238.032, 1815 Annual Calendar, Pink Gold

The 1815 Annual Calendar joins one of the most beautiful complications with historic Lange aesthetics stemming from the brand’s founder. At its conception just one year after Lange’s relaunch, the 1815 range catered to the traditionalist by offering manual time only pieces with vintage pocket watch dial aesthetics. With the addition of an Annual Calendar, the range was meaningfully expanded, offering balance between complicated watchmaking, traditional design language, and modern case geometry. 

1815 is a reference to the birth year of Adolf Lange, the range fittingly takes influence from the early pocket watch designs of the brand’s original founder. Common design elements can be found throughout. Dials feature a railway minute track with three dot 15-minute markers above printed numerals. The central portion of the dial is recessed creating additional depth and visual appeal. While the first 1815 was released in 1995, most of these design elements are present within the Tourbillon Pour Le Mérite, the flagship offering during the 1994 re-launch. 

In 2017 Lange offered a new complication to the range in the Annual Calendar. Its 40mm case could be had in either pink or white gold, the geometry and proportions of which bring a touch of modernity. Its dial design features all the standard 1815 characteristics which feel incredibly well suited to the complication. Its manual calibre L051.3 is only 5.7mm thin, including the ¾ plate, and offers an impressive 72 hour power reserve. Lange's finishing prowess is well displayed through the open caseback. Exposed barrels offer additional visual drama, an element present in the brand’s original pocket watch movements though now exclusively reserved for the more complicated offerings within the range.

The 1815 Annual Calendar successfully combines traditional Glaschütte aesthetics with the beauty and functionality of an annual calendar. The modern case geometry and proportions make the 1815 Annual Calendar incredibly well balanced and versatile. The 1815 range has evolved to include various case sizes and complications such as this Annual Calendar, yet it remains a thread connecting the brand to its original design language.

This 282.032 presents in excellent overall condition. The rose gold case shows some superficial surface wear. The calibre L051.3 is running well within spec. on our timing equipment. The dial shows no signs of patina or wear. It comes with its full set and an original Wempe warranty card.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.