Watches and Wonders 2024: A. Lange & Söhne Lights Up the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”

The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph is a timepiece of unparalleled renown. Unveiled in 1999 and refined in 2012, it stands as one of the most iconic chronographs across the horological frontiers. Among A. Lange & Söhne enthusiasts, the Datograph reigns supreme, captivating even connoisseurs like Philippe Dufour with its exquisite blend of elegance and mechanical prowess. In 2016, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon made its grand entrance, clad in platinum with a sleek black dial, making it one of the standout releases of the year. Today at Watches and Wonders 2024, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Datograph, we are treated to a luminous reinterpretation of this complication-laden masterpiece. Limited to just 50 pieces, this new edition carved in honey gold features a 'lumen' dial, offering a mesmerizing glimpse of the intricate movements within - an irresistible allure for any aficionado of Lange's craftsmanship.

The A. Lange & Söhne “Lumen” Dial: Perpetuity in Mechanism and in Radiance

The revived intricacies of the A. Lange & Söhne chronograph, perpetual calendar and tourbillon mechanism have been refined to an evolved epoch in the new manufacture caliber L952.4. With semi-transparent dial, a first for the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon and the sixth in the luminescent line-up, we now get a display that not only makes the time and calendar functions glows, but reveals the inner workings to further appreciate our affinity for the droolworthy caliber housed within. The new release exhibits superlative charms and highlights its aesthetic assets even in the dark.

The hour and minute hands get an inlay of a luminous compound while the central chronograph hand features an all-out luminescent coating. The slightly sunken sub-registers at 3 and 9 o’clock with their luminous facets serve as legible backdrops for the contrasting hands and lettering appearing in dark. Moreover, the tachymeter inscriptions gracing the dial’s periphery also get a signature lumen glow.

While the legibility of time, calendar and chronograph displays is uninterrupted in any lit or unlit condition, it is the outsize date at 12 o’clock that takes full advantage of the semi-transparent dial treatment. Its ingenious disc mechanism is all there to be absorbed by our ocular senses for their prime delight as the tens cross and units discs get a luminous coating as well, making their midnight orchestration of seamless switching a treat to behold.

An A. Lange & Söhne Exclusive Honey Gold case

The honey gold case of the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” released at Watches and Wonders 2024 finds a tailor-fit pairing with the sage green accents of the luminous dial. The 41.5mm case with its honey gold tone is rendered a unique warmth thanks to its 18-carat honey-hued construction. This is only the second A. Lange & Söhne piece that combines the hardened honey gold material with a luminous “Lumen” coating.

Within the resplendent case, we get a signature A. Lange & Söhne proportionate dial layout serving an evident interpretation of the triangle principle. The totalisers and the outsized date sit in perfect geometric harmony making the entire configuration a delectable yet flawless treat to perceive. Once again, A. Lange & Söhne succeeds in maintaining its speciality in balancing form and function to a level worthy of Da Vinci’s praise. The dial despite the overwhelming total of its displays feels clean and uncluttered.

A Contemporary Caliber Powering Classic Complications

The chief trio of eponymous complications and their supplementary functions seek motion and meaning from the evolved manufacture caliber L952.4. Each of its 684 components gets ultra haute horlogerie treatment in finishing execution as well as precision mechanical performance. Beating away at 2.5Hz, the caliber powers the timepiece and its abundant displays and functions to an autonomy of 50 hours.

Easy to decipher from the name, the principal complications include the Datograoph - designating a flyback chronograph with the typical A. Lange & Söhne outsize date, Perpetual - referring to the instantaneously switching perpetual calendar and the Tourbillon - here in its one-minute rotation and stop-seconds glory for superlative time setting precision.

A Luminous Twist for A True Mechanical Masterpiece

At daytime, any A. Lange & Söhne timepiece is an artwork of pièce de resistance remarks. With the release of the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” at Watches and Wonders 2024, the Saxon Manufacture lights up its intricacies making it delectable even in the dark. Despite its “Lumen” treatment which results in a very contemporary and somewhat zesty feature for an intrinsically very traditional conception, we cannot help but be fixated on its Halloween worthy luminescent drip.