– By Logan Baker
As part of the 25th-anniversary celebration of its iconic chronograph, A. Lange & Söhne has unveiled a one-of-a-kind creation that is set to turn heads and tug at heartstrings.
Introducing the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition,” a unique masterpiece in white gold that will be sold at Phillips’ Geneva auction in November 2024, with all proceeds – including the buyers' premium – benefitting The Prince’s Trust, a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting young people develop essential life skills, prepare for work, and access employment opportunities.
The “Hampton Court Edition” is the final Datograph to mark the 25th anniversary of the brand's famous chronograph collection. This one-off model distinguishes itself not only with its aesthetic attributes but also with the charitable cause it champions.
The DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” has a refined 18k white-gold case, paired with a matte-grey dial and contrasting black subsidiary dials. This combination is a first for a Datograph, bringing a fresh visual identity to a storied timepiece. The restrained, monochromatic palette is interrupted only by the red central seconds hand, adding a subtle pop of color that emphasizes the watch's sporty yet sophisticated character.
The dial layout follows the familiar format of the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN, with its characteristic “flyback” chronograph complication and outsize date display. However, this edition features a unique touch: black date discs that blend seamlessly with the dial's color scheme. The subdued elegance of the dial is further complemented by the use of white gold for the hour markers and hands, ensuring that every detail reflects the meticulous craftsmanship that A. Lange & Söhne is known for.
The watch comes fitted with a solid seven-link white-gold bracelet, a rare offering from A. Lange & Söhne. This bracelet closely resembles the design of the platinum bracelets previously available on models like the Datograph Perpetual, but here it is executed in polished white gold. This choice of metal not only ties the bracelet into the overall aesthetic of the watch but also adds a layer of exclusivity to this already singular timepiece.
Adding to the exclusivity is the hunter caseback, or hinged cuvette. Engraved with the crest of the Concours of Elegance – a prestigious classic car show held at Hampton Court Palace – the cuvette lifts to reveal the L951.6 movement within. The manual-wind, in-house caliber, comprising 451 parts, is a testament to Lange's commitment to horological excellence. With its bridges crafted from untreated German silver, a hand-engraved balance cock, and four screwed gold chatons, the movement is a feast for the eyes and a marvel of precision engineering.
The unveiling of the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” continues Lange’s tradition of creating unique pieces to benefit The Prince’s Trust. The last time a Hampton Court Edition surfaced, it was a one-off 1815 Chronograph, also in white gold with a black dial, which sold for CHF 1,058,500 at Phillips Geneva, in November 2022. This time, the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN takes center stage, bringing with it an air of modernity and boldness.
On November 9, 2024, this singular Datograph will go under the hammer at Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, in Geneva. What sets this lot apart is that the entire proceeds, including the buyer’s premium, will be donated to The Prince’s Trust. Under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III, The Prince’s Trust helps young people develop essential life skills, prepare for employment, and access job opportunities—a mission that resonates deeply in today's challenging times.
A. Lange & Söhne’s DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” is not just another commemorative watch; it is a statement of intent, merging fine watchmaking with a noble cause. By combining a unique design, unparalleled craftsmanship, and a commitment to philanthropy, this timepiece is destined to become a highlight of the Geneva auction and a symbol of horological artistry with a purpose. Collectors and connoisseurs alike will undoubtedly have their eyes set on this masterpiece, not only for its aesthetic and mechanical merits but also for the difference it will make in the lives of those in need.
You can learn more about the A. Lange & Söhne DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN "Hampton Court Edition" by visiting the brand online.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
About Logan Baker
Logan has spent the past decade reporting on every aspect of the watch business. He joined Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo at the start of 2023 as the department's Senior Editorial Manager. He splits his time between New York and Geneva.
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Then And Now: The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph