Introducing: The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst
We knew there would be plenty to celebrate going into this year. As the 25th anniversary of the final year of the last millennium, there is a lot to reflect on. Indeed, 1999 was a defining meeting point for fashion, art, technology, and culture. The onset of the new millennium inspired a surge of influential works that are still resonating today. One such horological masterpiece is the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph from 1999. Today’s release continues this year’s celebration with a 25-piece limited-edition Datograph in yellow gold with a delicately adorned dial and tremblage engraving. Otherwise known as handwerkskunst (or “craftmanship”), this sophisticated style has been applied to exclusive and special-edition Lange pieces since 2011.
The Datograph was A. Lange & Söhne’s first chronograph after its relaunch in 1994. It’s clear that 25 is also an essential number for Lange, as shown in the outsized date window in these pictures and all press pictures since 1994. The date of the 25th and the month of October, in calendar complications, is about the relaunch date of October 24th, 1994. Why 25, then? Well, the journalists at the launch event in Dresden saw timepieces such as the Lange 1 on the 24th, with the date set to the 25th. The incorrect date allowed for pictures taken on the day to show the correct date in the newspapers after going to print the next day. This foresight typifies the meticulous nature of the Glashütte-based brand, and nearly 30 years later, is still the defining spirit of Lange.
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst
During Watches and Wonders this year, Lange unveiled two 25th-anniversary Datograph watches with opposing concepts. Jorg covered the details here, but whereas the blue-dial Datograph Up/Down in white gold aims for tradition, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” is a technical tour de force. The Honeygold material is reserved for exceptional timepieces. Additionally, the semi-transparent sapphire crystal with luminescent accents demonstrates Lange’s technical innovations. While all three are Datographs, today’s release is objectively the purist execution. Free of the Up/Down power reserve indicator or perpetual calendar complication, the Datograph Handwerkskunst focuses on the namesake date and chronograph functions.
With the third celebratory Datograph this year, the theme is all about artistry and craftsmanship. “Handwerkskunst” is the term Lange applies to its more extravagant and elaborate watches. Forgoing the clinical white, blue, or black galvanized German silver dials, the Handwerkskunst range is Lange’s way of letting loose. The dial is gold for the 25th-anniversary Datograph with a black-rhodium coating and lighter gray totalizers. To achieve the ornate tremblage texture, an engraver uses a lining burin to create a fine-grained surface. With patience, experience, dexterity, and a sharp eye, the hand finishing achieves an even pattern through every facet and level of the dial. The matte texture allows for reading at every angle without reflection, yet the subtle indents will still play with the light.
Exceptional style and finishing
The relief engraving of the arch logo, minutes and seconds graduations, and tachymeter scale from the 18K gold dial is painstakingly crafted. Along with the applied 18K gold Roman numerals, this approach builds on the three-dimensional effect. Each applique receives chamfered edges with flat surfaces finished with straight graining. Then, each element is applied to the dial with determination and diligence. Including the gold frame for the date window and sharp alpha hands with circumferential chamfering, the layers of decadence are delectable. The attention-grabbing technique of the dial mirrors a similar dedication to the case back’s exhibition window. A. Lange & Söhne’s movement finishing is its true calling card, and the Handwerkskunst’s caliber L951.8 is no exception. From a broader view, the caliber’s geometry is beautiful. The curves of the untreated German silver bridges and plates are sumptuous. This is a rare occurrence of form and function truly coalescing.
At a macro level, the black-polished anglage creates flowing lines against the granular surfaces, mimicking traditional movements from pocket watches. With a hand-wound movement, each component is uninhibited by a winding rotor. Saving the best for last, we find the expertly hand-engraved balance cock with a relief vine motif. This lavish decoration is Lange’s party trick and transcends watchmaking to a work of art. Caliber L951.8 contains 426 parts, 43 jewels, four gold chatons, and a power reserve of 60 hours. By all accounts, this new A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst is in the top echelon of mechanical watchmaking. Housed in a 41 × 13.1mm 18K yellow gold case, the movement powers the flyback chronograph, outsized date, and time indications.
Final specs and pricing
The case also receives contrasting finishing patterns with a three-part construction alternating from polished to brushed. The chronograph pushers and date corrector also show edge beveling for extra refinement. Complemented with a dark brown hand-stitched alligator strap with an 18K yellow gold deployant buckle, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst is truly sublime and limited to 25 pieces. Each owner will receive an individual number engraving on the gold rim of the case back. Available exclusively from A. Lange & Söhne boutiques worldwide, the Datograph Handwerkskunst is also on display at this year’s Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace near London. For visitors and exhibitors at the event, there is a newly opened Lange Salon on the first floor of the historic Bourdon House in London’s prestigious Mayfair.
The price of this watch is available on request, and you can learn more about the new A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst here.
