In 1999, the introduction of the Datograph caused a stir in the watch industry as it was unexpected for a small German manufacturer to unveil such a remarkable chronograph movement, at a time when others relied on external suppliers for similar movements.
In an interview with Options earlier this year, Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne, says that from the outset, one of Günter Blümlein’s notable achievements was his contribution to the unique design of the Datograph’s face. This design instantly distinguished it from other chronographs, with its iconic off-centre subdials showcasing its design flair. Twenty-five years later, the Datograph continues to hold its position as the best-selling chronograph.
Blümlein was a key figure in the luxury watch industry, known for revitalising various Swiss watch brands. His involvement in the establishment of A. Lange & Söhne, which has its beginnings in 1868, is recognised as a crucial factor in the resurgence of mechanical watches following the quartz crisis of the 1970s.
Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold Lumen
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Datograph this year, the Datograph Up/Down in blue and white gold has been unveiled. This unique combination marked a departure from A. Lange & Söhne’s traditional colour palette. While A. Lange & Söhne generally avoids following trends closely, the consistent use of one colour stands out — blue. This specific shade of blue has been a hallmark across its timepieces, including the Odysseus and the Lange 1.
The blue hue may slightly vary based on the dial’s structure and surrounding features. For instance, in timepieces like the Triple Split, incorporating a pink gold bezel can influence the blue color’s appearance. The presence of white gold or pink gold reflections can further impact how the blue shade is perceived, but the fundamental character of the colour remains, holding special significance within the collection.
Also in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Datograph, the Perpetual Tourbillon Honey Gold Lumen, limited to just 50 pieces, has been launched. This distinctive green watch emits a glowing presence when charged, attributed to the luminescent feature incorporated in the dials.
Technical details
The Datograph Up/Down is a showcase of horological finesse, featuring a flyback mechanism, jumping minute counter, outsize date, and power-reserve indicator. The term “Up/Down” refers to the power-reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, providing a visual status of the remaining 60-hour power reserve. Detecting the red zone on the third day means the need for a manual wind.
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Operable with a single button push, the flyback mechanism swiftly executes three sequential steps for prompt time measurements with minimal lag time. This functionality mirrors early aviation tools, where the chronograph can be stopped, reset, and restarted swiftly.
The precisely jumping minute counter flawlessly transitions with each full rotation of the chronograph seconds hand, ensuring accuracy. The Datograph’s harmonious dial layout, including an equilateral triangle created by the twin date aperture below 12 o’clock, enhances recognition and legibility.
Datograph Up/Down
Introducing a splash of colour, A. Lange & Söhne incorporates a blue hue in the rhodié-coloured subsidiary dials, luminous hands, and baton hour markers against an elegant blue backdrop.
The manually wound calibre L951.6, assembled with 451 meticulously crafted components and meticulously finished in true Lange tradition, showcases remarkable intricacy and craftsmanship.
The Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold Lumen impressively combines a flyback chronograph with a jumping minute counter, a perpetual calendar, and a tourbillon featuring a stop-seconds mechanism, all encased in the distinctive Lange-exclusive honey gold material in a “Lumen” version.
This exceptional timepiece encompasses three classic complications, with the flyback chronograph, Lange’s signature outsize date, the precise jumping minute counter, and the instantly switching perpetual calendar that accounts for leap years.
The tourbillon showcases a one-minute tourbillon integrated with a stop-seconds function to counteract gravitational effects on the watch’s precision components. Operating within a rotating cage, the tourbillon mitigates deviations caused by gravity. Completing this masterpiece is the manufacture calibre L952.4, a sophisticated movement comprising 684 intricate parts assembled with precision.
