If someone were to give me a pen and request that I sketch the most magnificent, graceful, and regal watch I could envision, I would decline—mostly because I lack drawing skills. However, if I were to describe it, it might resemble the Datograph Handwerkskunst by A. Lange & Söhne.
Featuring a hand-stitched dark brown alligator leather strap, a deployant buckle, an 18-karat yellow gold case set against a black-rhodiumed dial, Roman numeral-inspired indices, a meticulously crafted movement with 426 components, and a flyback chronograph, this is A. Lange & Söhne’s Datograph Handwerkskunst. It’s such an enchanting timepiece that it incited daydreams about hypothetical scenarios. The listed features are typically highlighted as the main selling points of a timepiece, yet I haven’t even begun to discuss its most captivating elements.
### The Movement
Made up of 426 components and 43 jewels, the Lange manufacture calibre L951.8 is a manually wound movement that truly represents A. Lange & Söhne’s commitment to detail and craftsmanship. Completely assembled and embellished by hand, the structure of the calibre showcases black-polished chronograph levers. This rare and time-intensive method creates a surface that reflects light only from specific angles, at times appearing jet black while at others shining brightly. The hand-engraved balance cock, featuring a delicate vine motif, gently rises from the surface, setting the tone for the rest of the movement. The untreated German silver plates and bridges give an impression of organic growth throughout the mechanism. Is it too far-fetched to claim that the movement’s overall design resembles intertwining vines? You can assess for yourself by looking at the caseback, where every polish, granulation, and engraving highlights the artisans’ diligent efforts.
This movement provides a 60-hour power reserve and operates a flyback chronograph with an accurate jumping minute counter, facilitating seamless resets and precise timing modifications. The oversized date display, a hallmark of the brand, creates a symmetrical elegance so appealing it could evoke tears from Leonardo da Vinci himself. Everything can be adjusted using a crown for winding and time setting, two chronograph buttons, and a button for rapid date correction.
### The Dial
The first feature to captivate viewers is undoubtedly the surface of the black-rhodiumed dial. Brought to life through intricate tremblage engraving—a historic technique rarely mastered by many artisans due to the extensive training needed—it forms a fine-grained, three-dimensional texture that captures and subtly reflects light, imparting a sense of mystery to the 41mm timepiece that is seldom seen in contemporary horology.
As the eighth addition in A. Lange & Söhne’s special HANDWERKSKUNST series, the Datograph Handwerkskunst is limited to just 25 pieces globally, which is understandable. I will allow Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development, to elaborate: “Executed manually with the utmost precision, the decorating and finishing showcase aesthetics that no machine in the world could replicate.”
This article was initially published on Esquire.Sg.
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