A. Lange & Söhne Debuts New Datograph In Handwerkskunst Series
Handwerkskunst, which in German means craftsmanship, is also an exclusive line from A. Lange & Söhne (ALS) that distinguishes rare timepieces with special engravings on the dial and movement, which began in 2011 and currently has six limited editions. The latest to join this restricted batch is the impressive Datograph which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
The new ALS follows the design of the last Datograph Up/Down known at the time of Watches And Wonders, embracing a 41mm diameter by 13.10mm thick case crafted from 18k yellow gold with satin-brushed and polished finishes on the bezel and case back, sapphire crystal on both sides, straight lugs, fluted crown at 3 o’clock sided by two block-shaped pushers and an additional one at 10 o’clock.
The dial is a standout feature of this model, crafted from a solid gold base. It incorporates hour markers, Roman numerals, counter scales, a tachymeter inner bezel, a date window, sub-dial frames, and the brand’s lettering, all in positive relief. The dial is treated with the Tremblage technique, a first-hand-grained layer that is then coated with black rhodium, giving it a distinctive grey tone. This contrasts with the sub-dials, which are finished with standard rhodium coating for a white-silvery appearance. The watch’s set hands, including the two sub-dial hands for the 30-minute and running seconds counters, are crafted from gold.
At its heart is the In-house L951.8 hand-wound movement. It is equipped with a column wheel and a horizontal clutch for the flyback chronograph function, operating at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (Vph) and offering a power reserve of up to 60 hours. The movement’s plates and bridges are made of untreated German silver, finished with a grained surface, engraved floral pattern, and heat-blue screws, adding to the watch’s aesthetic appeal.
This exclusive timepiece is limited to just 25 units, each attached to a brown alligator leather strap with a yellow gold deployment buckle. Given its limited availability and the high level of detail involved in its creation, the price is available only upon request, emphasizing its status as a collector’s item.
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General Specifications:
Brand: A. Lange & Söhne
Model: Datograph Handwerkskunst Limited Edition
Reference: 405.048F
Dial: Solid gold with a grained rhodium-coated
Case Material: 18K yellow gold
Case Dimensions: 41 mm Diameter, 13.10 mm thick
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: No
Strap: Brown alligator leather strap with an 18K yellow gold deployment buckle
Calibre: L951.8
Dimensions: 30.60 mm Diameter, 7.90 mm thickness
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 18,000 Vph
Jewels: 43
Parts: 426
Power Reserve: 60 Hours
Price: Upon request
Limited Edition: Yes, 25 pieces
