A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”

Twenty-five years after unveiling the Datograph, A. Lange & Söhne has crafted a resplendent new variant—the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”. This exquisite timepiece, which merges a flyback chronograph, a precise jumping minute counter, a perpetual calendar, and a tourbillon with a stop-seconds mechanism, recently debuted at the Watches and Wonders 2024 showcase. It marks the first occasion this watch is presented in the exclusive honey gold and as part of the “Lumen” series, with only 50 pieces available.

Since its 2016 introduction, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, equipped with three signature complications, has held a prestigious place in precision horology. The real challenge lies in ensuring these complex functions both operate in unison and are displayed in a clear, organized manner. Another highlight of the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” is its mechanical and design prowess in low light conditions.

The watch encompasses three traditional complications enhanced by additional features: The term Datograph denotes a flyback chronograph with the distinctive Lange outsize date. This mechanism facilitates rapid successive time measurements by allowing the chronograph to stop, reset to zero, and restart with a single press of a button. The minute counter jumps forward precisely as the chrono second’s hand completes its 60-second cycle, ensuring a clear reading of the elapsed time. A tachymeter scale on the sapphire crystal dial’s outer rim aids in calculating average speeds.

“In 2016, the A. Lange & Söhne engineers created one of our technically and aesthetically most sophisticated timepieces with the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon,” states Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development. “It integrates three classic complications—column-wheel chronograph, perpetual calendar, and tourbillon with additional practical features, all balanced with an optimally designed dial. The Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold ‘Lumen’ elevates these features, showcasing them even in darkness, demonstrating our commitment to pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking and illuminating complex mechanisms.”

“Perpetual” indicates the perpetual calendar that changes instantly and is calibrated according to the Gregorian calendar, accounting for variable month lengths and leap-year cycles. The moon-phase display, remarkably precise, diverges from the actual lunar cycle by only one day every 122.6 years. A rapid-adjustment button at 10 o’clock and three side case correctors facilitate the easy setting of the moon-phase, day, month, and leap year displays.

“Tourbillon” describes the one-minute tourbillon with a stop-second mechanism that compensates for gravitational effects on the movement. Every minute, this intricate mechanism rotates the critical components – the balance, lever, and escape wheel – around the stationary fourth wheel. A significant advancement came in 2008 when A. Lange & Söhne introduced the stop-seconds feature for the tourbillon, enhancing the precision with which the watch can be set.

The Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” excels both in function and form, with a layout that balances clarity with aesthetic appeal. The dial features a structured design, with the Lange outsize date at 12 o’clock, creating an equilateral triangle with two subsidiary dials. Additional displays are thoughtfully arranged for optimal legibility, with the moon-phase display elegantly integrated at 6 o’clock.

This model also stands out for its luminosity in darkness—the semi-transparent dial and luminescent coating ensure that the timepiece’s features remain visible in low light. The outsize date, which first appeared in the GRAND LANGE 1 “Lumen” of 2013, utilizes a specially developed mechanism where the discs are luminously coated and feature black numerals, enhancing visibility right after midnight.

At the core of the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” lies the new manufacture calibre L952.4. This intricate movement, made up of 684 parts and assembled twice, includes a classic column-wheel chronograph mechanism. It boasts a Lange balance spring and a Lange balance wheel, designed to ensure exceptional stability throughout its 50-hour power reserve. The movement’s intricate details, including bridges of untreated German silver and polished gold chatons, can be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback.

Unique to this edition, the watch’s dimensions remain consistent with previous models, featuring a 41.5-millimeter diameter and a 14.6-millimeter height in honey gold. This edition is the sixth of the limited “Lumen” series and the second to combine honey gold’s durability and unique sheen with a “Lumen” coating.