“In the end, who would have thought that substitute Götze would score the winning goal?” a good friend and staunch supporter of the German team during the recently concluded 2014 FIFA World Cup asked rhetorically over lunch.
He was of course, referring to Germany’s Mario Götze, who slotted in the historic winning shot that downed Argentina and secured Deutschland as the champions of the 2014 FIFA World Cup with the final score of 1-0.
It was an expressive moment for him; as the television set in the background replayed Germany’s glorious moments after the 2014 World Cup final, our dear friend pumped his left fist in victory and we caught sight of the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon in pink gold, a very pure and beautiful piece on his wrist.
A. Lange & Söhne proudly being a German watch brand and with its timepieces clearly indicating “Made in Germany” on its dials at the six o’clock position.
A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon in pink gold. Introduced in 2014 and housing the Calibre L102.1 manual-winding movement, it is equipped with the brand’s in-house manufactured hairspring and features two Lange patented mechanisms: the stop-seconds for the tourbillon and the zero-reset function. Available in both pink gold and platinum. The platinum version is limited to 100 pieces. Photo: TANG Portfolio. Timmy / Elfa 2014
It was then that we realised the parallel between the 1.76-metre Götze and the Lange 1815 Tourbillon.
While most attention was centred on German players like midfielder Toni Kroos and forward Thomas Müller during the final of the FIFA 2014 World Cup, it was substitute Götze who won the day.
Similarly, while the fascinating Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar “Terraluna” is undoubtedly the “hero” product for A. Lange & Söhne in 2014 garnering the most media attention, one must not forget other “team players” like the 1815 Tourbillon which has also scored for the brand.
It has secured the affection from our good friend who has spoken with his hard-earned savings and like the Lange “Terraluna”, has won over our hearts as well.
The 1815 Tourbillon is more than just any other tourbillon for two Lange-patented mechanisms have also been incorporated into its Calibre L102.1 manual-winding movement: the stop-seconds for the tourbillon and the zero-reset.
The 1815 Tourbillon in a 39.5mm diameter case from A. Lange & Söhne is more than just a tourbillon with its stop-seconds and zero-reset features. This pink gold version is priced at around US$164,000 / CHF146,000 / 120,000 euros / SGD215,000 (with tax) / MYR608,000 (Malaysian Ringgit, with tax). Photo: TANG Portfolio. Timmy / Elfa 2014 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie
With these two features, once the crown is pulled out, the balance stops immediately and at the same time, the blued steel seconds hand returns to its starting point – the zero position, allowing for better synchronization of time on the 1815 Tourbillon.
The aesthetical pleasure provided by the exposed tourbillon on the dial side is an obvious plus point as well.
We reckon that the 1815 Tourbillon is another valuable team player for Lange and its technical and aesthetical significance should not be overlooked.
Of course, there are other attractive Lange “players” in their 2014 line-up and it is merely a matter of getting better acquainted with them.