A. Lange & Söhne - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
    Year: Circa 2015
    Reference No: 405.835
    Movement No: 103’558
    Case No: 222’418
    Model Name: Datograph Flyback
    Material: Platinum and diamonds
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 951.6, 46 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 41mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne stamped by Japanese retailer dated 29th December 2015, instruction manual, product literature, cloth, leather folio, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Making its important debut in 1999, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Flyback was the firm’s answer moving forward to the new millennium. Extremely well-received by afficionados, the Datograph boasts superior excellence in both its movement architecture and fine aesthetics. The flyback function of the Datograph Flyback 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. As soon as the button is released, a new timing cycle commences. In addition to the fly-back function, the Datograph Flyback also features a precisely-jumping minute counter.

    To make a statement to the industry, during a time when most manufacturer’s were still outsourcing chronograph movements from movement manufacturers, A. Lange & Söhne (only 9 years old) at the time were the first to announcement their new in-house cal. L951.1 which was designed only after the design of the case was completed. Setting the foreground for the now iconic model, the original sketch concept sketch of the Datograph involved a tonneau-shaped case.

    While the first generation of Datographs were cased in 39mm diameter case, the second generation featured a slightly larger case at 41mm diameter with an addition of an “up/down” power reserve indication at 6 o’clock as well as the absence of Roman numerals. Equipped with the firm’s oversized date window display particular to Lange wristwatches inspired by the Dresden Semper Opera clock sits perfectly legible on the 12 O’clock position.

    While most examples of the Datographs from both generations were cased in precious metals, the present example from the second generation is a rare bird. Cased in platinum, the bezel is set with baguette-cut diamonds of Top Wesselton quality. Believed to be made in extremely low quantities, the combination of flamboyance and technical brilliance is what makes the ref. 405.835 so special. Complete with its full set of accessories from circa 2015, it is the first time that PHILLIPS is offering the present reference in our Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV. With the growing demand for rare gem-set pieces in recent times, the present example will surely delight collectors who are looking for the best from both worlds, pure aesthetics and a bit of bling.

  • Artist Biography

    A. Lange & Söhne

    German • 1845

    Originally founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in Glashütte, Dresden, Germany, the firm established an entire watchmaking culture and industry in Glashütte. The brand quickly became Germany's finest watchmaker, first creating dependable, easy-to-repair watches before going on to produce some of the world's finest complicated pocket watches, including Grande Sonnerie watches, tourbillon watches and Grande Complications.

    On the final day of World War II, their factories were destroyed by Russian bombers, and in 1948 the brand was confiscated by the Soviet Union. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Ferdinand's great grandson Walter Lange re-established the brand with the objective to once again produce top-quality luxury watches. Now part of the Richemont Group, its original vintage and modern creations are highly coveted by collectors. Key models from the modern era include the Lange 1, Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon and the Zeitwerk.

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Σ869

Ref. 405.835
A highly rare and attractive platinum and baguette-cut diamond-set flyback chronograph wristwatch with power reserve indication, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2015
41mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$790,000 - 1,200,000 
€101,000-153,000
$101,000-154,000

Sold for HK$1,638,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022