Described by one of the greatest living watchmakers - Philippe Dufour - as the best serially produced chronograph in the world (and a watch he wears in this very configuration presented here), it is impossible to sing the praises of Lange & Söhne's iconic chronograph highly enough. Introduced in the 1999 Baselworld fair, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph was a game-changer in the history of horology and an impressive achievement for the German brand.

Cased in a 39mm diameter, the flyback function of the Datograph allows the chronograph to be instantly reset to zero and started again in the midst of an ongoing measurement by simply pushing down the chronograph button. The Datograph presented a first in modern watchmaking as the minutes counter hand “jumps” exactly by an increment when the chronograph seconds hand reaches 60.

The present timepiece adorns an elegant black dial with white script and raised pink gold Roman numerals. Designed with the A. Lange & Söhne signature large date aperture at 12 o’clock and two subsidiary dials respectively between 3 and 5 o’clock, and 7 and 9 o’clock, the dial has an unmistakable symmetry, balance and poise. But the star of the show is the manually wound, in-house chronograph movement calibre L951.1. Like fine knitted lace, the intricate movement can be admired through the sapphire caseback where each intricate detail and delicate decorations are exquisitely displayed. When the pink gold, black dial variant was spotted on the wrist of Mr. Dufour, a nickname was born; the 'Dufourograph'.

Only in production for three short years between 2003 and 2005, the pink gold A. Lange & Söhne Datograph with black dial is extremely rare and is already an irresistible slice of horological history within the community. Preserved in excellent condition, the present example will delight the most discerning collectors of fine horology.