equipped with a dial made of enamel. Thanks to its glossy surface and milky-white color, it perfectly matches the delicate color of the case. It also provides a high level of contrast with the dark gray Arabic numerals and minute scale. The central part of the enamel dial is slightly recessed, giving it additional depth. In accordance with the case material, the hour and minute hands are made of Honeygold gilt. Overall, a very clean yet very sophisticated dial.
Inside the case is the L093.1 caliber, an ultra-thin Lange manual-winding movement, first developed for the Saxonia Thin watch. It is used for the first time in the 1815 collection. The caliber's height is only 2.9 mm, it beats at a frequency of 3 Hz, and it can store energy for up to 72 hours. It also has a very attractive design, characteristic of the collection dedicated to the 175th anniversary. For example, the traditional stripes on the German silver bridges were replaced with a matte granular surface used on historical Lange pocket watches. Additionally, the balance cock is hand-engraved with a new floral pattern. And, of course, all parts are exquisitely finished, as always in Lange watches.
The 1815 Thin Honeygold watch is worn on a hand-stitched dark brown alligator leather strap with an 18-carat Honeygold buckle. The watch is released in a limited edition of 175 pieces and is sold for 33,000 euros.