Description
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Annual Calendar (reference 238.026) stands as a masterpiece of German haute horlogerie, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to precision engineering and artistic excellence.
Technical Specifications
Case Details
- Material: 18-karat white gold
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 10.1mm
- Water resistance: 30 meters
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on both front and caseback
Movement Specifications
The timepiece is powered by the in-house Caliber L051.3:
- Movement type: Manual-winding mechanical
- Diameter: 30.6mm
- Height: 5.7mm
- Number of parts: 476
- Number of jewels: 43
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
- Plates and bridges: German silver
Calendar Functions
The annual calendar mechanism is a sophisticated complication that requires adjustment only once per year, at the end of February. The calendar displays include:
- Outsize date display at 9 o’clock with rapid adjustment
- Month indicator at 3 o’clock with instantaneous switching mechanism
- Day of week display at 12 o’clock
- Precision moon phase display at 6 o’clock (accurate to 122.6 years)
Dial Architecture
The dial showcases exquisite craftsmanship with:
- Solid silver dial plate with argenté finishing
- Arabic numerals in black
- Blued steel hands for hours and minutes
- Railway-track minute scale
- Subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock integrated with the moon phase display
Finishing Details
Movement Decoration
- Hand-engraved balance cock with floral pattern
- Glashütte stripes on German silver three-quarter plate
- Perlage on base plate
- Gold chatons secured by thermally blued screws
- Hand-polished anglage on all bridges
- Straight-grained finish on steel parts
External Components
- Hand-stitched alligator leather strap in dark brown
- 18-karat white gold prong buckle with brushed and polished finishing
- Mirror-polished case with stepped bezel
- Brushed case band for contrast
Assembly and Quality Control
Each timepiece undergoes:
- Double assembly process (German: Doppelter Montage)
- Minimum testing period of 24 days
- Individual timing adjustment in six positions
- Final inspection by master watchmaker
Limited Production
As with all A. Lange & Söhne timepieces, production is strictly limited, with each piece being assembled by hand in Glashütte, Germany. The annual production numbers are kept intentionally low to maintain exclusivity and ensure the highest quality standards.
Heritage and Collection Context
The 1815 collection pays homage to Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s birth year and represents the brand’s interpretation of traditional pocket watch aesthetics in a modern wristwatch format. The Annual Calendar variant adds practical functionality while maintaining the collection’s classic design codes.
This exceptional timepiece represents the perfect fusion of traditional German watchmaking values with modern horological innovation, making it a significant piece for both collectors and connoisseurs of fine watchmaking.
