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A. Lange & Söhne has introduced a unique version of its renowned Datograph Up/Down to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its first chronograph caliber. This special edition, titled the “Hampton Court Edition,” will be auctioned in November by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo in Geneva. All proceeds will benefit The Prince’s Trust, a UK-based youth charity.

Key Features of the Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition”

This edition of the Datograph Up/Down features a 750 white-gold case, a grey dial, and black subsidiary dials. It also includes a distinctive engraved hinged cuvette, which enhances the watch’s aesthetic appeal. The combination of these colors emphasizes the harmonious layout of the dial. The luminous gold hands provide a sharp contrast against the grey background, while the red chronograph seconds hand adds a vibrant touch.

The tachymeter scale, located on the peripheral ring, pays homage to the historical connection between motorsports and timekeeping. The timepiece is complemented by a white-gold bracelet, which maintains a subtle and cohesive color scheme.

Beneath the hinged cuvette, the manually wound L951.6 caliber, consisting of 451 parts, powers the watch. The intricate mechanics of the movement are visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback, which allows for an appreciation of the column wheel, minute counter mechanism, and the finely detailed bridges made of untreated German silver. Moreover, additional features include a hand-engraved balance cock with a whiplash precision index adjuster and four screwed gold chatons.

Historical Significance and Technical Excellence

Since its debut in 1999, the Datograph has stood out as a hallmark of mechanical chronographs. The original model introduced a classic column-wheel transmission, combined with a precisely jumping minute counter and a flyback function. In 2012, A. Lange & Söhne enhanced the Datograph Up/Down with a power reserve of 60 hours and a power-reserve indicator, further improving its technical prowess.

The dial layout is carefully balanced, with subsidiary dials for the small seconds and minute counter forming an equilateral triangle with the Lange outsize date. This symmetrical design ensures optimal legibility, which is a key characteristic of the Datograph line.

Auction and Charitable Cause

Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will auction the Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition” in Geneva. The entire proceeds, including the buyer’s premium, will go to The Prince’s Trust. This charity, under the patronage of King Charles III, helps young people develop essential life skills, prepare for work, and access employment opportunities.

A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid emphasizes the importance of this release: “The Datograph Up/Down ‘Hampton Court Edition’ provides a fitting conclusion to the anniversary year. It is both a pleasure and an honor for us to support the important work of The Prince’s Trust with this unique timepiece.”

Conclusion

The Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition” stands as a significant piece in the history of A. Lange & Söhne, merging technical mastery with a charitable cause. For more information, readers are invited to visit the official A. Lange & Söhne website.