Review: A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Flyback Chronograph Pink Gold with Dial in Silver Reference 414.032
Plus my answer to an ultimate two watch collection
Here is an intriguing question for a watch collector to ponder. For a two watch collection with combined value under $100K, what would be your choices? First, we would need to determine the most useful or iconic complications. A perpetual calendar or an annual calendar comes naturally to mind. Another must-have complication would be the chronograph. They offer practical functions and represent the horological achievements from the last century. If we want to consider the most prestigious brands, the choices would be Patek Philippe and A. Lange & Söhne. Two titans from Switzerland and Germany, hopefully without much dispute.
A perpetual calendar from either brand would leave not much budget for the chronograph. The sensible decision would be to go with an annual calendar, which requires only one date change per year. As Patek is the inventor of the annual calendar, it is best to go with Patek. I would choose the Patek 5205G-013 annual calendar in blue dial, the best looking annual calendar in my opinion. For the chronograph, the ideal choice would be the Lange 1815 flyback chronograph. This would be a perfect two watch collection under $100K to me. It is interesting that the 1815 chrono is Mr. Ben Clymer’s pick for his two watch collection without budget constraints.
Like many things in life, we usually do additions first, but have to do subtractions sooner or later. This allows us to see the most important things clearly. It was along this line of thinking that I decided to pull the trigger on the Lange 1815 chrono. A proper subtraction meant that I had to let go of a few watches in my collection to produce the fund.
The 1815 chrono, reference 414.032, is the latest model introduced in 2018 after several iterations. The result is a beautiful dial with perfect symmetry. The two sub dials position slightly lower than the center line. One is the second sub dial, while the other is a 30-minute counter for the chronograph. The minute track has a gradation that measures 1/5 of a second. A pulsometer scale is inscribed on the outer ring of the dial. This is different from most chronographs which show either a tachymeter or a telemeter. To me, a pulsometer seems more useful and personal, as a convenient way to measure one's pulse rate. This can be a nice tool for a doctor for sure. The dial is entirely made of silver and the hands are blue. It is an elegant, stunning timepiece. What could we ask for more?
The flyback function is a neat feature for high-end chronographs. It allows the start of a new timing instantly, even during a previous timing operation. For a conventional chronograph, three operations are needed to do so, while the flyback function does it with one push. To measure pulse rate, one would start the chronograph and count pulses till 30 before stopping the chronograph. The pulsometer scale reading by the chronograph second hand is the pulse rate. The hallmark of a Lange chrono is the smooth, effortless operations when pushing the buttons. It is so satisfying to perform the stop watch functions, especially with the super fast flyback feature.
Turning over the watch to see the L951.5 movement, we are presented with an example of the pinnacle of modern mechanical watchmaking. It is like a micro three dimensional city built with well polished parts. This movement is the same as the Lange Datograph, with only the date and power reserve indicator removed. For the chronograph function, the L951.5 indeed is the best Lange has to offer. The flyback and the continuous minute counting are the standout features. There are 306 parts in this massive and compact calibre. The power reserve is a solid 60 hours, good for two and half days. The movement beats at 2.5Hz, which is slower than the usual rate of 4Hz. One benefit of this slower rate is the clearer and less hurried ticking sounds from the escapement, which is music to the ears for watch lovers. It is a manual wind movement which makes the case less thick and movement completely visible under the sapphire crystal.
The case measurements are 39.5mm in diameter and 11mm in thickness. The size is right in the sweet spot for most people. The dark brown crocodile strap is of the highest quality and is a treat to look at, touch and wear. The rose gold case, white dial, blue hands and brown strap make this a stunning timepiece. It will bring the owner long lasting joy to look at the watch closely, listen to the ticking sound and wear it comfortably on the wrist.
Any drawbacks of the 1815 Chrono? Nothing really to me in terms of functionalities or aesthetic. The only thing is the steep price, which may be prohibitive for many watch enthusiasts. Within the Lange family, the 1815 Chrono is about 30% less expensive than the Datograph. It is a smart option by trading-off the big date and power reserve indicator. Compared to Patek Philippe 5170 and 5172, the 1815 Chrono looks like solid value or even a steal. Last but not least, acquiring a 1815 Chrono from a Lange boutique may open the doors to some Lange models that are otherwise impossible to obtain. The value proposition here looks quite compelling, if we take into account these comparisons and additional factors.
Honestly, this has been a difficult review to write, as words have failed me to describe this marvelous timepiece properly. The Apple iPhone camera has failed me to bring out all the beauty and details of this masterpiece. One thing is for sure, the Lange 1815 chrono in rose gold is the ultimate chronograph for many watch enthusiasts and collectors. It is to me the watch to own for a 2 watch collection, if I had to reduce my collection to just two timepieces, with unbound satisfaction and not any regret.
Timing measurements with a timegrapher: crown up -1, crown down -1, 12 up -2, 12 down +4, dial up +2 and dial down +1. Averaged error +0.5 secs per day.