A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down - Ref. 405.035

The Watch

Updated and modernised with nuanced but consequential adjustments, this Datograph Up/Down 405.035 is a mint example of an evolved icon. Presented in 950 platinum, the 41mm case of this Datograph remains quintessential Lange, with its signature notched lugs carrying a polished finish, while the case band carrying a brushed. The case has an overwhelming air of class to its form, with its wide polished bezel and wonderful pushers matching the lines and curves of the case. Simultaneously bold yet dignified, the commanding presence of this 405.035 Datograph is exemplary, with its contemporary flair most apparent throughout its dial.

A jet-black base with contrasting accents with its typography to its furniture, this Datograph is a monochromatic slice of excellence. Small, precise baton markers surround the dial sitting inside from the A.Lange & Söhne signed pulsometer ring, an often underappreciated implementation of branding. Excluding its power reserve indicator sitting right at the very bottom of the dial at six o’clock, as well as blued hands for the twin sub-registers, this is an archetypal Datograph. Between its Dresden Semper Opera House-inspired double date aperture, textbook A. Lange & Söhne lumed Alpha style hands and a fantastic needle style chronograph hand, the 405.035 is pure distinction subtly yet tastefully revitalised.

The Movement

Like every single Lange, the Datograph has both the brains and beauty thanks to the updated L951.6. Now with 60 hours of autonomy instead of the 40 from the last generation, vibrating at 18,000 vph, this manually wound flyback, column-wheel chronograph calibre with double-digit date and power reserve indicator is nothing short of tremendous. And, of course, with the movement being an A. Lange & Söhne creation, listing its statistics and performance is only half of the story. The craftsmanship and attractive aesthetics are what this movement is all about. Enjoyable through the display caseback is a mix of German silver bridges, extensive polishing, sharp interior angles, and soft bevelling. With its signature highly engraved balance cock, fine finishing is quite literally everywhere you look.

How It Wears

Despite measuring 2mm wider than the pioneering Datograph, as well as a hair over 13mm thick, you’ll be pleased to hear that this 405.035 in fact allows for a more proportional wearer. The refinement and quality of the piece remain, yet the grandeur of its platinum form and technical brilliance is overwhelmingly significant. Few watches feel as important as an A.Lange & Söhne on the wrist, and this Datograph sits at the apex of this experience.

Condition

Dating from 2014, this A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down 405.035 is presented in mint condition, with only hairline scratches present. The watch is offered as a full set and is complete with its original strap along with a Mr Watchley Mid Grey Saffiano strap. Also included is the original  A. Lange & Söhne platinum pin buckle.

Origin 

The Datograph is arguably just as significant, if not more, than the pioneers from A. Lange & Söhne’s inaugural collection of 1994 despite arriving some five years later. But the wait for this model was most certainly worth it, with Lange using those five years to concentrate its attention on designing, developing, and crafting their next game-changer. During the 1999 Basel show, this entirely in-house flyback chronograph with big date complication, complete with terrific architecture and remarkable finishing, was introduced to the world. The calibre L951.1 represented a step forward in haute watchmaking, coming at a time when dominating legacy brands were still using the likes of Lemania or Valjoux base calibres with additional proprietary finishing. Lange, on the other hand, had a complicated calibre completely produced under their own roof in Glashütte after less than ten years of operation; the world was paying attention. With its performance, elaborate architecture, stellar finishing, and exceptional craftsmanship, the Datograph and its movement came at the perfect time, demonstrating their proficiency to fellow manufacturers. A watch of this standard created by a brand that had only been back in business five years left consumers and even executives at rivalling companies in awe of its brilliance. One person of those admirers was Philippe Dufour. Regarded as one of the greatest finishers and watchmakers, Dufour's appreciation for the Datograph resulted in an acquisition of an early example after referring to it as "the best chronograph ever made".

The Datograph experienced a noteworthy evolution in 2012, with the first reference of the series being discontinued and the Datograph Up/Down being announced as its successor. Portraying a modernisation of this powerhouse, the Up/Down didn’t just introduce a power reserve indicator, but it also featured adjustments to the proportions in thickness and width, as well as a move away from Roman numerals in favour of clean baton markers. Mechanically it's an elevated offering as well, with a longer running time, free-sprung balance, and a bettered isochronism when running the chronograph.  Available exclusively in 950 platinum or in 18-carat pink gold and both fitted with a black dial, the Datograph Up/Down does a wonderful job of conveying a modernised expression of the legendary Datograph while remaining true to the technical gravitas of the original.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment.