In 2004, the Datograph had already garnered widespread adoration, but collectors vocally yearned for a purer, and more importantly thinner, chronograph. A new model was borne, the 1815 Chronograph. It was more of the same, but sans Date, cleaner, and proportionally more classical. At 39.5mm and 11m thin, the 1815 Chronograph’s case landed much closer to the classical ideals than the Datograph's 41mm and 13.1mm height. Due to intelligent design decisions, it also feels less of its era. This ref. 414.026 feels like it could've been designed in 1960, yesterday, or fifty years from now and it wouldn't be out of place in any of those.
On the 200th birthday of founder Frederick Adolph Lange's birthday in 2015, A. Lange & Söhne gave the world something truly remarkable. It was the perfect occasion to introduce what would be the new generation of 1815 Chronographs, and it began with this 414.026 Boutique Edition. It was and remains a success on every level, a watch that set the bar for everything to come.
The differences are slight, but considered. Notably, this was the first use of blue on an A. Lange & Söhne chronograph dial. It sported a thinner font, larger subdials, and a general prioritization of negative space over information. And then this Boutique Edition also decided to tug at the heartstrings reintroducing the original's pulsations scale. And now the quarters are marked by three dots, inspired by 19th century Saxon porcelain, which feels completely at home on this palette. The dial-side experience is equal parts relaxed and harmonious.
However, this still pales in comparison to the reverse, where the calibre L951.5 makes a breathtaking impression. This is, albeit updated, one of the all-time great views in watchmaking, responsible for inspiring many young watchmakers and collectors alike. There is inherent contrast between German silver bridges and steel levers, polishing, brushing, engraving, chatons, blued screws, and more carefully considered engineering than I have the space here to elucidate. Even Philippe Dufour is a fan. Make no mistake, this is an unrivaled chronograph in aesthetic finish and architecture.
A. Lange & Söhne already had a winning formula in the Datograph. But the 1815 Chronograph exists because, in Glashütte, perfection isn't enough. We should be glad it wasn't. Because they still managed to purify the experience and make the proportions even more beautiful, which is never a bad thing. This Boutique Edition is just the icing to an already exacting cake recipe. It is a watch that will make complete philistines fall in love with watchmaking and reignite the passion for those who've become jaded. Not just a chronograph to tell the time, but a view to make it stop.
