A trailblazing chronograph ‒ supremely finished
Following the relaunch of the brand, A. Lange & Söhne presented the DATOGRAPH 25 years ago ‒ a milestone in precision watchmaking. 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 already 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 launch of the limited-edition DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST represents a further highlight of the anniversary year.
A rare composition of aesthetic details
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.
Tremblage engraving on the dial: magnificent artisanal virtuosity on small surfaces
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.
Finissage ‒ down to the smallest detail
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. Even the hands of this HANDWERKSKUNST edition showcase meticulously executed circumferential chamfers and straight graining.
Black polishing of the chronograph levers ‒ the apex of finissage
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.
Similar to polishing acute internal angles of movement parts, black polishing is considered to be one of the most challenging finishing techniques. Therefore, it is only used for select parts or in distinguished timepieces.
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.
Hand-engraved balance cock with a vine motive
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.
Manufacture calibre L951.8
The manually wound calibre L951.8 of the DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST ‒ consisting of 426 parts, assembled twice and finished to a superior degree ‒ assures a power-reserve of up to 60 hours. The classic column-wheel chronograph with a freely oscillating balance spring and a balance with eccentric poising weights beats at a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour. With its flyback mechanism, precisely jumping minute counter and Lange-typical outsize date, the movement offers superb craftsmanship as well as technical sophistication.
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Models of the SAXONIA family
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