Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
Year: Circa 2001
Reference No: 403.035
Movement No: 29’963
Case No: 136’281
Model Name: Datograph
Material: Platinum
Calibre: Manual, cal. L951.1, 40 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne pin buckle
Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne International Guarantee card, 2 instruction manuals, service invoice from 2007, Lange Datograph DVD and CD-ROM set, letter from A. Lange & Söhne with image of engraving on balance cock and signature of the engraver, fitted presentation box, and outer box.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1999, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph has widely been regarded by collectors as one of the finest modern chronograph wristwatches produced by any firm. Since its re-establishment, A. Lange & Söhne has been creating some of the most impressive timepieces executed to the highest quality. Featuring an in-house manual movement, it is expertly finished throughout with Glashütte stripes and a signature hand-engraved balance cock. The oversized date window display, particular to Lange wristwatches, inspired by the Dresden Semper Opera clock, sits perfectly legible at the 12 o’clock position.

The first generation of the Datograph features a 39mm diameter case without a power reserve indication, giving the dial a clean and simplistic appeal. Furthermore, the platinum case and black dial is the original Datograph that captured the admiration of so many collectors and connoisseurs when it first appeared at Baselworld in 1999. The present reference 403.035 displays many of the tiny peculiarities that set the earliest Datographs apart from their later counterparts and excite keen-eyed connoisseurs. Indicative of a first-generation example, the present lot bears a desirable “METER” dial, rather than “meters” on the tachymeter track, only seen in pieces produced before 2005. The German silver subdials have taken on a subtle patination, another feature of first-generation examples.

The present lot is offered with its original accessories and presentation box, in excellent overall condition.
Artist Biography
A. Lange & Söhne
German • 1845
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.
View More Works