Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence in Short-Time Measurement
In 1999, the introduction of the DATOGRAPH marked a significant milestone in short-time measurement complications, featuring a newly developed in-house caliber and a distinct dial design. Now, commemorating its 25th anniversary, the pioneering chronograph emerges in a limited edition as the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN model version in 18-carat white gold with a striking blue dial, limited to 125 watches.
A Trailblazing Concept
In 1999, a mere five years after the launch of its first collection, A. Lange & Söhne unveiled the DATOGRAPH, equipped with its inaugural chronograph movement, the calibre L951.1. Developed in the Saxon manufacture, this movement combined a column-wheel chronograph with a flyback function, a precisely jumping minute counter, and the trademark Lange outsize date.
Early on, the movement of the DATOGRAPH showcased the ambition of the Saxon manufacture to push the boundaries of horology and explore new avenues. Serving as a precursor to a range of 13 innovative models with a chronograph function, the DATOGRAPH paved the way for advancements such as the calibre L951.6 of the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN, introduced in 2012, featuring a power-reserve indicator and an increased power reserve of 60 hours.
Time Measurement Inspired by Aviation
With its flyback mechanism, precisely jumping minute counter, outsize date, and power-reserve indicator, the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN stands out in its league. The flyback mechanism allows for two quick consecutive time measurements with virtually no delay, akin to early aviation practices. The precisely jumping minute counter seamlessly advances to the next increment precisely when the chronograph seconds hand completes its 60th second. The “UP/DOWN” attribute refers to the power-reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, providing insight into the remaining power reserve of 60 hours.
Stylish Elegance with a Clear Design
Characterized by a harmonious dial configuration, the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN is easily recognizable at first glance. The twin date aperture beneath 12 o’clock forms the tip of an equilateral triangle, with subsidiary dials for small seconds at 9 o’clock and the precisely jumping minute counter at 3 o’clock. The axially symmetric dial design ensures optimal legibility, with the new version available in a captivating blue hue complemented by rhodié-colored subsidiary dials, luminous hands, and baton hour markers.
Precision and Aesthetics in Harmony – The Calibre L951.6
Breathing life into the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN is the manually wound calibre L951.6, comprising 451 parts meticulously assembled and finished in typical Lange fashion. This exceptional movement sets benchmarks in engineering and aesthetic appeal, featuring a classic column-wheel chronograph with a freely oscillating balance spring and eccentric poising weights, ensuring time measurements with an accuracy of one-fifth of a second.
Now Available in Three Model Versions
The new model version maintains its dimensions, with a case diameter of 41.0 millimeters and a height of 13.1 millimeters. In addition to the limited edition DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN in white gold with a blue dial, the model is also offered in platinum/black and pink-gold/black case/dial combinations.
Director of Product Development, Anthony de Haas, remarks, “Designing and crafting top-class chronographs remains among the greatest challenges in precision watchmaking. As early as 25 years ago, our engineers created a masterpiece with the DATOGRAPH, embodying highly sophisticated functions and a well-balanced dial configuration. This singular combination of true engineering finesse and expressive design has made the DATOGRAPH an emblem of our philosophy to continue exploring new avenues, serving as an incentive for future developments.”
For more information, please visit ALange-Soehne.com.