A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante "Homage", 425.050, Honeygold

The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold Homage to F. A. Lange reference 425.050 was first seen in 2020 as part of the trio of watches released to mark the 175th year of the historic brand’s founding by Ferdinand Adolf Lange. All three watches in this limited series were produced in honeygold, the brand’s proprietary, hard-wearing alloy with a subtle yet distinct warm hue. The other two watches in the series were the 1815 Thin Honeygold and the Tourbograph Perpetual Honeygold.

This is one of 100 examples of the 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold. It features a case that measures 41.2mm across and stands 12.6mm tall, conservative proportions in the brand’s context. Its rounded, polished bezel meets the horizontally satinated midcase in a sharp, stepped fashion. The detail is also expressed in the facets on the strong, curved down lugs that originate from the midcase. The three, squared chronograph pushers are polished up top and horizontally satinated in profile, with the two finishes meeting at a slim, bevelled edge. The one at 2 o’clock starts both chronograph hands while the one at 10 engages the split-second function. At 4 o’clock lies the reset pusher. The simple fluted knurling on the substantial, signed crown is designed exactly to purpose. The contrasting finishes, executed with the precision that is A. Lange & Söhne’s mark, is very satisfying.

The exhibition caseback wears circular satination while its soft, stepped edges are polished. The rim of the caseback is engraved with the brand mark, place of origin, limited series number of 100 as well as the serial number and precious metal hallmark. Six screws hold the caseback in place.

Underneath the anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal lies the rich, dark dial enlivened with the warmth of gilt. The dial is built on a solid gold disk. On the outer banked edge of the dial lies the brand mark at 12 with much of the rest of this sector taken up by the chronograph scales. Further in lies the seconds chapter with red quarter hour markings to orient the eye. The Arabic hours chapter does without 12 and 6 o’clock as this is where the twin registers are located – this means that all dials expressing information lie along the same vertical plane. It is worth noting that such a layout was novel for the brand at the time this reference was launched and reportedly inspired by dials of classic pocket chronographs. It is yet another glimpse into the design thinking behind the brand’s largely classical offerings.

The top register clocks 30 minutes of elapsed time while the one at 6 shows the running seconds. For visual continuity, the alpha hours and minutes hands are in a golden shade, with the same metal used for the seconds hand; the primary central chronograph hand and indicator in the chronograph register are crafted from the same white metal. The split second central chronograph hand has a golden shade.

Aside from the honeygold cases, the finishing on the movement for the watches produced in this series was also special. In place of the typical Glashütte striping that adorns the brand’s watches, the Homage to F. A. Lange trio of watches feature frosted finishing on bridges. This decoration on the slim, simplified, manually wound calibre L.101.2 in this watch is delicately and painstakingly applied since a small difference in texture is immediately apparent. The baseplate is also frosted. The engraving on these bridges – detailing the jewel count (36), brand mark, country of origin and adjustment to five positions is filled in with a subtly darker shade of grey lacquer to the goal of visual contrast. The balance bridge as well as the chronograph clutch bridge wears floral engraving. The edges of the bridges feature anglage while the visible jewels are embedded in gold chatons. Parts such as the isolator for the secondary column wheel (for the split-second function), as well as those anchoring some of the wheels of the going train, are vertically brushed. Fully wound, the calibre offers 58 hours of reserve.

The 20mm lugs are furnished with a brown, alligator-grained leather strap secured by a signed, honeygold pin buckle. The watch which first retailed in 2022 in Geneva comes with its full set of boxes, manuals, warranty paperwork as well as the original bill of sale.

The 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold 425.050 marked several first for the brand and was a suitable reference to celebrate the brand’s 175th year and pay homage to founder F. A. Lange. As one of the most classically proportioned split-second chronograph references, presented in the brand's signature honeygold, the closed reference is destined to be a modern classic.

Closer look

Condition

This A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante "Homage" 425.050 remains virtually unworn.

Warranty

The watch comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from A Collected Man as well as the remaining duration of the manufacturer warranty from A. Lange & Söhne.