The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Side Step was created in 2003 to mark the longstanding ties between the brand and jeweller Wempe. The relationship dates back to the 1920s when Wempe first became an authorised seller for the Glashütte-based brand. The two – led then by Otto Lange and Herbert Wempe respectively – also collaborated closely to help upgrade the Glashütte Observatory from simply a source of reference time into a entity that could be an educational institution for aspiring watchmakers as well as a regulating body certifying chronometric performance starting in the 1930s. A. Lange & Söhne’s acknowledged this historic relation – upon the brand’s rebirth in 1994, Wempe was one of just twelve retail partners invited to mark the moment.
The Side Step reference 222.049 marks Wempe's 125th year and consequently was produced in a limited series of 125 pieces – 75 in rose gold and just 50 in platinum. It follows the form of 1815 Moonphase Emil Lange reference 231.035 that marked the 150th birth anniversary of Adolph Lange’ second son in 1999.
The platinum case measures just shy of 36mm across and stands 7.5mm tall. Classically proportioned, it is three-part case in construction. The rounded bezel has a vertical facet, with a similar polished detail running the periphery of the otherwise circular satinated rim of the display caseback. This rim is adorned with engravings detailing the brand mark, place of origin, serial number out of 50 as well as the period between 1878 and 2003 that is celebrates. The slim midcase is horizontally satinated. It is home to the well-proportioned and signed crown. The lugs that issue from the midcase are marginally stepped from it and span its width. Spanning their 19mm distance is leather strap secured by a signed platinum pin buckle created by Brogioli.
The dial layout is closely linked to that on the 1815 Moonphase Emil Lange. However, in the Side Step subsidiary second register at 4 o’clock doesn’t have a counterpart in the form of the moonphase at 8 o’clock on the Emil Lange commemorative piece. However, instead of hiding this imbalance, the Side Step makes an occasion of it.
The register wears a silver shade which, on account of the circular graining, presents a sunburst effect. It features a black a chemin de fer chapter articulated with Arabic seconds at intervals of 10. The stainless-steel alpha-style hand is heat blued.
The rich black dial rewards closer inspection. It has a tiered set up, with the central most part the lowest point of the dial. The pad printed white chemin de fer of minutes is followed by a chapter of Arabic hours. The arched brand mark and place of origin are also pad printed in white. The white gold alpha-style hands are finely finished.
Seen through the display caseback is the manually wound calibre L944.1. In the Side Step, the German silver three quarter plate is a canvas for elaborate hand craft. The free-hand engraved floral motif is lushly detailed. The texture and depth of the roses themselves are impressive, with crosshatching and shading. The inspiration comes from the 'Meissen Rose', a style of floral painting on porcelain that depict intertwined roses.
The brand mark and serial number on this plate are also hand engraved. The floral etching continues on the balance bridge, as is customary for the brand. The edges of the three-quarter bridge are softened with mirrored anglage. The jewels are encased in gold chatons while the screws are heat blued. The escape wheel pivots on a jewel flanked by a black polished cock. The swan neck regulator is also similarly mirror polished. The baseplate is adorned with perlage. The calibre number is engraved on the baseplate. The movement beats at 3Hz and the single barrel offers 45 hours of reserve.
The full set includes includes all warranty paperwork as well as inner and outer boxes. The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Side Step reference 222.049 is admittedly special in its proportions and hand adornment. That is imbued with the weight of the historic ties between two hallowed German houses makes it all the more special.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Side Step Wempe will be subject to 20% VAT
