When A. Lange & Söhne launched the 1815 Tourbillon in 2014, it quietly rewrote the rules of precision watchmaking. It was the first tourbillon to combine two practical functions: a hacking mechanism that stops the balance and a zero-reset function that snaps the seconds hand back to 12 when setting the time. In other words, it was a tourbillon you could actually set to the exact second. That was not just a showpiece of finishing but a watch designed to be useful in everyday life.
The new 2025 edition takes this already remarkable concept and wraps it in a black grand feu enamel dial, framed by a platinum case. The result is both understated and bold, blending the pocket watch roots of the 1815 line with a contemporary, almost monochrome aesthetic.
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Why the Zero-Reset Matters
For many collectors, hacking seconds are taken for granted. But for a tourbillon, it is no small feat. The tourbillon cage, with its extra weight and complexity, is not easy to halt precisely. Lange solved this with a V-shaped spring that presses gently on the balance wheel when the crown is pulled out. At the same time, a lever resets the seconds hand to zero via a heart-shaped cam, similar to a chronograph.
The beauty of this system is not just the technical challenge but the intent. The tourbillon, often dismissed as a decorative complication today, is here reclaimed as a precision tool. It shows that Lange is less concerned with making a visual spectacle and more with proving that even a tourbillon can serve accuracy.
A Dial That Radiates Depth
The star of this new edition is the dial. Crafted in black grand feu enamel, it is glossy, refined, and deceptively simple at first glance. Unlike most enamel dials, nothing is printed on the surface. Instead, the numerals, minute track, and logo are all relief engravings on a white-gold base. Enamel powder is fired around these raised details until the surface is perfectly smooth. The result is a dial with real depth and luminosity that feels alive when it catches the light.
The aperture for the tourbillon at six o'clock is hand-chamfered, a detail that might be overlooked but is particularly challenging when working with such a fragile material. The bridge and cage inside receive black polishing, which creates a mirror-like surface that contrasts beautifully with the jet-black dial.
The Movement That Defines the Watch
Inside beats the hand-wound Caliber L102.1, a movement that embodies Glashütte traditions while pushing forward with innovation. The large three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver dominates the back, its warm tone contrasting with the platinum case. Lange's signature freehand engraving on the balance cock makes each watch subtly unique.
One tiny flourish is the diamond endstone set in a gold chaton above the tourbillon. It is not technically necessary, but it adds a small spark of elegance to a movement otherwise celebrated for its precision and stoicism. With 72 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 21,600 vph, it is not chasing records but rather consistency and reliability.
Why This Edition Stands Out
The 1815 Tourbillon has appeared before in platinum, with silver or white enamel dials. This edition is different. The black enamel creates a striking contrast with the polished platinum and glossy alligator strap. It feels more contemporary and graphic while still staying true to the classical proportions of the 1815 family.
The watch measures 39.5 mm in diameter and 11.3 mm thick, which makes it elegant on the wrist, neither oversized nor too discreet. It is a size that communicates seriousness without shouting.
A Collectible With Real Substance
Limited to just 50 pieces, this edition is destined to be a collector's watch. Price is officially on request, but history suggests it will sit well above 200,000 USD. For some, that is a staggering sum for a three-hand watch with a tourbillon. Yet for those who understand what Lange has achieved, the value lies not only in the finishing or exclusivity but in the idea itself: a tourbillon designed for precision.
In a market where complications are often made just for show, Lange offers a different perspective. The 1815 Tourbillon is a reminder that tradition and innovation can coexist, that beauty can serve function, and that a tourbillon can be as much about accuracy as it is about artistry.
Final Thoughts
For those fortunate enough to secure one of the 50 pieces, this is not just a watch to admire but a statement about what fine watchmaking should stand for: precision, integrity, and timeless design.