Classic design meets new complications in the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante
The new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante boasts increased chronograph functions alongside clean design codes

Technical accomplishment meets elegant design in the hands of A. Lange & Söhne, which has enriched its 1815 watch collection with a useful new complication.
The limited edition 1815 Rattrapante now boasts an increased chronograph function, with two chronograph hands which are able to be controlled independently meaning it is now possible to measure specific events, such as lap times. Housed in a platinum case, the classic design of the face is a clean foil for the enhanced technicality of the piece.
‘With every new watch we develop, it is important to harmonise technology and aesthetics, tradition and modernity, in the best possible way,’ says director of product development at A. Lange & Söhne, Anthony de Haas. ‘During the process, we question everything and take great care to ensure that every aspect of a watch, every design feature and every function, fulfils its intended purpose. With regard to the 1815 Rattrapante as a chronograph watch, optimal readability takes on a very high priority. This is for example ensured by the high contrast between the bright argenté- coloured dial and the dark blued hands.’
The watch design nods to distinctive A. Lange & Söhne codes, from the case shape to the arched lugs and distinctive hands and typography. ‘Each collection has its own geometric codes for the dial layout,’ de Haas adds. ‘In this respect, the 1815 Rattrapante is inspired by traditional style elements which include the peripheral railway-track minute scale and the prominent Arabic numerals, but also the subtle characteristics like the red hour dots at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. All these features are clearly reminiscent of the historic Lange pocket watches and the model family that is named after Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s birth year.’
As the first pure rattrapante chronograph from the brand, the watch can enable stop time and additive time measurements up to 30 minutes, as well as split time and comparing time measurements up to a duration of 60 seconds, with no compromise on design. ‘There is a high level of craftsmanship, expertise and patience. This is particularly reflected by the engraving of the balance cock and the polishing of the chamfered inner corners – jobs that can only be performed manually.’
INFORMATION
Hannah Silver joined Wallpaper* in 2019 to work on watches and jewellery. Now, as well as her role as watches and jewellery editor, she writes widely across all areas including on art, architecture, fashion and design. As well as offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, Hannah is interested in the quirks of what makes for a digital success story.
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