The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down, equipped with a prominent “ab/auf” power reserve display, has the restrained styling for which the brand is known. Do we give it a thumbs up or thumbs down" Find out in this test from the WatchTime archives.
The power reserve is the Rodney Dangerfield of complications: it doesn?t get a lot of respect. Although it?s not as cool as a chronograph or as beautiful as a moon-phase, it does provide vital information that is used every day. In days gone by, depleted timekeepers could cost lives ? think train wrecks and lost ships. Today the consequences may not be as dire, but they can be inconvenient and embarrassing. It?s still nice to know when the tank?s getting low.
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down in our test is a new model, but it is not the first version of this watch. The original was produced from 1995 until 2007. The ?1815? in the model name is the year company founder Ferdinand A. Lange was born. This reference is appropriate given that the 1815 Up/Down has been called the quintessential modern Lange because it incorporates traditional aspects of the brand?s pocketwatches. Lange timepieces have offered power-reserve displays since the company acquired a patent for an early version in 1879.
Whatever the inspiration, the 1815 Up/Down?s aesthetic is pure Lange. Just a peek at the dial will tell those in the know that you?re wearing something special. But the look is designed to inform, not impress. The promine...