A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst Limited Edition

The Datograph Handwerkskunst is a remarkable chronograph that combines technical excellence with exquisite craftsmanship. First introduced by A. Lange & Söhne 25 years ago, the DATOGRAPH set new standards in chronograph construction. Now, to mark its 25th anniversary, the brand has introduced the limited edition Datograph Handwerkskunst, a timepiece that elevates the original model’s design with intricate artisanal details.

This limited edition, crafted in yellow gold, features a black-rhodiumed dial adorned with tremblage engraving, a technique that creates a textured, three-dimensional surface. The engraver uses a specially made burin to achieve a fine-grained appearance, ensuring uniformity while preserving key dial elements like the brand logo, minute and second markers, and the tachymeter scale. The result is a dial with a stunning contrast between the sculpted contours of the relief engraving and the dark background. The hands of the watch are finished with precise chamfers and straight graining, adding to the overall sophistication of the design.

The movement, calibre L951.8, is equally impressive, showcasing the brand’s commitment to fine finishing. The chronograph levers are black-polished, a rare and time-consuming technique that results in a surface that reflects light in only one direction. When viewed from the right angle, these levers appear jet black, but from other perspectives, they have a mirror-like shine. The bridges of the movement feature a granular surface that complements the tremblage engraving on the dial. Through the sapphire-crystal caseback, the complexity and beauty of the manually wound movement are fully visible.

One of the standout features of the Datograph Handwerkskunst is the hand-engraved balance cock, adorned with a vine motif. This delicate, relief-engraved pattern is a nod to the floral designs that have been part of A. Lange & Söhne’s tradition since the 19th century.

“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 of 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 case back – every perspective reveals fascinating details that are a testament to the outstanding prowess of our engravers and finishers.”

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. This timepiece is exclusively available at Lange boutiques.