Description
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph (reference 402.032) exemplifies the zenith of German haute horlogerie, representing a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship and sophisticated chronograph functionality. This detailed analysis explores every aspect of this remarkable timepiece.
Case Architecture
The case architecture demonstrates exceptional attention to detail:
- Material: 18-carat white gold with a premium finish
- Diameter: Precisely 39.5mm – carefully chosen for optimal wrist presence
- Thickness: 11mm, allowing for comfortable wear under a cuff
- Water resistance: 30 meters
- Sapphire crystal: Both front and exhibition caseback
- Polishing: Alternating brushed and polished surfaces
Dial Composition
The solid silver dial showcases intricate details:
- Base material: Solid silver with argenté finishing
- Numerals: Applied Arabic numerals in classical typography
- Scales: Precision railway-track minute scale with 1/5th second demarcations
- Subdials: Recessed subsidiary dials at 4 and 8 o’clock positions
- Hands: Heat-blued steel with different profiles for hours, minutes, and chronograph functions
- Tachymeter scale: Calibrated for speed measurements
Movement Specifications
The Caliber L951.5 movement represents the pinnacle of mechanical achievement:
Technical Details
- Type: Manually wound mechanical movement
- Frequency: 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5 Hz)
- Number of parts: 354 components
- Jewel count: 34 jewels
- Power reserve: 60 hours when fully wound
- Plates and bridges: German silver (maillechort)
Chronograph Mechanism
- Column-wheel control mechanism for precise operation
- Horizontal clutch system
- Flyback function for instant chronograph reset and restart
- Precision jump minute counter
- Start-stop optimization system
Finishing Techniques
The movement finishing exhibits extraordinary attention to detail:
- Hand-engraved balance cock with floral pattern
- Glashütte ribbing on three-quarter plate
- Perlage on base plate
- Black-polished chronograph levers
- Hand-chamfered and polished edges
- Gold chatons secured by thermally blued screws
- Straight-grained chronograph bridges
Strap and Buckle
The watch comes with:
- Hand-stitched alligator leather strap in black
- 18-carat white gold prong buckle with safety deployment system
- Quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes
Special Functions
The chronograph offers sophisticated functionality:
- Central chronograph seconds hand
- 30-minute counter at 8 o’clock
- Small seconds at 4 o’clock
- Instantaneous minute jump
- Precise stop-second mechanism
- Flyback function for consecutive timing operations
Heritage and Production
Each timepiece undergoes:
- Individual assembly by a single master watchmaker
- Double assembly process (German tradition)
- Minimum 40 hours of quality control testing
- Individual numbering and documentation
- Certification of authenticity and quality
Market Position
The 1815 Chronograph represents:
- Limited annual production numbers
- High collectible value
- Strong investment potential
- Prestigious position in haute horlogerie
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph 402.032 stands as a masterpiece of watchmaking, where every component, from the smallest screw to the elaborate chronograph mechanism, demonstrates uncompromising quality and attention to detail. It represents not just a timepiece, but a celebration of traditional German watchmaking excellence combined with modern precision engineering.
