A. Lange & Söhne’s Newest Rattrapante
The 1815 Rattrapante Platinum is a reimagining of the original 2020 release
Written by Theo Baker
September 12, 2022
Since A. Lange & Söhne began modernly manufacturing timepieces in 1994, the watchmaker has debuted an impressive range of complications in their creations, gaining incredible renown in the process. Beyond its production of individual, traditional complications, Lange has also experimented with combining multiples of each to create highly complex and visually striking timepieces, and elevating familiar complications into something entirely novel. The latest release from the esteemed Saxony manufacturer, the 1815 Rattrapante Platinum, is one such model to fall in this lattermost category.
Featuring a namesake “rattrapante” complication, better known as a split seconds chronograph, the new 1815 showcases what is effectively the next level in mechanical chronograph capabilities. The complication allows the wearer to time not only an individual period, but also the literal split seconds between two periods of time. This platinum model comes as a follow-up to the brand’s 1815 Rattrapante, with the original model executed in the brand’s signature Honey Gold and launched in 2020.
Symbolically, the new 1815 Rattrapante in platinum represents another ambitious execution on behalf of Lange, with the complication type regarded not only for its functional utility, but further for the incredible difficulty of its production. Like the tourbillon or perpetual calendar, the mechanical split seconds chronograph is one of a few true haute horological features. Thus, the German maker’s focus on it in this attractive execution once more re-affirms both the complication as well as the brand’s appeal.
In its aesthetics, the chronograph features a familiar 1815 silhouette for its case, which measures 41.2mm by 12.66mm on the wrist, here executed in a luxuriously heavy platinum. Contrasting touches of mirror polished and finely brushed finishings are used throughout the case’s surfaces, with the lavish touches complementing those seen on both the dial and the movement.
On the white dial, the 1815 Rattrapante presents a vertical chronograph configuration with a 30-minute counter towards the 12 o’clock and a running seconds counter parallel. The layered appearance of the dial once more speaks to its refinement, with classic fonts in line with the 1815 collection and larger motifs of the watchmaker adding to the general elegance. Blue dauphine hands sweep over it all to showcase the passing hours and minutes, while the much-discussed split second chronograph pointers complement the duo.
Accents of blue are not only present in the hands, but also in the blued screws of the watch’s movement, which can be seen through a sapphire exhibition caseback. The movement itself is a caliber L101.2, which is a manually-wound in-house produced mechanism that saw its first debut in the Honey Gold edition of the 1815 Rattrapante, and is based upon the original caliber L101.1. The caliber is capable of a 58-hour power reserve, and in signature Lange fashion, displays incredible detail in its finishing.
The new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Platinum will be available in a limited edition release of 200 pieces. Price is market at $154,200, with the model to be sold exclusively in the brand’s boutiques.
