A. Lange & Söhne Celebrates The 25th Year Of The Datograph In A Big Way

A. Lange & Söhne Celebrates The 25th Year Of The Datograph In A Big Way

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote April 9, 2024

Following last year’s one (rather major) novelty, the Odysseus Chronograph, which debuted the brand’s newly developed L156.1 caliber encased in stainless steel with the first A. Lange & Söhne self-winding chronograph movement, A. Lange & Söhne returns to Geneva with another major moment. This year, they celebrate 25 since the launch of the Datograph; therefore, they present two new Datograph models — the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon in Honeygold “Lumen” and the Datograph Up/Down — both marking a few firsts for the collection. Ahead, take a closer look at the A. Lange & Söhne Watches & Wonders 2024 novelties.

DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL TOURBILLON HONEYGOLD “Lumen”

A. Lange & Söhne Celebrates The 25th Year Of The Datograph In A Big Way
DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL TOURBILLON HONEYGOLD “Lumen” / Photo Credit: A. Lange & Söhne

Limited to just 50 pieces, the DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL TOURBILLON HONEYGOLD “Lumen,” is a first for the luxury watchmaker, combining its revered complications in Lange-exclusive honey gold and presenting them in a “Lumen” version that glows in the dark. The DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL TOURBILLON HONEYGOLD “Lumen” incorporates a flyback chronograph, a precise jumping minute counter, a perpetual calendar, and a tourbillon with a stop-seconds mechanism, all showcased in an elegant, luminous display.

This watch  highlights the brand’s engineering brilliance by harmoniously integrating three complex complications. The semi-transparent dial, adorned with a luminous coating, ensures that the watch’s functions remain visible and radiant in any lighting condition, enhancing its allure and functionality after dusk. The newly developed manufacture caliber L952.4 powers this watch, embodying precision with its 684 meticulously assembled parts, and promises an accuracy of one-fifth of a second.

The DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL TOURBILLON HONEYGOLD “Lumen” stands as a symbol of A. Lange & Söhne’s relentless pursuit of perfection, blending technical mastery with aesthetic brilliance. Its introduction not only celebrates a significant milestone for the DATOGRAPH series but also sets a new standard in the realm of luxury timekeeping, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the intricate mechanics of this horological marvel, day or night.

DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN 

A. Lange & Söhne Celebrates The 25th Year Of The Datograph In A Big Way
DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN / Photo Credit: A. Lange & Söhne

In 1999, the watchmaking landscape witnessed a monumental shift with the debut of the DATOGRAPH by A. Lange & Söhn, which introduced the world to the brand’s first chronograph movement, the caliber L951.1, setting a new benchmark in the realm of short-time measurement. To further celebrate the quarter-century milestone,  A. Lange & Söhne has unveiled a special edition, the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN in 18-carat white gold with a captivating blue dial, limited to just 125 pieces.

Today, the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN model embodies the evolution of this iconic series. Introduced in 2012, it boasts a power-reserve indicator and an extended power reserve of 60 hours, thanks to the caliber L951.6. This model remains true to its roots with its flyback mechanism, allowing for rapid consecutive measurements – a feature reminiscent of early aviation timekeeping needs.

The DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN distinguishes itself with a clear, harmonious dial that facilitates immediate recognition. The blue dial version further enhances its visual appeal, with rhodié-coloured subsidiary dials, luminous hands, and baton hour markers offering a striking contrast. The manual-wind caliber L951.6, visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback, showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and technical prowess that A. Lange & Söhne is renowned for.

Now available in three model versions, including the new white gold with a blue dial, the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN continues to embody the spirit of innovation and excellence that has defined A. Lange & Söhne for a quarter of a century. As stated by Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development, the creation of top-class chronographs remains one of the greatest challenges in precision watchmaking. The DATOGRAPH, with its sophisticated functions and balanced dial configuration, serves as a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in horological art and engineering.