DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN

In 1999, the DATOGRAPH ushered in a new era for the complication of short-time measurement, with a manufacture calibre newly developed from the ground up and a unique dial design. To mark its 25^th anniversary, the pioneering chronograph is now available as a DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN model version in 18-carat white gold with a blue dial, limited to 125 watches.

It signified the birth of a trailblazing concept: in 1999, a mere five years after the first collection was launched, A. Lange & Söhne presented the DATOGRAPH ‒ equipped with their very first chronograph movement. The calibre L951.1, newly developed in the Saxon manufacture, combined a column-wheel chronograph with a flyback function, a precisely jumping minute counter and the typical Lange outsize date.

At a very early stage, the movement of the DATOGRAPH revealed the ambition of the Saxon manufacture to push horological boundaries and to explore new avenues. The DATOGRAPH was the prelude to a range of currently 13 innovative models with a chronograph function. Among these is the calibre L951.6 of the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN: presented in 2012, it was consistently evolved with a power-reserve indicator and an increased power-reserve of 60 hours.

Time measurement just like in aviation – with unambiguous readings at any given time

With its flyback mechanism, precisely jumping minute counter, outsize date and power-reserve indicator the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN is in a league of its own.

Because three switching steps are executed with one single push of a button, the flyback mechanism allows two quick consecutive time measurements, with virtually no delay between these. The chronograph is stopped, reset to zero, and started again in next to no time. This function was often used in the early beginnings of aviation. The precisely jumping minute counter does justice to its name as well: it jumps to the next increment at the precise moment when the chrono seconds hand completes the 60^th second. The attribute “UP/DOWN” refers to the power-reserve indicator at 6 o’clock that provides information on how much of the 60 hours’ power reserve is still available. At the latest on the third day, when the hand pivots into the red section, it is time to wind the watch.

Stylish elegance with a lucid design

Thanks to the harmonious dial configuration, the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN is easily identified at first glance. The twin date aperture beneath 12 o’clock marks the tip of an equilateral triangle. The subsidiary dials for the small seconds at 9 o’clock and for the precisely jumping minute counter at 3 o’clock are located below the horizontal centre axis of the dial, forming the base of the triangle. The characteristic, axially symmetric dial design assures optimum legibility. In the new version of the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN, it is available in blue for the first time: the rhodié-coloured subsidiary dials, luminous hands and baton hour markers contrast crisply with the elegant blue hue.

Harmony of precision and aesthetics – the manufacture calibre L951.6

The manually wound calibre L951.6 ‒ consisting of 451 parts, assembled twice and finished in typical Lange fashion ‒ breathes life into the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN. Thanks to the technical sophistication, complex architecture and the superior degree of finishing, it sets benchmarks in engineering and aesthetic appeal.

The classic column-wheel chronograph with a freely oscillating balance spring and a balance with eccentric poising weights beats at a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5 hertz) and allows time measurements with an accuracy of one-fifth of a second. Through the sapphire-crystal caseback, the minute counter mechanism and the column wheel, which controls the start and stop sequences, can be admired in action.

The exceptional technical sophistication of the movement is paired with superb artisanal perfection. Acute internal angles of movement parts, as can be found, for example, in the clutch rocker of the chronograph mechanism, merit particular attention. To achieve this high degree of perfection requires remarkable dexterity and experience. Further traditional elements of this micromechanical work of art include bridges made of untreated German silver, the hand-engraved balance cock with a whiplash spring and the four gold screwed chatons.

Now available in three model versions

The dimensions of the new model version remain unchanged: the case boasts a diameter of 41.0 millimetres and a height of 13.1 millimetres. In addition to the new DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN in white gold with a blue dial limited to 125 pieces, the model is also still available in a platinum/black and pink-gold/black case/dial combination.

“To date, designing and crafting top-class chronographs ranks among the greatest challenges in precision watchmaking,” states Anthony de Haas, Director Product Development. “As early as 25 years ago, our engineers created a masterpiece with the DATOGRAPH that marries highly sophisticated functions with a well-balanced dial configuration. This singular combination of true engineering finesse and expressive design has made the DATOGRAPH an emblem of our philosophy to continue to explore new avenues, and serves as an incentive for future developments.”