31
A. Lange & Söhne
Ref. 403.031F
Datograph "Dufourgraph”
A rare and elegant pink gold flyback chronograph wristwatch with oversized date display, pink gold Wellendorff bracelet, proof of origin certificate, service papers, and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
• Presented with an exquisite 18K rose gold Wellendorff bracelet
• Early example with ‘METER’ dial
The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Ref. 403.031 stands as a paragon of horological artistry and technical mastery. This first-generation Datograph, crafted in pink gold, is a rarer variant compared with its platinum counterpart.
The 39mm case exudes a quiet sophistication, perfectly complementing the watch’s striking black dial. The dial’s balanced layout features oversized date displays, a flyback chronograph function, and a tachymeter scale, all hallmarks of Lange’s iconic design language.
The present watch is distinguished by its superb 18K pink gold bracelet made by German jeweler Wellendorff. Its articulated links give the 39 mm Datograph a markedly different presence on the wrist while complementing the warmth of its case and applied dial furniture. Another defining characteristic of this first-generation Datograph is the tachymeter scale inscribed with ‘METER’—a subtle yet highly significant detail that distinguishes it from later production models, which adopted the ‘METERS’ scale around 2005. This small but essential nuance is a key identifier for collectors seeking early examples of the Datograph.
Powering this masterpiece is the legendary manually-wound Caliber L951.1, a movement widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and technically impressive chronograph calibers ever created.
The “Dufourgraph” nickname originates from Philippe Dufour’s high praise for the Datograph, which he famously declared as “the best chronograph ever made”, and his ownership of this exact variation. This endorsement from one of the greatest watchmakers in history has further solidified the Datograph’s status as a modern icon and a must-have for discerning collectors.
A. Lange & Söhne
German | 1845Originally 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.