What We Know
Today, alongside a new variation of the technical powerhouse that is the brand’s Triple Split chronograph, A. Lange & Söhne introduces a pair of limited-edition 1815 Up/Down references. The new models with blue dials offer not only a new livery but also another compelling proposition for collectors—a smaller case size.
The new limited-edition 1815 Up/Down features a return to smaller proportions with a 37.5mm diameter case, smaller than the standard-production 39mm 1815 Up/Down models in the brand’s current collection. It isn’t the first 1815 Up/Down in 37.5mm; an earlier 1815 Up/Down “Homage to Walter Lange” limited edition took the crown in that regard. But between the first generation’s 35.9mm case and the second generation’s 39mm case, this diameter right in between is a nice welcome back. Thickness remains unchanged at 8.7 mm.
This new blue dial offers eye-catching contrasting subdials, which show off the metallic texture of the base 925 silver dial with snailing underneath the printed scales of the power reserve (AUF/AB, translated to Up/Down) and the small seconds track on the right. Seen on the dial is Lange’s signature design traits of the pocket watch-inspired 1815 collection, with a railroad minutes track on the periphery and Arabic hour numerals. Despite the downsizing of the dial, proportions remain generally the same, with none of the hour numerals cut off by the subdials. Offered in white or pink gold, the cases are accompanied by matching gold hour and minute hands, while the hands for the subdials are in heat-blued steel.
Inside the watch is the same manually wound L051.2 caliber seen in the current 39mm models, with a 72-hour power reserve and a beat rate of 21,600 VpH. Finishing remains consistent with Lange’s standard across the entire collection, which is excellent, offering Glashütte striping, gold chatons, blued screws, and more in its German silver caliber.
Both the white gold and pink gold variations are offered in a limited edition of 300 individually numbered pieces and are available at Lange boutiques. Pricing is approximately EUR 45,000.
What We Think
At first glance, this new blue-dialed execution of the 1815 Up/Down immediately conjures memories of the collector favorite: the first-generation 35.9mm blue-dialed 1815 Up/Down, ref. 221.027. The blues aren’t quite the same, however, with the new blue dial a bit dustier in hue and less of the rich navy blue from the first generation.
I’m very pleased with the new proportions, even if the 39mm version never felt all that large on my wrist, and the new contrasting subdials offer a nice twist on the formula. Mostly, it’s great to see some love for the 1815 Up/Down, a watch I’ve always had a soft spot for, with its quirky, almost chronograph-like dial layout, and a continuation of Lange’s recent pattern of offering more downsized case options.
The Basics
Brand: A. Lange & Söhne
Model: 1815 Up/Down
Reference Number: 244.037 (pink gold); 244.028 (white gold)
Diameter: 37.5mm
Thickness: 8.7mm
Case Material: White or pink gold
Dial Color: Blue
Indexes: Printed
Lume: No
Water Resistance: 3 bar
Strap/Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
The Movement
Caliber: L051.2
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator
Diameter: 30.6mm
Thickness: 4.6mm
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 21,600 VpH
Jewels: 29
Chronometer Certified: No
Pricing & Availability
Price: Approximately EUR 45,000
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 300 pieces each.
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