DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL

With the DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL, A. Lange & Söhne introduces two of the most intricate complications in precision watchmaking, showcasing the characteristic DATOGRAPH design. Limited to 50 pieces, the timepiece exhibits a particular exclusivity thanks to the exceptional materials used, such as diamond appliques on the dial and a platinum bracelet.

Launched in 2006, the DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL was the first A. Lange & Söhne wristwatch to unite a chronograph and a perpetual calendar with an outsize date. Now, twenty years after its debut, the new version in 950 platinum underscores the enduring fascination of the classic. Boasting a black dial graced with eleven baguette-cut diamonds as hour markers, it interprets the timeless concept in a unique way. The diamonds are applied by hand and represent an emblem of the preciousness of time.

Precision in the short and long term

The chronograph functions were implemented in typical Lange fashion: a classic column-wheel transmission assures precise and dependable control of all short-time measurements. The precisely jumping minute counter always delivers doubt-free readings of the elapsed minutes while the flyback function makes it possible to stop an ongoing measurement with the actuation of a pusher and to start a new one.

Whereas the chronograph can measure time with an accuracy of one fifth of a second in the here and now, the mechanical precision of the perpetual calendar extends far into the future. The mechanism is programmed to correctly display date, day of week and month across decades while also recognising which years are leap years. On 1 March 2100, when the leap year is omitted according to the rules of the Gregorian calendar, the calendar display must be corrected by one day. The moon-phase display also fully lives up to this degree of long-term precision: it will deviate from a true lunation by only one day after 122.6 years if the watch is kept running continuously.

The ingenuity of the watch’s mechanisms matches the ease with which it is operated. All calendar indications and the moon-phase display can be jointly advanced with the rapid-correction pusher at 10 o’clock. They can also be separately adjusted with individual recessed correctors. A sophisticated safety mechanism prevents inadvertent actuation of the rapid-correction pusher.

Harmony of the displays

Both complex mechanisms interact with precision and are paired with a harmonious dial design that sets the stage for the numerous displays, rendering each one clearly legible. The characteristic Lange outsize date in the framed twin aperture at 12 o’clock marks the tip of an equilateral triangle. The auxiliary dials for the small seconds, day of the week and day/night indicator at 9 o’clock, and for the month and leap-year display as well as the precisely jumping minute counter of the chronograph at 3 o’clock are located below the horizontal centre axis of the dial, forming the base of the triangle. The harmonious configuration of the indications for time, the calendar and chronograph functions is rounded off with the moon-phase display at 6 o’clock.

Sparkling accents

In the new version, the timeless design concept of the DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL impresses with exclusive facets. Eleven manually applied baguette-cut diamonds with a total weight of approx. 0.13 carats constitute the hour markers: a pair of diamonds marks the 12 o’clock-position. The markers were omitted at 4 and 8 o’clock, creating space for the rhodié-coloured auxiliary dials that were moved downwards slightly and stand out prominently against the black background.

Perfected appearance

The platinum case has a diameter of 41.0 millimetres and a height of 13.5 millimetres. The precious metal is renowned for its extraordinary quality and high robustness. Moreover, the durable cool tone, high density and resilience contribute to the material’s distinct appearance.

Secured with a deployant buckle, the five-row platinum bracelet is harmoniously integrated into the case and eminently comfortable to wear thanks to its shape. The interplay of polished and matted surfaces combined with the lateral chamfering of the links expressively showcases the properties of the precious metal.

Intricate watchmaking artistry

The well-balanced design and artisanal finish of the watch extend into the interior. The reliable manually wound L952.1 calibre comprises 556 individual parts – of which 223 alone make up the calendar mechanism. The meticulously blended composition of different materials and traditional finishing techniques creates a lustrous play of colours ‒ turning the manufacture movement which was assembled twice into a true gem. 

A glance through the sapphire-crystal caseback affords mesmerising insights into the chronograph mechanism. It is controlled by a classic column wheel that coordinates all switching sequences. To this end, various rockers and switching levers engage with this wheel. The special dial design necessitates the considerable length of the levers: they ensure that the outsize date mechanism has sufficient space and the lengthier paths to the auxiliary dials that were moved downwards are factored in.

The separate adjustment of the chronograph mechanism and the perpetual calendar already pose quite a challenge, yet the level of difficulty increases immensely when both complications are juxtaposed in one watch and must be harmonised with each other. This feat requires our watchmakers’ utmost technical expertise and artisanal virtuosity.