New Datograph craftsmanship watch from Lange & Söhne introduced

When it was introduced 25 years ago, the Datograph watch from A Lange & Söhne set the standard in classic chronograph design and technology. Both technically complex and beautifully crafted, it continues to be a benchmark in watch design. Appropriately, the most recent birthday is a milestone that the Glashütte brand would like to celebrate and is celebrating the release of the limited edition Datograph Handwerkskunst.

(Image credit: A. Lange & Söhne)

“The original Datograph from 1999 was the first newly developed chronograph in the industry for many decades, and not just in Germany,” says product development manager Anthony de Haas, explaining the significance of this occasion. “It is clear how important this watch was to us in the late 1990s.” It ushered in a level of fine watchmaking that we had never seen before and that continues today. We wanted to celebrate this quarter of a century in typical Lange style and bring some great watches to market. We started the anniversary with the two timepieces that we presented back in April at Watches and Wonders 2024, namely the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” and the Datograph Up/Down in white gold.

“Now, with Datograph craftsmanship, we are honoring the Datograph with a piece full of exclusive decorations that give the original model’s incomparable dial design an artistic and sophisticated look.” The limitation to 25 pieces is also a nod to the anniversary year. But that’s not all: to round off the celebrations, we presented another timepiece from the Datograph family, the Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition”, at the Concours of Elegance in London. “This unique piece in white gold with a gray dial and engraved hinged cuvette will be auctioned by Phillips Auction House on November 9, 2024, in aid of The Prince’s Trust, a UK-based youth charity under the patronage of King Charles III.”

(Image credit: A. Lange & Söhne)

The new editions pay particular attention to design details, such as tremblage engraving (an ancient technique that creates an uneven surface) on the black rhodium dial and shiny polished levers that ensure the watch’s dial receives the light captures.