A. Lange & Sohne – SAXONIA DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST Yellow Gold Edition

 

A. Lange & Sohne – SAXONIA DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST 41mm Yellow Gold Edition 2024

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO   

 A trailblazing chronograph ‒ supremely finished

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

The limited HANDWERKSKUNST edition boasts rare and exceedingly sophisticated dial and movement decorations.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

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”.

Click, to see the large size.  ▶ BIG FOTO  

A rare composition of aesthetic details

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

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. 

 

Click, to see the large size. ▶   BIG FOTO   

 

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

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 19^th century. Hence, this calibre constitutes a significant example of the manufacture’s competence in chronograph construction as well as its artistic craftsmanship.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

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. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

This timepiece is exclusively available at Lange boutiques. Towards the end of August 2024, it will make its debut at Watches & Wonders Shanghai 2024 and will also be shown during the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace near London, taking place at approximately the same time.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

 “With the DATOGRAPH, our engineers created a manufacture chronograph as early as 25 years ago that unites highly sophisticated functions with a balanced dial design,” explains Anthony de Haas, Director Product Development. “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 our 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.”

Online information | facebook.com/langesoehne 
| youtube.com/user/alangesoehne
instagram.com/alangesoehne  

| #alangesoehne | #langesaxonia | #datographhandwerkskunst | #25yearsdatograph | #athomeinunchartedterritories | #watchesandwonders2024

  ----------------------------------------------------
Technical Specifications

Model: SAXONIA DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST Yellow Gold  Edition

  Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

 Ref. 405.048F

Movement
Lange manufacture calibre L951.8, manually wound,
crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards, decorated and assembled by hand;
precision-adjusted in five positions;
plates and bridges made of untreated German silver; balance cock engraved by hand
Movement dimensions
Diameter: 30.6 millimetres; height: 7.9 millimetres
No. of movement parts  426
No. of jewels  43
No. of screwed gold chatons 4
Escapement Lever escapement
Oscillation system
Shock-resistant balance with eccentric poising weights;
superior-quality balance spring manufactured in-house,
frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour, precision beat
adjustment system with lateral setscrew and whiplash spring
Power reserve 60 hours when fully wound
Functions
Time indicated in hours, minutes, and subsidiary seconds dial
with stop seconds; flyback chronograph with precisely jumping
minute counter; outsize date
Operating elements
Crown for winding the watch and setting the time; two
chronograph buttons, one button for rapid correction of the
outsize date
Case
750 yellow gold
Case dimensions
Diameter: 41.0 millimetres; height: 13.1 millimetres
Crystal and transparent caseback
Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)
Dial
750 gold, main dial black-rhodiumed and tremblage-engraved;
totalisers rhodiumed and tremblage-engraved
Hands
Hour and minute hands: 750 gold; subsidiary seconds and
minute counter hands: steel, yellow gold-plated; chrono
seconds hand:steel, yellow gold-plated
Strap
Hand-stitched alligator leather, dark-brown, grey seam
Our alligator straps fully comply with the CITES regulations: Species – alligator mississippiensis. Extraction method – farmed. CITES Appendix – Appendix II
Buckle
Deployant buckle in 750 yellow gold

🔰Limited Edition  to only 25 watches, edition number engraving

🔴 Price: upon request 💰

-----------------------------
Press Release - 2024
----------------------------- 

-------------------------------------------
Press enquiries
Arnd Einhorn, Head of Global Corporate Communications & Product PR
Tel.: +49 (0) 35053 440 | Email: presse@lange-soehne.com
-------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Lange&Soehne
----------------------------------------------------
www.Alange & Soehne.com