A. Lange Söhne 1815 Tourbillon – Ref. 730.032
The A. Lange Söhne 1815 Tourbillon (Ref. 730.032) is a refined and technically sophisticated wristwatch that embodies the brand’s philosophy of combining classical design with advanced engineering. It’s part of the esteemed 1815 collection, which pays homage to Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s birth year, and elevates it with one of horology’s most compelling complications—an exposed tourbillon.
Case
Aesthetics
The watch features a 39.5 mm case crafted from 18k pink (rose) gold. At roughly 11.1 mm in thickness, it maintains a slim and elegant profile despite housing a tourbillon mechanism. The case exhibits Lange’s signature finish: subtle curves, polished lug facets, and fine detailing. A sapphire crystal display back allows a view into the movement. Water resistance is modest (around 3 bar), befitting its status as a dress-tourbillon rather than a sports model.
Dial
Visual Design
On the front, the dial is argenté-coloured, crafted from silver, giving it a soft and classical tone. It features clean Arabic numerals in Lange’s 1815 style, with a railroad track minute scale encircling the periphery. At 6 o’clock, a circular opening reveals the one-minute tourbillon cage in constant motion, showcasing both artistry and mechanical mastery. A small seconds indication may be integrated into the tourbillon carriage or adjacent, depending on the variant, but the emphasis remains on the purity of time and the visual drama of the rotating escapement.
Movement
Mechanics
Under the hood is the in-house Calibre L102.1, a manually wound movement developed specifically to showcase both a tourbillon and patented functions. One of its audacious features is the ZERO-RESET mechanism: when the crown is pulled, the tourbillon stops and the seconds hand (mounted on the tourbillon cage) instantly resets to zero, enabling precise synchronization to the second. Lange has also integrated a stop-seconds mechanism for the tourbillon—a rare and elegant complication. The movement comprises a high level of finishing: polished bevels, Glashütte ribbing, hand-engraved balance cock, and a three-quarter plate in German silver. The power reserve is approximately 72 hours (3 days).
Strap
Wearability
The watch is generally paired with a high-quality brown (or dark tone) alligator leather strap, fitted with a matching pink gold deployant clasp or tang buckle. The classic proportions, combined with the moderate diameter, make this timepiece appropriate for dress wear—even with the technological spectacle of the tourbillon.
Key Features
- Reference: 730.032
- Case: 39.5 mm, 18k pink gold
- Thickness: ~11.1 mm
- Dial: Argenté silver, Arabic numerals, railroad minute track
- Complication: One-minute tourbillon, ZERO-RESET, stop-seconds
- Movement: Calibre L102.1, manual wind, 72-hour power reserve
- Display back: Sapphire crystal
- Strap: Alligator leather with gold clasp
- Water Resistance: ~3 bar
Why This Watch Stands Out
The 1815 Tourbillon Ref. 730.032 is a technical and aesthetic masterpiece. It marries traditional design cues—railroad minute track, Arabic numerals, understated elegance—with one of the most demanding complications: the tourbillon. The addition of ZERO-RESET and stop-seconds to that mechanism elevates the watch to a level of precision that few competing tourbillon wristwatches offer. Its finishing and movement architecture reflect Lange’s commitment to German high watchmaking tradition. As a limited-production, highly refined timepiece, it appeals to collectors who desire both mechanical excellence and a design that remains wearable in a formal setting.