A. Lange & Söhne 1815 38.5mm Yellow Gold Manually Winding 235.021 WHITE ARABIC BROWN CROCODILE

A. Lange & Söhne’s legacy is built upon its iconic Glashütte watchmaking, with the 1815 collection directly honoring the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange. The reference 235.021 exemplifies this heritage through its clear, legible design rooted in historic observation pocket watches. The 38.5mm case is crafted from 18-carat yellow gold, featuring polished and brushed surfaces that highlight the brand’s renowned finishing standards. The white dial utilizes large, printed Arabic numerals and a railway minute track, a celebrated design element of the collection. The blued steel hands provide high contrast for readability, and the watch is presented on a brown crocodile leather strap with a matching yellow gold pin buckle. This model maintains a classic diameter that has proven enduringly collectible.

Powering this watch is the manually wound Calibre L051.1. This movement is known for its robust construction and traditional Glashütte watchmaking characteristics. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 55 hours. The movement’s decoration is a key aspect of its value, featuring Glashütte ribbing on the three-quarter plate, a hand-engraved balance cock, and sunburst polishing on the wheels. The only complication is a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, which maintains the watch’s clean, symmetrical aesthetic. This focus on a time-only display with a small seconds is a deliberate nod to the brand’s historic timepieces and is highly regarded by collectors for its purity.

This particular example is in mint condition, showing no significant signs of wear on the case, crystal, or dial. It is accompanied by its original papers and documentation, which is a critical factor for provenance and long-term value retention in the secondary market. A. Lange & Söhne’s prestige in haute horlogerie ensures that well-preserved, classic references like the 1815 in yellow gold hold a strong market position. Their manually wound movements are particularly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the traditional interaction and the technical execution visible through the sapphire case back. As a complete set from a legendary manufacturer, this watch represents a sound acquisition for a discerning collector.