The reference 231.035, crafted from platinum, was one of 150 examples produced in 1999 to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s second born son, Emil. As part of the celebration, another 250 examples of the 1815 Moonphase Emil Lange were produced in pink gold.

Emil and his brother Richard Lange, the second generation of the family, are credited with taking A. Lange & Söhne to new heights, expanding production and sales in geographies such as the United States, as well as creating increasingly complicated pocket watches as well as marine chronometres.

This example of the 1815 Moonphase Emil Lange, first retailed in 2000, was produced early in the series and is one of the elusive 150 pieces in platinum. Measuring 36mm across and just 8mm tall, it is certainly classically proportioned. The three-part case has a rounded bezel and lip on the display caseback, finished in high polish. The midcase is horizontally satinated.

The lugs, 19mm apart, are straight with a slight taper towards the end. They are soldered on, and have a stepped detail to them, furthering the overall classical countenance of the package. A corrector at 10 o’clock on the midcase serves to manipulate the moonphase.

The grey dial is outlined with a printed white chemin de fer chapter of minutes, while 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, and 11 o’clock are marked by applied plots. The large Arabic 12 o’clock, as well as the stars at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, help to quickly orient the eye when glancing for the time. The offset subsidiary seconds registers wear a similar layout, with a chemin de fer of seconds articulated with printed white Arabic numerals at 10-second intervals.

However, the real interest lies in the recreation of the Big Dipper with its seven bright stars created with applied white gold plots. Nine additional plots approximate stars around the asterism. Beside this decoration is the cutout through which the white gold disk of the moonphase makes it way periodically.

Seen through the display caseback is the manually wound calibre L943.1. It beats at 3 Hz and offers 48 hours of autonomy out of its single barrel. Its view, as is customary, is marked by a large German silver bridge decorated with Glashütte striping, with visible jewels wearing gold chatons. The jewel anchoring the escape wheel is secured by a black polished bridge, while the balance bridge wears intricate hand engraving. Visible underneath the gold balance wheel is the baseplate decorated with perlage. The three-quarter bridge is engraved with the brand mark, place of origin, movement number as well as jewel number and adjustment positions. On the rim of the caseback are engraved “Hommage a Emil Lange”, “1849-1922” as well as the case serial number and its number out of 150.

The watch comes on an alligator grained grey leather strap secured by a signed white gold pin buckle. Accompanying it are the outer as well as the leather inner box, a user manual, and a certificate of warranty.

The 1815 Moonphase Emil Lange represents a significant milestone in the brand’s history, and not just since its re-emergence in 1994. It is a tale of the continuity of one of the most consequential German watchmakers, wrapped in one of the most attractively proportioned executions of the 1815 aesthetic.

Closer look

Condition

This A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moonphase is in very good overall condition. Light superficial marks are found throughout the case and lugs, more specifically on the bezel at the 10 and 1 o'clock positions and on the left side of the mid-case. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been very well preserved. The hallmarks and engravings on the caseback are very crisp and well defined, as well as those on the white gold pin buckle.

The watch is complete with its original box, paperwork, and moonphase pusher. Originally purchased at German-based retailer Juwelier Techel in 2000.

Warranty

The watch comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.