German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne has unveiled a Handwerkskunst version of its 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar, limited to just 20 pieces.  The Handwerkskunst (ie craftsmanship) title is one that is bestowed on very few of A. Lange’s pieces and thus this label alone says a lot about the special nature of this watch.
Already an impressive watch in its own right, this “Handwerkskunst” version of Lange’s 1815 Rattrapante (split second) perpetual calendar is as about lavish as it gets, featuring a stellar combination of enamelling and engraving.
A. Lange 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst
Limited edition 20 pieces, ?290,000 per
41.9mm x 15.8mm white gold case

No expense spared
It boasts a rare combination of functionality and craftsmanship:  split seconds chronograph, perpetual calendar, moon phase and power reserve indicator, made even better with a relief-engraved dial covered in translucent enamel (I’ve discussed the champleve technique extensively here), and subtle blue accents which match the motif.  The hands are white gold save for the minute counter which is in blued steel and the rattrapante hands which are also steel.
The 631-part L101.1 caliber is vast in its depth and beauty and constructed in a manner that only A. Lange can do — with special decoration for this handwerkskunst edition.

But to observe it, one first gets admire the hinged caseback with lavish decoration – the Roman moon g...