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A. Lange & Söhne Unveils New Pink Gold 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Watch

Turn back the clock ten years and what were you doing? Perhaps you were tucking into some FroYo, the food trend of 2013. Or, do you remember when you heard the news Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May of the same year? Oh yes, and there was the small lawn tennis contest that Andy Murray won, what was it called…that’s right, Wimbledon.

While we are reminiscing, how about A. Lange & Söhne? What were their horological boffins up to in their lab? Producing the first 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar. Equipped with a silver, argenté dial and split-second chronograph, it was the talk of SIHH 2013.

1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar launched in 2013 Source: ALS

Part of their ultra luxurious Haute Horologie lineup for a decade, let’s focus for a minute (or ten!) on one of the best luxury brands to ever grace the horological spectrum.

After two versions debuted previously in pink gold and platinum, A. Lange & Söhne are back to tempt enthusiasts and collectors alike with the introduction of the new 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar with one finely tuned iteration. A pink gold dial. Plus it’s a limited edition. Claxons at the ready.

Marking ten years since the launch of the artist formerly known as The 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar, it's time to take a trip down memory lane before looking at the new version of the 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar…pink dial and all.

The 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar - 2013

The technical precision involved in Act 1 of the 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar from 2013 is a genuine feat of watchmaking. Combining a complex rattrapante chronograph alongside a perpetual calendar with moon-phase display is not something to be treated lightly. In fact, do you know when the first perpetual calendar was made?

Source: ALS

1762 to be precise by Thomas Mudge. This British watchmaker made perpetual calendars an integral part of pocket watches for the next hundred years as they soon made their way into the attire of the most discerning chaps.

This watch is arguably the Manchester City of luxury watches. Sleek, full of power, incredibly accurate and a born trophy winner. Did we forget they were bestowed two awards at the 2013 GPHG awards for not only best Grand Complication but a Public’s Choice Award. Not too shabby indeed.

Featuring two column wheels to ensure the cessation of lap times and elapsed lap times, the chronograph hand can actually record an infinite amount of lap times within 60 seconds.

Trust us though when we say this ain’t no luxury sports watch or everyday watch. If you are in the market to buy an A. Lange & Söhne, this is one to show off around the office or over Mai-Tai’s in that plush 5 star-hotel.

Source: ALS

Measuring 41.9mm, the minute counter is situated at 12 o’clock with pair calendar displays at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. There is a steel hand with a blue accent that correlates to the stopped seconds function with the left sundial representing the day and date. The right subdial is where you can find the leap year and month indicator.

Boasting 200-plus different components across nearly 640 parts, The former 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar houses the same movement as the new timepiece, namely the L101.1 movement. This is where the timekeeping magic happens when it comes to the perpetual calendar which does not require updating or correcting until 2100!

Furthermore, the insanely accurate moonphase indicator won’t need touching for ahem nearly 123 years. This is on condition that it remains wound. With critical acclaim to rival a review of the Lion King, we firmly believe this is a potentially excellent investment piece.

As of July 2023, you can buy an A. Lange & Söhne for in excess of £105,000 on the secondary market.

Personality Of The New 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar - 2023

There’s nothing galvanised about the new 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar from A. Lange & Söhne. The pink gold dial is the horological star of the show…but more on that later.

Source: ALS

Measuring 41.9mm x 14.7mm, featuring an 18ct white gold construction, the 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar is both refined, sleek and as sophisticated as a slap up meal at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant.

So what’s on the menu? For the Michelin maestro, it’s Beef Wellington served with a healthy dose of Rolex. The former Glasgow Rangers footballer's collection spans many Rolex watches from the vintage Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16550 with cream dial to The Submariner Ref. 1680, originally debuted by Rolex in 1969.

We know the measurements have not changed an iota. After all, why teach an old horological dog new tricks? Served up inside the case and fluted crown is a slim bezel that is highly polished to a natural glean. Due to the many complications housed inside this watch, it will not feel overly chunky on the wrist.

Want to know where the functions such as the day of the week, moon phase, month and date indicator lie? There are four pushers which are recessed into this new timepiece that will gladly get your gears turning. The chronograph in the form of a pusher is located at 2 o’clock. Offering a dual aspect, this gives you the ability to either begin or stop the chronograph setting.

Source: ALS

The rattrapante hand can be found at 10 o’clock while at 3 o’clock is where you will discover the element for time setting. Like the end of the Usual Suspects, we won’t keep you in suspense any longer. We think it’s about time to share with you the fabulous pink gold dial that’s as glam as Lionel Messi’s unveiling as an Inter Miami player alongside owner David Beckham.

Becks and Leo will no doubt be sharing many a locker room stories around watches given Beckham is a Tudor ambassador and Messi has an envious collection of timepieces featuring an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin ref. 15202 complete with white Tapisserie dial and the jaw dropping Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 126655 in rose gold with black rubber strap

Paying homage to classic designs of former pocket watches from IWC and Blanpain among other brands, this is wristwear flex but not as we know it. The new 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar pays close attention to the pocket watch guise that is as sexy as it is complex. And there is more information on the dial than a departures board at London Heathrow.

Yet this new novelty is flying high with its perfect perpetual calendar for collectors and enthusiasts to salivate over. There is also a 30 minute chronograph counter as well as all the horological whistles and bells that come with this delicious dial.

Source: ALS

Think power reserve and leap year indicator which only requires the most minor of tweaks by a day. But you have time…until 2100 to be precise! Don’t forget the month display, moonphase indicator positioned on the minuscule seconds subdial, railway minute track and a day/date subdial.

There are a host of phenomenal functions which you can discover such as the power reserve at noon, leap year indicator at 3 o’clock and moon phase at 6 o’clock. Arabic numerals are offset majestically against the crisp white gold and the four subdials that dominate this warm off-salmon dial.

Quintessentially A. Lange & Söhne, benefit from split seconds rhodium or blued steel chronograph hands in the middle of the watch that can be used separately to record laps if you are out and about for a morning jog.

Source: ALS

However, we don’t advise it. The rattrapante element is a real hats off moment for this showstopper timepiece due to its immense complexity. The chronograph minute counter and power-reserve indicator are based at 12 o’clock while the tiny gold hand lying within the concentric circle tells you when this new novelty is ready to deliver a new burst of energy to the movement.

This is all made possible thanks to the winding crown mechanism. Whether it is measuring intermediary periods of time or the layered dial framework, the new 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar is a stunning selection for those who want to buy an A. Lange & Söhne.

The solid pink gold dial is a delight to behold and has been seen on other watches from this German giant as epitomised on the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon.

Clarity like never before, bags of depth and a wondrous view into the workings of this magnificent brand, the question posed here is should we call it a salmon dial watch? Only time will tell dear timelords. But it does have a slight whiff of former salmon dial watches like the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5000T/000P-B975

Other Specs:

- Reference: 421.056

- Limited Edition: Yes

- Functions: Perpetual calendar with date indicator, hours, minutes, seconds, rattrapante chronograph, day of the week, month, moon phase, leap year and power reserve indicator

- Case Material: White gold

- Caseback material: Sapphire crystal

- Dial colour: Pink gold

- Jewels: 43

- Buckle: Deployant made from 18ct white gold

- Strap: Alligator leather, hand stitched in dark brown

Don’t Miss A Beat With The Lange L101.1 Movement

We have explored the beast of elements that go into the new 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar. Now for the beauty which A. Lange & Söhne are renowned for.

L101.1 movement, Source - ALS

Flip the watch to the sapphire crystal caseback and drool over the distinctive architecture that would make Norman Foster envious. It’s a true work of art and craftsmanship. Powered by the manually wound L101.1 movement which sits within the original 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar, the movement’s slimmer than slim aesthetics goes to show the devil is very much in the detail.

As traditional as an avocado bathroom and shag pile rug, they should win awards for the movement alone. Pulsating at 21,600Vph, it is assembled by hand and finished to horological perfection.

The L101.1 movement has an astounding 631 components, 211 of which make up the perpetual calendar and has a mode 42 hour power reserve. Weekend proof this certainly is not but don’t worry, there’s lots to love about the marvellous movement like first rate precision to one sixth of a second.

The use of shaping levers and bridges for one, the location of the column wheels and finishing technical prowess is what makes many hungry horophiles turned on. Add in a sprinkling of gold chatons, polished chamfers and hand etched balance cock for good measure and you have an movement that is as elaborate as a Vivienne Westwood outfit…if not more ornate. And this typifies the exemplary pomp and style of A. Lange & Söhne, rattrapante Chronograph and all.

This intrinsic melange of high level technical mastery with unique architectural flashes make A. Lange & Söhne a leader in this particular field of Haute Horlogerie.

How Much Is The New A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar?

A boutique exclusive and limited to just 100 pieces, you can buy an A. Lange & Söhne “1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar upon request.” Former platinum and pink models remain available but have a starting RRP of around £137,000 at the time of writing.

So is the new 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar a good investment? Just as good as the 2013 version with rarity and supply and demand makes this potentially great as an investment over time.

What’s Our View?

As The Muppets once sang about Mah Nà Mah Nà' doo do doo doo..Mah Nà Mah Nà'. That’s what we think about especially when you replace the chorus with rattrapante. Go on…you’ll be so mad it’ll make you want to reach for the Kermit Oris.

Now, let's face it, A. Lange & Söhne have opted for one of the most popular dial picks of recent years in the warm salmon like hues. Is it the catch of the day? Pretty much but something fishy is going on.

With undertones or should that be overtones of previous salmon dial models from other luxury brands including Patek Philippe and Breitling, why not pair this with a crisp linen white shirt for summer or a silver three piece suit as a nice contrast. Whatever your attire, one thing is for sure…you’ll be looking pretty in pink whatever the weather.

Conclusion

The manifestation of these legendary complications, namely the rattrapante chronograph and perpetual calendar evokes a blast from the past. A sense of belonging to the pocket watch era that enthusiasts adore.

Without a doubt, this timepiece is both undervalued and underestimated in the timekeeping stable of A. Lange & Söhne. In terms of clarity and technical skills, the Patek Philippe 5204 may edge it by a whisker. But it’s close.

Nevertheless, the architectural interiors of the movements are a stroke of genius…undoubtedly a timekeeping garland that they should proudly wear with pride. But aside from the iconic Zeitwerk which has many plaudits on its own, it is an excellent show of horological affection for a classic timepiece with a new colourway injection that injects a flash of modernity

Plus, if you want complications this brand knocks it out of the park…every single time.

Looking to buy a watch or sell a watch at the best possible price? Want to receive multiple offers when you buy an A. Lange & Söhne? Chrono Hunter should be your essential source. Contact us here and benefit from numerous offers thanks to our trusted network of luxury retailers. Choose one which is right for you and expect nothing but the finest service, unrivalled brand expertise and quick turnaround. Time is money as they say. Save money the smart way by downloading our app or entering the details of the watch via our simple online form.

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