One of the modest hits at Watches and Wonders this year was the 34mm A. Lange & Söhne 1815. If this is the peak of a slight watch trend, then “small wristers” are well rewarded. Today we’ll take a closer look at two variations of this charming dress watch.
The long-standing 38.5mm 1815 from A. Lange & Söhne is not exactly eligible as a Behemoth. Still, the brand saw the opportunity to offer small watches. Certainly, being attractive to those who enjoy a more careful look on their wrist is not the worst idea. Additionally, the new 34mm case works with small wrists and works for women. However, as you can see, the latest 1815 wasn’t just downsizing. Lange has introduced the 75th new caliber to this model.
34mm A. Lange & Söhne1815
Lange has introduced the new 34mm 1815 in two different formats. The case is made of 18k white or pink gold and has a blue dial. As you can see, the watch is strictly attached to many Glashütte design doctrines. An example is the dial using 925 silver instead of brass.
Considering the straps, each comes with a matching gold pin buckle with a sophisticated, lightly padded crocodile accessories. Water resistant, this is a typical dress watch that is only 30 meters long.
Magic Case
I will soon be elaborating on the new move, but reassuring it will contribute to an incredible form factor. The 1815 large 38.5mm is not a 8.8mm thick poker, but the latest 34mm comes in just 6.4mm! It’s incredible, but not too thin. Looking at the case profile reveals horizontal brushed sides, polished chamfers and curved lugs with tops. But the midcase is where the watch really shines. A more horizontal brushing is sandwiched between two thin layers of polished metal. The outermost layer forms the bezel and caseback.
L152.1 – Lange’s 75th caliber
I originally made the 34mm 1815 move incorrectly due to the existing caliber. After all, Lange’s manual wind farms have a clear and recognizable appearance. However, this was wrong as the brand created a new L152.1 for this watch. Technically, it’s impressive. Lange adjusts the 21 gem caliber to exactly five positions. The frequency is medium at 21,600VPH, allowing for 72 hours of power reserve.
In terms of finishing, this is where Lange hits its journey. The traditional three-quarter plate was introduced by Ferdinanda Dofrangue in 1864 and is a feature of most watches in the region. Here, it is finely decorated with Glashütte Ribbing, showing exposed edge angage. The hand-carved balance cock completes the look expected for movement from this region of Germany. Finally, beware of Chatton, which houses four visible gems. I usually prefer a wealth of bridges, but it’s difficult to argue with the Glashütte tradition.
Dealing with the (small) elephants in the room
For those who follow the watch news, the idea of watch media playing small 34mm pieces like 1815 bounds boundaries probably with nausea. In fact, the reception was overwhelmingly positive. GroupThink, excessive excitement about new case sizes, and more are probably some of the thoughts that come to mind. Usually I agree, but most brands refuse to violate the 36mm threshold despite slowly crawling to a more gentle case size (even under 37mm is a challenge). That’s what makes this new Lange so important.
My brief visit to Lange Booth at Watches and Wonders elicited relatively unpleasant grounds for the new 1815 from one of the employees. It was mixed with “We wanted to do something smaller” and “This watch might be good for women.” I honestly think that many Lange peers were surprised by how many men like the watches as a result. Perhaps it wasn’t the original intention, but not so much, and more praise is always positive.
On the wrist
Before moving to London, I never considered a 34mm watch like the 1815. I rarely wear a watch over 36mm thanks to a collector’s friend who enjoys small pieces in my 50s. Recently, peak comfort for me is defined by a simple 34 or 35mm vintage watch on the strap (probably defined as a dress watch in today’s term). This type of watch is light and airy. More importantly, these watches focus on the presence of every case, movement and dial details. There are no hoopras or anything extra. In other words, the watch stands in itself and it must be good or not! “Sure,” you probably say, but the same can be said about big dress watches. Well, I don’t agree.
I think people with large raisists tend to like bigger watches, but it’s okay to wear smaller watches on bigger wrists. The reality is that more time has passed, and more time has passed than a small clock dominates the scene. Now there are options, which is great, but to rethink a watch like the 34mm 1815 you need to adjust the way you think about what fits. Let’s go back to why a large diameter dress watch doesn’t work. Honestly, they often look like dinner plates (hello, Patek 6119) and there’s too much space on the dial. Plus, they wear them like giant slabs on their wrists. Dress watches should not be flashy. This explains why this 1815 is visual and perfect for many of us who have seen these watches in Geneva.
Final Thoughts on the 34mm 1815
Don’t get in the way. For a list of favorites from watches and wonders, I should have chosen the new 34mm 1815. That was an oversight. This is a great release and we’ll seriously consider whether we’re lucky enough to shop again at this price range. Lange lists these watches as “prices on request,” but found prices of around 27,000 euros. This is the expected price for a watch that competes with regular top brands. In other words, it’s expensive, but somehow acceptable. Furthermore, unless another brand’s 90s model is running, 1815 is a unique and small choice for now.
