Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: Circa 2000 Reference No: 403.035 Movement No: 17’299 Case No: 127’244 Model Name: Datograph Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. L951.1, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: A. Lange & Söhne deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne warranty/guarantee certificate, “When Time Came Home” booklet, instruction manual, presentation box, and watch winding hang tag.
Catalogue Essay
First launched in 1999, A. Lange & Söhne’s Datograph is lauded by collectors as one of the finest modern chronographs ever made. Featuring the groundbreaking caliber L951.1, this movement marked a departure from the prevailing trend, challenging high-end manufacturers like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet, which at the time typically relied on external suppliers for their movements.
The Datograph name itself reflects its dual functions: Date and Chronograph. This example, with its platinum case and black dial, represents the inaugural design in production from 1999 to 2011. It is considered by many as the quintessential Datograph. Boasting a meticulously crafted dial, the Datograph is able to achieve a harmonious balance between its elements. The slightly recessed, cream-toned subdials contrast with the stark black dial, creating a captivating depth, accentuated by changing angles of light. The A. Lange & Söhne signature discreetly graces the 12 o’clock position, while luminescent broad hands enhance legibility and contribute to the watch's modern aesthetics.
Taking a look at both the case and movement numbers, the present example is one of the earliest platinum examples to have come to the public market. Complete with its full set of accessories and preserved in outstanding overall condition, this is a superb example for the most discerning collectors who value the brand history of A. Lange & Söhne.
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.
Ref. 403.035 A very early, rare, and attractive platinum flyback chronograph wristwatch with oversized date, tachymeter scale, guarantee, and presentation box
Circa 2000 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed
