Description
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Reference 730.032 stands as a masterpiece of German haute horlogerie, exemplifying the manufacturer’s commitment to exceptional watchmaking and innovative complications. This prestigious timepiece combines traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering excellence.
Design and Construction
The watch features an elegantly proportioned 39.5mm platinum case with a height of 11.3mm. The case construction demonstrates superior finishing with polished and brushed surfaces, creating a sophisticated interplay of light and texture.
The dial is crafted from solid silver and finished in pristine white enamel, featuring:
- Railway-track minute scale with precise minute graduations
- Blued steel hands for optimal legibility
- Classical Arabic numerals in black
- Large tourbillon aperture at 6 o’clock with polished bridge
- Small seconds display integrated into the tourbillon cage
Movement Specifications
At the heart of this masterpiece lies the manually wound caliber L102.1:
- Plates and bridges: German silver
- Number of parts: 262
- Number of jewels: 20
- Frequency: 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour
- Power reserve: 72 hours when fully wound
- Movement thickness: 6.2mm
Patented Innovations
The watch incorporates several groundbreaking technical features:
- Zero-reset mechanism: When the crown is pulled, the seconds hand jumps to zero and the balance stops
- Stop-seconds tourbillon: Allows precise time-setting to the second
- Precise jump seconds mechanism integrated into the tourbillon
Finishing and Decoration
Every component receives meticulous attention to detail:
- Hand-engraved balance cock with floral pattern
- Three-quarter plate with Glashütte ribbing
- Gold chatons secured by thermally blued screws
- Hand-beveled edges on all bridges and plates
- Mirror-polished tourbillon cage
- Straight-grained and circular-grained surfaces
Strap and Buckle
The watch comes fitted with:
- Hand-stitched alligator leather strap in dark brown
- Platinum deployant clasp with safety push-buttons
- Quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes
Technical Capabilities
The watch offers practical functionality alongside its complications:
- Water resistance: 30 meters
- Anti-reflective sapphire crystal on both sides
- Secure crown operation with distinct positions for winding and time-setting
Market Position and Value
As one of A. Lange & Söhne’s most prestigious offerings, this timepiece represents:
- Limited annual production numbers
- High collector’s value due to its technical complexity
- Strong position in the ultra-luxury watch segment
- Significant investment potential given the brand’s reputation
Heritage and Significance
The 1815 Tourbillon embodies the essence of A. Lange & Söhne’s watchmaking philosophy, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative engineering. It stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to create timepieces that are both technically sophisticated and aesthetically refined, continuing the legacy of Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s vision for German watchmaking excellence.
