Cover A Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”
A Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”
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These A Lange & Söhne timepieces also continue to set new standards for precision and artisanship in fine watchmaking
In 2024, A Lange & Söhne marked two significant milestones with the launch of seven timepieces that honour its legacy of unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation. Commemorating 25 years of its iconic Datograph and the 30th anniversary of its legendary Lange 1, these limited editions reaffirm the brand’s position in the world of horology and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking excellence. Here is a closer look at these remarkable creations.
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Above A Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down
A Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down
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Silver Jubilee
Unveiled in 1999, the Datograph revolutionised short‑time measurement with its then‑new manufacture calibre and distinctive dial design. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, A Lange & Söhne has released three new renditions of its first chronograph: the Datograph Up/Down in white gold, featuring an elegant blue dial for the first time; the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”; and the Datograph Handwerkskunst. They are respectively limited to 125, 50 and 25 pieces.
The original Datograph introduced an innovative chronograph movement that combined a flyback function, a jumping minute counter and the hallmark Lange outsized date. The new Datograph Up/Down carries forward this legacy with the calibre L951.6, first presented in 2012 and featuring an increased power reserve of 60 hours as well as a power‑reserve indicator at 6 o’clock. Renowned for its precision, the flyback mechanism allows for two consecutive time measurements with a single push of a button. The chronograph is stopped, reset, then restarted in next to no time.
Above A Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”
A Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”
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Keeping to the original’s harmonious dial layout, the subsidiary dials for small seconds and the minute counter, at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock respectively, form a symmetrical triangle with the outsized date display at 12 o’clock, enhancing the watch’s design aesthetic and legibility. A transparent sapphire crystal caseback reveals the movement’s masterful construction that includes traditional Lange details, such as bridges made of untreated German silver, a hand‑engraved balance cock, and four gold screwed chatons.
The second commemorative release, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”, is a masterpiece of aesthetic brilliance and mechanical ingenuity. One of the headliners at Watches and Wonders 2024, it unites three iconic complications—a flyback chronograph with a precise jumping minute counter, a perpetual calendar and a one‑minute tourbillon—within a 41.5 mm case rendered in the brand’s proprietary Honeygold, renowned for its lustrous, durable properties.
This commanding rendition of the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon introduced in 2016 comes to life in darkness, thanks to its semi‑transparent dial and luminous coating illuminating the displays. The hour and minute hands, inlaid with luminous compound, and the fully coated chronograph seconds hand ensure optimal visibility. The glowing subsidiary dials for the seconds and day of the week, and for the minute counter and month of the year are complemented by luminous minute and tachymeter scales, which create a radiant effect around the dial.
Above The remarkable dial of the Datograph Handwerkskunst
The remarkable dial of the Datograph Handwerkskunst
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A standout feature is the luminous outsized date, first seen in the 2013 Grand Lange 1 “Lumen”, in which the intricate disc mechanism is visible. Ensuring that the date also glows just after the daily switching sequence, both the tens cross and units disc are coated with a luminous compound and printed with black numbers, allowing the date‑switching mechanism to be observed in all its glory at midnight. Harmonious details such as these make the watch as much a visual delight as a technical tour de force.
Powering this horological marvel is the calibre L952.4, an intricate 684‑component movement that is assembled twice. Beating at 18,000 semi‑oscillations per hour, it allows for measurements with an accuracy of one‑fifth of a second, while its 50‑hour power reserve guarantees lasting performance. The one‑minute tourbillon, equipped with a stop‑seconds mechanism, offsets gravitational effects on the movement to further enhance accuracy.
Above Commemorative editions of the Lange 1 (pictured left) and Little Lange 1, both in pink gold with a blue dial
Commemorative editions of the Lange 1 (pictured left) and Little Lange 1, both in pink gold with a blue dial
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Rounding off the trio of celebratory Datographs is the boutique‑exclusive Datograph Handwerkskunst—the eighth and latest addition to the brand’s coveted Handwerkskunst (which means craftsmanship in German) collection, comprising ultra‑exclusive limited editions distinguished by highly sophisticated dial and movement decorations. This extraordinary 41 mm yellow gold iteration boasts a dial adorned with ornate tremblage engraving, an intricate technique that creates a textured, three‑dimensional surface that plays with light and shadow beautifully.
The black‑rhodium‑plated main dial and light grey totalisers add to the visual depth while preserving clarity of key elements such as the outsized date and tachymeter scale.
This beauty is driven by the calibre L951.8, which showcases A Lange & Söhne’s prowess in precision engineering and refined craftsmanship. Visible through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, the chronograph levers are finished with meticulous black polishing. Also known as spéculaire finishing, the rare and laborious process results in a mirror‑like gloss visible only from specific angles, elevating the watch’s sophistication.
Another remarkable feature is the balance cock, which displays a delicate filigreed vine motif that was manually relief‑engraved for added depth and texture. This extraordinary artisanal detail harks back to A Lange & Söhne’s early years in the 19th century, when floral designs adorned its pocket watches.
Above The Lange 1 (pictured left) and Little Lange 1 in platinum with an onyx dial are limited editions released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Lange 1
The Lange 1 (pictured left) and Little Lange 1 in platinum with an onyx dial are limited editions released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Lange 1
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Pearl anniversary
To mark 30 years of the Lange 1, another brand icon known for its unique dial layout and outsized date, A Lange & Söhne has released four limited editions. Alongside two new Lange 1 models, which come in platinum with a black onyx dial—marking the first time the manufacture has used this gemstone in the Lange 1 line—and in pink gold with a silver dial rendered in a rich blue, are two new Little Lange 1 references in the same colour combinations.
Fresh hues aside, the Lange 1 iterations, limited to 300 pieces each, maintain a 38.5 mm case size, while the Little Lange 1 models, limited to 150 pieces each, flaunt a more compact 36.8 mm case size. These additions also retain the signature off‑centre dial design that is key to the Lange 1 family’s striking aesthetic. Boasting Roman numerals and lancet‑shaped appliques, the hour and minutes circle is positioned on the left side of the dial, vertically centred to the outsized date, power‑reserve display and subsidiary seconds dial arranged on the right along an imaginary vertical axis. The proportions of the displays adhere to the golden ratio, creating a sense of balance and timeless elegance that remains just as captivating 30 years after the design’s debut.
All the new variants are powered by the L121.1 manufacture calibre, known for its 72‑hour power reserve and instantaneous date‑switching. Visible through the clear sapphire crystal caseback, the movement features Glashütte ribbing, a hand‑engraved balance cock, and eight screwed gold chatons.
