A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst

We knew there would be much to celebrate this year. As the 25th anniversary, the final year of the last millennium, there is much to look back on. Indeed, 1999 was a defining year where fashion, art, technology and culture met. The start of the new millennium prompted a proliferation of influential pieces that still resonate today. One such horological masterpiece is the 1999 A. Lange & Söhne Datograph. Today’s release continues the year’s celebrations with a limited edition of 25 Datographs in yellow gold with a delicately decorated dial and tremblage engraving. This refined style, also known as Handwerkskunst (or “craftsmanship”), has been featured in Lange’s limited and special edition pieces since 2011.

The Datograph was A. Lange & Söhne’s first chronograph since its relaunch in 1994. 25 is also an important number for Lange, as can be seen in these photos and in all press photos since 1994, with the oversized date window. The date of the 25th and the month of October in the calendar complication are almost identical to the date of the relaunch, October 24, 1994. So why 25? Because journalists attending the launch event in Dresden saw watches such as the Lange 1 with the date set to the 25th on the 24th. The date was incorrect, so photos taken that day had the correct date in newspapers printed the next day. This foresight typifies the meticulous nature of the Glashütte-based brand and remains a signature Lange ethos nearly 30 years later.

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst

At this year’s Watches & Wonders, Lange unveiled two 25th anniversary Datograph watches with contrasting concepts. As Jörg explains in detail here, while the Datograph Up/Down in white gold with a blue dial aims for tradition, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honey Gold “Lumen” is a technical masterpiece. The honey gold material is only used for special watches. Plus, the translucent sapphire crystal with luminescent accents showcases Lange’s technical innovation. All three are Datographs, but today’s release is objectively the purest in execution. Lacking an up/down power reserve indicator or a perpetual calendar complication, the Datograph Handwerkskunst focuses on its namesake’s date and chronograph functions.

Artistry and craftsmanship are the themes of this year’s third anniversary Datograph. “Handwerkskunst” is the term Lange uses for its more luxurious and exquisite watches. Abandoning the inorganic white, blue and black zinc-plated German silver dials, the Handwerkskunst series is Lange’s free expression. The dial of the 25th anniversary Datograph is gold, with black rhodium plating and light gray registers. To achieve the brilliant tremblage pattern, the engraver uses a lining burin to create a finely textured surface. Patience, experience, dexterity and a keen eye for hand finishing result in a uniform pattern on all sides and levels of the dial. The matte texture allows it to be read from any angle without reflections, while the subtle irregularities play with the light.

Exceptional style and finish

The relief engraving of the arch logo, the minute and second scales and the tachymeter scale on the 18K gold dial are painstakingly finished. Together with the 18K gold Roman numerals, this technique emphasizes the three-dimensional effect. Each appliqué has a chamfered edge and a flat surface with a straight-grain finish. Each element is then applied to the dial with determination and enthusiasm. Layers of luxury are enticing, such as the gold frame of the date window and the sharp Alpha hands with their chamfered circumference. The eye-catching technique of the dial reflects the same dedication to the show window of the caseback. The finishing of A. Lange & Söhne movements is their true hallmark, and the Handwerkskunst caliber L951.8 is no exception. From a broader perspective, the caliber’s geometry is beautiful. The curves of the bridges and plates in untreated German silver are sumptuous. This is a rare case where form and function truly merge.

On a macro level, the blackened polished chamfers create flowing lines on the grained surface, mimicking the traditional movement of a pocket watch. In a manual-winding movement, each component is unobstructed by a winding rotor. Finally, the best of all: the balance cock, expertly hand-engraved with a vine motif in relief. This sumptuous decoration is Lange’s party trick, going beyond watchmaking to become a work of art. Caliber L951.8 contains 426 components, 43 jewels, 4 gold chatons and a 60-hour power reserve. By all accounts, the new A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst is the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking. Housed in a 41 x 13.1 mm 18K yellow gold case, the movement drives the flyback chronograph, the oversized date and hour displays.

Final specifications and prices

The case also features a three-part contrasting finishing pattern with alternating polished and brushed finishes. The chronograph pushers and date collector also feature chamfered edges for added refinement. The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst, fitted with a dark brown hand-stitched alligator strap with an 18-carat yellow gold folding buckle, is a truly sublime watch, produced in a limited edition of 25 pieces. Each owner will receive an individual serial number engraved on the gold rim of the caseback. Available exclusively in A. Lange & Söhne boutiques worldwide, the Datograph Handwerkskunst will also be on display at this year’s Concours of Elegance, taking place at Hampton Court Palace near London. For visitors and exhibitors of the event, a new Lange Salon will be opened on the first floor of the historic Bourdon House in London’s prestigious Mayfair.

Please contact us for the price of this watch. Find out more about the new A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst here.

Watch Specifications