Following the relaunch of the brand, A. Lange & Söhne presented their first chronograph, the Datograph, 25 years ago. In the latest model, the unique alliance of technical complexity and expressive design is enriched with further exceptional elements, created by the artisanal finishers’ hands. The limited Handwerkskunst edition boasts rare and exceedingly sophisticated dial and movement decorations
The Datograph has been a benchmark in chronograph construction since 1999. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, A. Lange & Söhne has presented two fascinating interpretations of this mechanical magnum opus: the Datograph Up/Down in white gold with a blue dial and the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”.
The limited-edition Datograph Handwerkskunst will be launched shortly ‒ a further highlight of the anniversary year. Exclusive decorations accord the unparalleled dial design of the original model an artistic and refined appearance. Since 2011, the attribute “Handwerkskunst” has been used to identify exclusive, special limited-edition watches whose dials and movements are adorned with particularly elaborate decorations. Endless patience, ample experience, a keen eye, a steady hand as well as the absolute commitment to perfect every single detail ‒ these are the finishers’ and engravers’ prerequisites to raise the decorative opulence for which A. Lange & Söhne is renowned to an inordinately high level.
The black-rhodiumed main dial as well as the rhodiumed, light-grey totalisers of the Datograph Handwerkskunst feature an ornate tremblage engraving, resulting in a three-dimensional structure with subtle light reflexions. For this technique, the engraver uses a specially crafted lining burin to create a fine-grained surface. The challenge presented here is to not only achieve a uniform texture on the smallest of planes but to simultaneously preserve certain dial elements such as the arch brand logo, the minutes and seconds graduations as well as the tachymeter scale. Together with the subsidiary dials that were moved downwards slightly and the aperture for the outsize date, they remain clearly visible with their sculpted contours of the relief engraving and contrast crisply against the dark background. In a first step, the edges of the appliques and Roman numerals are chamfered, and the surfaces are decorated with straight graining. In a second step that requires great diligence, they are placed on the dial. The hands of this Handwerkskunst edition showcase meticulously executed circumferential chamfers and straight graining.
The artisanal virtuosity also manifests itself in every detail of the lavishly finished manufacture calibre L951.8. For example, the finishers blackpolish the surfaces of the chronograph levers, a particularly time-consuming and rare technique: it ensures that incident light is reflected in merely one single direction. Viewed from this perspective only, the surface of the lever appears to be jet black, yet seen from all other angles, it has a mirror-like gloss. Inspired by historic pocket watches, the granular surface of the bridges on the three-quarter plate made of German silver represents the design counterpart of the tremblage engraving of the dial. And last but not least, a glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the intricacy and mechanical beauty of the manually wound movement.
The manual engraving on the balance cock is the most distinctive design element. This minuscule yet lavishly decorated movement part with its special filigreed vine pattern sets the Datograph Handwerkskunst apart. Unlike a conventional Lange engraving where the pattern is cut into the material, for this piece the vine pattern is relief-engraved. Floral motives have a long-standing tradition at A. Lange & Söhne. They graced the first precision pocket watches dating back to the fledgling years of the manufacture in the 19th century. Hence, this calibre constitutes a significant example of the manufacture’s competence in chronograph construction as well as its artistic craftsmanship.
The Datograph Handwerkskunst is the eighth model of this special edition and features a yellow-gold case with a diameter of 41.0 millimetres and a height of 13.1 millimetres. Given the extraordinary amount of artisanal work involved, this masterpiece is limited to only 25 watches worldwide. This timepiece is exclusively available at Lange boutiques. Debuting at Watches & Wonders Shanghai 2024, it was also shown during the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace near London, which took place at approximately the same time.
With the Datograph, the Lange engineers created a manufacture chronograph as early as 25 years ago that unites highly sophisticated functions with a balanced dial design. In the Datograph Handwerkskunst, the artisanal perfection is raised to an even higher level. Be it at a glance at the dial or through the sapphire-crystal caseback – every perspective reveals fascinating details that are testament to the outstanding prowess of the maison’s engravers and finishers. Manually executed with the highest degree of precision, the decorations and finishing exhibit aesthetics that no machine in the whole world could possibly achieve.
