A. Lange & Sohne - 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst

The "Handwerkskunst" epithet (German for "artisanship”) is used by A. Lange & Söhne for few rare special editions which required exceptional craftsmanship to be created.

The 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst is the sixth model in the history of the brand to deserve this attribute that stands for the particularly artistic decoration of the movement, dial and case.

Combining two classic complications that rank among the most sophisticated mechanical ensembles in precision watchmaking, the 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst is also the first model of the brand to combine enamel art and engraving on its dial.

Solid white gold is the substrate for the deep-blue enamel beneath which the sculpted contours of the relief-engraved stars appear to be a visual extension of the moon-phase display.

The Arabic numerals are flush with the enamel and harmonise perfectly with the rhodiumed white-gold hands of the time and calendar indications as well as of the power-reserve indicator. The colour of the enamel is echoed by the lunar disc as well as the blued-steel minute-counter hand.

These elements contrast with the four recessed subsidiary dials in argenté-coloured white gold and the flange ring with the railway-track minute scale.

The chronograph hand is crafted from gold-plated steel to offer a distinctive colour accent.

The moon theme recurs on the hinged cuvette that protects the sapphire-crystal caseback. It depicts the goddess Luna, the ancient mythological personification of the moon, executed in relief and tremblage engraving. The medallion shows her with her characteristic attributes: a billowing veil, a crescent moon diadem and a torch with which she lights up the darkness. The medallion is surrounded by a raised star and cloud relief in blue enamel.

Artistic movement decorations reflect the technically ambitious multiple-complication timepiece. The German-silver train bridge is finished with a granular texture often found in the movements of historic pocket watches.

Relief and tremblage engravings on the operating-lever, cover and chronograph bridges as well as on the rattrapante and balance cocks reflect the stellar motif of the dial.

In all other respects, the finissage of the 631-part manufacture calibre L101.1 complies with the strictest Lange standards.

The split-seconds chronograph allows the measurement of lap times and consecutive times. It is controlled by two column wheels – one for the chronograph and one for the rattrapante mechanism which is activated by a pusher at 10 o’clock.

The perpetual calendar mechanism correctly displays the individual durations of each month in the course of a calendar year, including all leap years until 2100. Integrated in the subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, the moon-phase display is calibrated to remain accurate for 122.6 years.

Beating at 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour, the manually wound movement has a maximum power reserve of 42 hours. A power-reserve indicator reminds the owner when it is time to rewind the watch.

The 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst (ref. 421.048) comes in a 41.9 mm x 15.8 mm white-gold case with an edition engraving. It is worn on a blue-grey alligator leather strap secured with a white-gold deployant buckle. Only 20 pieces will be produced, each with a final price price of around Euro 290,000 / US$ 346,000. alange-soehne.com