The 1815 38.5 White Gold (235.026) is an exquisite dress watch created by the renowned German watchmaker, A. Lange & Söhne, who have been crafting exceptional timepieces since their inception in 1845. The watch was unveiled in 2014, boasting an impressive hand-wound movement and a sleek white gold case, complimented by a silver dial featuring Arabic numerals and elegant blued steel hands.
The watch pays tribute to the birth year of the brand’s founder, Ferdinand Adolph Lange, adding a touch of history to its luxurious design. This timepiece has captured the hearts of many watch enthusiasts, representing the brand’s impeccable tradition and craftsmanship, combined with a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic.
Crafting Excellence: An Ode to Aesthetics
With an elegant and classic design, this timepiece honors the year the brand’s founder was born. Its 18-carat white gold case measures 38.5 mm in diameter and 8.8 mm in thickness, while the silver dial boasts a fine-grained texture and black Arabic numerals. The slender, blued steel hands and markers at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions complement the dial’s style flawlessly.
Two unique features are also incorporated in the watch: a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock and a stop-seconds mechanism required for precise time setting. The watch’s overall aesthetic is refined and timeless, attracting those who appreciate the brand’s craftsmanship and heritage. The harmonious blend of a white gold case, silver dial, and blue accents makes it stand out.
Plus, it can be worn with a wide variety of outfits, from casual to formal. To complete the look, the watch comes with a black alligator leather strap and a white gold pin buckle.
Integrity in Construction: Material Choices
Crafted from 18-carat white gold, a precious and enduring metal, this watch exudes a sense of luxurious durability. With a diameter of 38.5 mm and a thickness of 8.8 mm, its size is ideal for most wrist sizes. The bezel, also made of white gold, has a polished finish that contrasts with the brushed case, while the dial boasts a classic design with Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock.
The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal that is scratch-resistant and anti-reflective. The black alligator leather strap, secured by a pin buckle also made of white gold and engraved with the brand’s logo, provides comfort and elegance. The watch has a water resistance of 30 meters, suitable for handling splashes and rain, though not recommended for swimming or diving.
With a hand-wound movement, when fully wound, it boasts a remarkable power reserve of 55 hours. The movement, which has a high level of craftsmanship and decoration, has a remarkable view through its sapphire caseback and features a shock-resistant balance wheel that can withstand minor impacts and vibrations. It serves as a fine example of German watchmaking that flawlessly combines tradition and innovation.
Movement and Accuracy
This watch is equipped with a hand-wound movement that beats at the frequency of 21600 bph (3 Hz). This means that wearers will need to manually wind it every few days to keep it ticking. When fully wound, this movement has a remarkable 55-hour power reserve, indicating how long the watch can go without winding.
It also boasts a stop-seconds mechanism that allows wearers to halt the seconds hand and set the time precisely. What’s more, this movement is not only reliable and accurate but also crafted by A. Lange & Söhne, a distinguished German watchmaker renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and precision.
The movement also features a three-quarter plate, a signature element of A. Lange & Söhne movements that ensures stability and durability. Finally, the sapphire crystal caseback showcases the movement’s exquisite finishing and decoration, such as blued screws, gold chatons, and a delicately hand-engraved balance cock.
Functionality Unfolded: The Inner Complications
This exquisite timepiece boasts a hand-wound movement that ensures a substantial 55-hour power reserve. It features a small seconds subdial located at 6 o’clock and traditional Arabic numerals as hour markers. The captivating silver dial is complemented by elegantly crafted blued steel hands.
The case, made from 18-carat white gold, is 38.5 mm in diameter and 8.8 mm in thickness, while the strap is crafted from the finest black alligator leather and secured with a gleaming white gold pin buckle. Unlike other watches, this timeless piece doesn’t have any additional complications such as a chronograph, date display, GMT function, or moon phase, and that’s what makes it pure and elegant. Its simple yet mesmerizing design showcases the artistry and precision of A.
Lange & Söhne, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate true craftsmanship.
On Your Wrist: Balancing Comfort and Style
When it comes to comfort and wearability, this classic dress watch is a winner for any occasion. Its sleek white gold case boasts a thin profile of 8.8 mm, which makes it a great fit under any cuff. The 38.5 mm case diameter is also suitable for most wrist sizes, and the 20 mm lug width offers a variety of strap options to choose from.
Our watch comes with a soft and supple black alligator leather strap that perfectly complements the elegant white gold pin buckle, ensuring ease of use and security. And with the quick-release system, changing the strap has never been easier – no tools required. In terms of functionality, our watch boasts a smooth and precise hand-wound movement that offers a satisfying tactile feedback.
With a power reserve of 55 hours, you can leave it unworn for over two days without worrying about it stopping. And, it’s water-resistant up to 30 meters, making it a practical and durable timepiece. Overall, our watch delivers the perfect combination of style, comfort, and functionality that make it a must-have in any collection.
Price Point: Understanding Value & Investment
This timepiece belongs to the esteemed 1815 collection of A. Lange & Söhne, a highly regarded German watchmaker. The watch boasts an 18-carat white gold case with a silver dial, showcasing black Arabic numerals and blued steel hands.
A hand-wound movement with a 55-hour power reserve and a small seconds sub-dial, as well as a stop seconds function, are additional features of the watch. The price range for this luxury watch varies depending on the source and condition. While some online sources list the timepiece for as low as $269, it’s likely a replica version.
A. Lange & Söhne’s official website, on the other hand, lists the watch at £30,300 or around $42,000. Other online platforms offer the watch for prices ranging from $23,743 to $27,872.
This particular watch presents an exceptional level of craftsmanship, quality, and elegance when compared to others in its category. Inspired by the style and legacy of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, the brand’s founder, the timepiece boasts a simple yet sophisticated design that showcases the beauty of the movement through its sapphire crystal case back. The watch is also highly accurate and reliable, certified by the German Chronometer Testing Institute. However, this luxury watch may not suit everyone’s taste or budget. The watch’s understated design may be too simple for some, while others may prefer a more innovative or complicated movement or a sportier and more modern design. Some may also prefer a more prestigious brand, such as Rolex or Patek Philippe. Accordingly, the value for money of this watch varies depending on what one is looking for in a luxury timepiece. For those who appreciate A. Lange & Söhne’s history, tradition, and craftsmanship, this watch may be worth every penny. For those looking for different features or brands, however, this watch may not be the optimal choice. What are your preferences when it comes to a luxury timepiece?
The Double-Edged Sword: Pros & Cons Uncovered
Advantages and Disadvantages On the bright side, this watch boasts a timeless and sophisticated look, complete with a white gold casing, silver face and blued steel hands. It also operates via hand-wound movement, providing a 55-hour power reserve and a small seconds subdial placed at the 6 o’clock position. The watch’s finely finished movement with a three-quarter plate, swan-neck fine adjustment and a hand-engraved balance cock can be revealed through its sapphire crystal caseback.
Unfortunately, this elegant timepiece comes at a steep price, with a retail cost of $31,100 or more, depending on the market. It is not suitable for activities involving water, such as swimming or diving. Lastly, while the watch boasts impressive technicalities, it doesn’t have any additional features like a date display, chronograph or moon phase.
Clocking Out: Final Review
The 1815 38.5 White Gold (235.026) by A. Lange & Söhne is a truly refined and elegant timepiece that pays homage to the brand’s tradition of craftsmanship. Featuring a classic design, a white gold case and a silver dial complemented by blued steel hands, this watch is both simple and sophisticated.
A manually wound movement with a 55-hour power reserve is visible through the sapphire caseback. Watch collectors and enthusiasts will appreciate the timeless beauty of this timepiece, which stands out among luxury watches in the same price range due to its precision and understated elegance. It’s an investment worth considering for those who seek a reliable and versatile watch that’s suitable for any occasion.