A. Lange & Söhne introduces a new special edition of the "1815 Tourbillon," limited to 50 pieces. The opulent combination of a platinum 950 case and a jet-black Grand Feu enamel dial exudes an overwhelming presence.

The most significant feature of the new "1815 Tourbillon" is the addition of two new functions to the traditional tourbillon mechanism. One is the stop-seconds mechanism for the tourbillon, which allows the watch to be completely stopped by pulling out the crown. This enables precise time setting down to the second.

The other is the zero-reset mechanism. This function instantly returns the seconds hand to the 12 o'clock position, allowing the minute hand to be precisely aligned with the minute markers. These features represent a significant advancement, offering a contemporary interpretation of the tourbillon, which was invented 200 years ago to improve rate accuracy.

What solidifies the beauty of this timepiece is undoubtedly the meticulously finished black-polished tourbillon bridge and cage. This technique involves using a special polishing paste and sliding the workpiece by hand on a tin plate with moderate pressure. From certain angles, it achieves a mirror-like luster, while from others, it emits a jet-black sparkle, creating a visually captivating effect.

The Grand Feu enamel used for the dial begins with preparing the base dial in solid white gold. All processes, from grinding and applying the enamel pigments to multiple firings and final surface finishing, are handled consistently in-house at the manufacture. In particular, the chamfering around the circular opening revealing the tourbillon requires exceptional skill to avoid damaging the enamel layer.

The creation of an enamel dial involves over 100 steps and takes several weeks to complete a single work of art. The perfectly finished surface elegantly frames the tourbillon, creating a vivid contrast with the seamless markings and scales characteristic of the 1815 family.

The dial features easily readable Arabic numerals and a railway-inspired minute track on the periphery, reminiscent of the golden age of railway travel in the 19th century. These traditional design elements speak to the historical context that greatly influenced the proliferation of precision mechanical watches.

Visible through the sapphire crystal case back is the elaborately finished in-house caliber L102.1. Featuring an in-house free-sprung balance spring and a traditional screw balance, it achieves a power reserve of 72 hours, concealing considerable prowess as a wristwatch.

At the center of the tourbillon, a diamond endstone secured by a screwed gold chaton serves as a striking focal point. This traditional element was once exclusively used by A. Lange & Söhne in its highest-quality 1A watches and is a distinctive feature of this model.

Anthony de Haas, Product Development Director at A. Lange & Söhne, commented: "Many of the traditional elements incorporated in the '1815 Tourbillon' are inherited from Ferdinand Adolph Lange's pocket watches. At the same time, this watch symbolizes our manufacture's ambition to continuously evolve these traditions. By adding a contemporary interpretation to the tourbillon, invented 200 years ago to improve rate accuracy, Lange's watchmakers have elevated this mechanism to the next level."

This new release is a timepiece that defines the future of the "1815" line, merging traditional watchmaking artistry with the latest technical innovations. It promises a bright future for watchmaking.

1815 Tourbillon
Case diameter | 39.5mm
Case thickness | 11.3mm
Case material | Platinum 950
Dial material | Black enamel on 750 solid gold
Movement: Manual winding, Cal. L102.1 (Lange manufacture), 72-hour power reserve (fully wound), 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), 21 jewels (including 1 diamond endstone)
Features | Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds dial, one-minute tourbillon with stop-seconds and zero-reset mechanism, sapphire crystal case back
Water resistance | 3 bar
Strap | Hand-sewn glossy black alligator, platinum 950 folding clasp
Limited edition | 50 pieces, engraved with limited edition number, boutique exclusive
Price | Inquire for price