A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 vs Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC
| Specification | A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 | Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | A. Lange & Söhne | Audemars Piguet |
| Collection | 1815 | CODE 11.59 |
| Reference | 730.048 | 26396BC.OO.D321CR.01 |
| Category | Tourbillon | Tourbillon |
| Movement Type | Manual | Manual |
| Caliber | Caliber L102.1 | AP 2948 |
| Power Reserve | 72h | 65h |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph | 21,600 vph |
| Case Diameter | 39.5mm | 41.0mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.1mm | 11.8mm |
| Case Material | 18k White Gold | 18k White Gold |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating | Double-curved sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft | 30m / 98ft |
| Weight | 78g | 90g |
| MSRP | $198,000 | $193,000 |
| Market Price | $250,000 | $170,000 |
In-Depth Comparison
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 and the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.
Heritage And Brand Prestige
A. Lange & Söhne and Audemars Piguet are both highly respected names in watchmaking. The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 comes from Germany, while the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC originates from Switzerland. This particular 1815 reference was introduced in 2014, while this CODE 11.59 reference debuted in 2019. The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.
Movement And Mechanics
At the heart of the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 beats the Caliber L102.1 caliber offering a 72-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 24 jewels. The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC is powered by the AP 2948 with a 65-hour power reserve operating at 21,600 vph featuring 25 jewels. The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 wins on power reserve with a 7-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.
Dimensions And Wearability
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 features a 39.5mm case at 11.1mm thick with a 47.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18k White Gold. The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC comes in at 41.0mm and 11.8mm thick with 47.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18k White Gold. The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 78g, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 is the lighter of the two.
Materials And Construction
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 uses a Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal paired with a Fixed, polished bezel, while the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC features Double-curved sapphire crystal with a Fixed, octagonal within round case bezel. On the wrist, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 comes on a Black alligator leather strap with 18k white gold pin buckle, while the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC is fitted with Blue alligator leather strap featuring AP folding clasp in white gold.
Water Resistance And Capability
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC to 30m / 98ft. Both watches share the same water resistance rating, making them equally suited for aquatic activities.
Pricing And Value
At retail, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 lists for $198,000 compared to $193,000 for the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC. The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $5,000 at retail. On the secondary market, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 trades around $250,000 while the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC commands approximately $170,000. The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 trades at a 26% premium over retail, indicating strong demand and investment potential.
The Verdict
Choosing between the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 and the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. for dress occasions and smaller wrists, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 is more versatile. as an investment piece, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst 730.048 has proven market demand. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.