Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne Year: 2019 Reference No: LSLS4052AI Movement No: 134'424 Case No: 235'788 Model Name: Datograph Auf/Ab "Lumen" Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. L951.7, 46 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: A. Lange & Söhne platinum pin buckle Dimensions: 41mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne Guarantee booklet stamped by Brussel retailer "Maison de Greef" and dated April 8, 2019, instruction booklet, leather document holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph is arguably one of the most fascinating chronograph wristwatches produced by a modern manufacture. With a beautiful combination of traditional watchmaking and fine aesthetics, the Datograph displays a well-balanced dial layout on the front and when flipped to the movement side, it displays its in-house manual movement, expertly finished throughout with Glashütte stripes and signature hand-engraved balance cock. The oversized date window display, particular to Lange wristwatches and inspired by the Dresden Semper Opera clock, crowns the dial atop simplified and highly legible - and in this edition, luminous - seconds and minute counters. Traditionally produced in platinum and rose gold with a solid black dial, the “Lumen” transcends this aesthetics, bringing a completely fresh appeal to the famed model.
First introduced in December 2018, the Datograph “Lumen” was launched as a limited edition series of 200 pieces. Differentiating from its regular peers, the dial is where the magic happens. With a complex construction of the main dial in tinted sapphire, the translucency allows the main plate below to be exhibited, proudly displaying its precise perlage finish on the surface. Although many may think that the implementation of the tinted sapphire was purely for aesthetics, it serves an important purpose. The tinted sapphire dial allows the luminous material to absorb UV rays from daylight to be luminous at night. This feature applies to all luminous components on the dial including the tachymeter scale, subsidiary dials, date and power reserve indicator. The “Lumen” bears the same legendary caliber as the regular model: cal. L951.7, referred by many as one of the most impressive chronograph movements, consisting of an impressive 454 components in total.
The present example Datograph “Lumen”, numbered 83, is presented in “like new” condition, complete of all accessories that came with the watch, and even retaining its original factory stickers: a true unworn gem. This is an important opportunity for the most discerned connoisseurs of A. Lange & Söhne to acquire a highly attractive, rare and sought after Datograph Lumen in pristine condition.
Originally founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in Glashütte, Dresden, Germany, the firm established an entire watchmaking culture and industry in Glashütte. The brand quickly became Germany's finest watchmaker, first creating dependable, easy-to-repair watches before going on to produce some of the world's finest complicated pocket watches, including Grande Sonnerie watches, tourbillon watches and Grande Complications.
On the final day of World War II, their factories were destroyed by Russian bombers, and in 1948 the brand was confiscated by the Soviet Union. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Ferdinand's great grandson Walter Lange re-established the brand with the objective to once again produce top-quality luxury watches. Now part of the Richemont Group, its original vintage and modern creations are highly coveted by collectors. Key models from the modern era include the Lange 1, Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon and the Zeitwerk.
Ref. LSLS4052AI A fascinating platinum chronograph wristwatch with date, power reserve indication, semitransparent luminous dial, guarantee and box, number 83 of a 200 pieces limited edition
2019 41mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
