A. Lange & Sohne adopts futuristic colours

The Saxon-based manufacturer has added two vibrant and hard-to-miss colours to its chronograph collection

This is the year when companies, especially watch manufacturers, seem to be looking into the past, to chart out their future. Nowadays, inspiration is taken from the brand’s heritage and used to thoroughly remodel- the best-selling collections, making the watches better than before. If the latest reports are anything to go by, A. Lange & Söhne is not insulated from this new-era trend and has demonstrated the theory in its new timepieces for 2015.

In 1999, the brand first revolutionised the horology sector with its stunning Datograph, considered as the Holy Grail amongst discerning watch collectors. Back then, the world’s first ever column-wheel chronograph with a fly back function, precise jumping minute counter and outsize-date display caused quite a sensation in professional circles. It is not only the technical finesse that makes the watch stand out, but also the harmonious way in which function and aesthetics converge.

In a strategic move that will no doubt delight its cult-like loyal fan base, A. Lange & Söhne has added two flamboyant colours to its chronograph collection – pink gold/black (Datograph Up/Down) and white gold/grey (Datograph Perpetual), drawing upon the incredible success of its coveted Datograph Up/Down and Datograph Perpetual pieces.

While watch aficionados need no introduction here – others may need further clarification; The Datograph Up/Down is hailed as the watch for all times and ages – a sublime Teutonic expression of watchmaking, where perfection is so timeless, that the normal rule of era, style and trend does not apply. Collectors are attracted to it like bees to honey, and it is evident that Lange has a unique formula to roll out hit after hit.

Since 2012, it has boasted a longer power reserve of 60 hours, as well as a power-reserve indicator with an Up/Down scale, to which the name is attributed to. Since May 2015, however, the chronograph, which only previously came in a platinum case, has also been available in a pink-gold version with a black dial.

The white gold Datograph Perpetual in front of chronograph model is hard to miss, given its argenté-coloured subsidiary dials and deep-blue moon disc. Grey is often hailed as the colour of truth, partly because of its counterbalancing effect and seductive radiance. Now, just imagine a subtle grey background to a Datograph Perpetual. Very hard to miss, don’t you agree?

Since 2006, the watch name has been synonymous for the ingenious combination of a fly back chronograph and a perpetual calendar, which will not require correction until 2100. With three highly elaborate, technically advanced mechanisms, it lives up to the task of precise time measurements.  A great eye for detail, a Lange trademark, is also clear in the universal corrector specially designed for this job. In order to prevent accidental changes, the push piece can only be pressed in the 10 o’clock position and when the crown is pulled out. No doubt, the latest additions deliver fresh proof of the Saxon manufactory’s virtuosity in the realm of horological complications.