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1815

In the tradition of F. A. Lange

The name of the 1815 watch family is a reference to the year in which Ferdinand Adolph Lange was born. With its artisanal perfection and many elements that can be traced back to him, it is a fitting tribute to the man who established precision watchmaking in Germany. Its outstanding legibility and individual, high-contrast design render it a contemporary watch.

Principled like its role model

The traits of this exceptional person are distilled in the 1815 watch family: Meticulousness and precision, foresight and a penchant for perfection, courage and modesty. In line with Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s character, the dial design is subtle yet rich in detail. The no doubt most prominent feature of the 1815 is the railway-track minute scale. The watch thus builds a bridge into the era of nascent rail travel, at a time when pocket watches became ever more important, and when Ferdinand Adolph Lange founded his company in Glashütte. The readily legible Arabic numerals as well as the blued-steel hands are also reminiscent of that epoch.


The sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the character of the 1815. It shows a meticulously finished, precisely running movement, often with traditionally implemented classic complications that only few watchmakers today are capable of adjusting. Since an interest in self-winding watches only emerged at the dawn of the 20th century, all models of the 1815 are manually wound. Then again, bold combinations can be found, for example in the 1815 RATTRAPANTE PERPETUAL CALENDAR, which features two classic complications. The mechanism for determining stopped or lap times is controlled by two column wheels. The 1815 CHRONOGRAPH, with subsidiary dials that are shifted slightly downward, showcases its classic origins as well. Fifth-of-a-second stop times, the precisely jumping minute counter, and the flyback function are hallmarks of innovative precision. Additionally, the models of the 1815 watch family feature elements that were typically found in Lange’s historic pocket watches: the sturdy three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver, screws that are blued at 300°C, screwed gold chatons, and the hand-engraved balance cock.

1815 - a tribute to Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s heritage

An extraordinary personality

Ferdinand Adolph Lange was born in Dresden on 18 February 1815. His extraordinary personality revealed itself very early on. During his journeyman’s years in the ateliers of the world’s best watchmakers, he patiently and painstakingly recorded his insights. To this very day, his famous journey- and workbook is a living account of his studies.


In 1845, he showed genuine entrepreneurial courage when he established a watchmaking company in the Saxon town of Glashütte in the Ore Mountains. He had access neither to trained personnel nor to an intact infrastructure, but he created jobs in the then-distressed region and helped it flourish again.


From the very beginning, his ambition was to craft timepieces characterised by consistently high quality and dependability. For this purpose, he had to fundamentally reform watchmaking. Within a short period of time – encouraged by his quest for perfection –, he developed new precision measuring instruments, new production techniques, and innovative mechanisms. As a forward-looking individual, he encouraged his employees to specialise in certain work processes and become independent suppliers; this decision remains pivotal for the prosperity of the entire region.

But modesty is the character trait that best defines Ferdinand Adolph Lange. When offered a title of nobility for his merits as a watchmaker, entrepreneur, mayor, and politician, he politely declined it and commented: “A worthy man ennobles himself”.

Tradition and innovation

The 1815 CHRONOGRAPH unites proven traditional elements with progressive technology.

Bold combinations

The 1815 RATTRAPANTE PERPETUAL CALENDAR is endowed with two classic complications.

As perfect as the pocket watches

The movement of the 1815 UP/DOWN incorporates traditional elements: a three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver, blued screws, screwed gold chains, and a hand-engraved balance cock.

Explore further

Ferdinand Adolph Lange early years
Ferdinand Adolph Lange early years
Ferdinand Adolph Lange was a pioneering spirit who revolutionized precision watchmaking.
Traditional elements
Traditional elements
Traditional style and design hallmarks typify A. Lange & Söhne timepieces and imbue them with inimitable charisma.
Three-quarter plate
Three-quarter plate
The three-quarter plate that dates back to Ferdinand Adolph Lange ranks among the typical hallmarks of A. Lange & Söhne timepieces.

How can we be of service?

Whether you are in search of a specific model, have questions out of interest or need a service request for your timepiece – we are delighted to help you. We are at your service by phone, email or in one of our boutiques.

The A. Lange & Söhne salon in Zurich