I absolutely LOVE that - wonderful from both the front and the back. Gorgeous dial finish too - very German.
My first "real" watch was a quartz Seiko chronograph which was given to my by my father when I was 14. Since then, I've been fascinated about the complication; there's really a lot of knowledge to read and learn about.
However, throughout my watch collecting journey up until now I've never quite found the "right" chrono at the right time. So the result is that I always ended up with either a simple three-hand watch, one with a moonphase or power reserve, or GMT, but never a chronograph.
Recently, however, the itch for the complication came back and as prices are only going up I might as well get one sooner rather than later.
I considered a variety of brands including IWC, Zenith, Blancpain, Vacheron, Breguet, and A. Lange & Söhn (and the Rolex Daytona of course) and considered vintage and modern models as well.
So after some more research and comparisons (and saving!), I decided on the original A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph.
The photos.....
(trying to see whether a blue strap would suit the watch)
(with another German companion
Thanks for reading and pardon the amateur skills!
What a watch! You made the right choice, that is perfect!
Sublime, congrats!
There is absolutely nothing that isn't just perfect on that watch. Many congratulations on a great choice.
That movement is amazingly beautiful.
That's Beautiful, the back is so nice I think I would prefer to look at it rather than wear it.
I can see why it might be your last... who would need or want another? :)
Flawless - a perfectly balanced dial and a beautiful movement - what more could you reasonably ask for?
That is amazing and the nicest watch I have seen in a very long time. Fantastic picture's too.
:D
That is a stunner! (and I'm not a fan of chronographs).
Blimey, what a first!
Fabulous piece, the movement is stunning.
Really nice watch. I did not know it, but exudes high quality craftsmanship. Enjoy it!
Its so nice to see chronographs with a unique compax layout. Really beautiful, front and back, enjoy wearing it!
Well I guess if you're going to do it you might as well do it properly.
Congrats, a fabulous choice.
OMG and all that. A absolutely stunning watch - you are right no need for any other chronographs.
That is one nice watch, congratulations and thanks for the pictures.
That is simply stunning. The mechanical movement is a fine thing to be enjoyed. I would love a watch where you could see the movement ticking away.
That is by for the nicest piece of engineering I've seen yet.
Exquisite! A dream watch
That's lovely. I think I would wear it face-in so I could look at the movement!
V.special indeed - would be chuffed to have this in my collection but alas this end of he market is beyond my reach. Just have to enjoy looking at this one. Congrats.
That is absolutely stunning. I'm dreaming of owning an A. Lange & Söhne one day, and this didn't help. The details in the dial are amazing, and that movement just looks superb. Congratulations, and enjoy it!
Wow! I opened the thread expecting to see another Speedie. How wrong could I be? That's an absolute cracker.
Thanks for the compliments guys. It certainly wasn't an easy decision in deciding which watch to get, there's no such thing as a perfect watch after all.
But I'm quite satisfied so far and would recommend anyone to try a similar piece at a store; the movement has to be seen in person to truly see it shine.
The new 1815 chronograph has an updated movement with more power reserve, some parts changed, and a simpler-looking dial with slightly larger sub-dials.
However, I chose the original because I think the outer ring makes the watch more chronograph-like and serious. The power reserve was not an issue since I'd wind the watch daily anyway.
A photo below (taken from PuristSPro) compares the original and new version.
I prefer the updated version, that's my grail chronograph!
I dislike the missing 4 and 8, as well as the cut off '3' and '9' in the original version, and I'm not too keen on the doctor's pulsometer...
Very nice detailed shots of a beautiful watch. I can see why it would be your 'last'.
What a great looking watch. Congratulations.
Gorgeous watch, and definitely made the right choice between the 2.
Malc
Lovely watch, congrats
I forgot say I also by far prefer the first version. You chose wisely IMO 😁
Wonderful. I almost didn't open this because I thought it was going to be a tale of woe! I've been looking at these for a few months now, albeit slightly favour the newer dial. Only slightly though. Did you get this in UK or Europe? They're certainly few and far between here.
Stunning and the original dial does it for me too.
Well if you are going to do it, do it properly and you have!
Lovely and congratulations
One of my favourites for sure. Would love one some day. Enjoy.
Thanks for the kind comments everyone. I think the main criticisms are how the 3 and 9 markers are cut-off by the two sub-dials and the existence of the pulsometer scale (vs tachymeter or none).
Those don't seem to bother me much and at the moment I just find excuses to time things (ie. how long I have to wait before being served at restaurants)
I got mine in Europe as it's so difficult to find one in the UK, or anywhere else for that matter. I think it's because the production number is quite low and owners usually buy to keep.
Beautiful als