The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph was launched in 1999 to critical acclaim, immediately becoming the modern, high-end chronograph because of the incredible L951.1 movement inside.

The Datograph was originally available only in platinum with a black dial, a variant that has become the quintessential Lange chronograph, although many more versions of the Datograph were created subsequently. Last year the first generation Datograph was replaced by the Datograph Up/Down, which retained many of the key elements of the original, but in a larger scale containing an upgraded L951 movement.

This reference attempts to provide as much detail on the Datograph as possible. However, this covers the dial colour and case metal variations of the Datograph, including unique and gem-set examples. There were also extremely minor changes to the movement and dial design over its production, which is a subject for another article.

All Datographs referenced below are the first generation model.

Datograph ref. 403.035 (1999-2012)

In platinum with a black dial featuring silver sub-dials, this was the most common and longest lived of all the Datograph models.

Datograph ref. 403.031 (2003-2005)

This was a striking combination of pink gold with a black dial and silver sub-dials. It is nicknamed the “Dufour Datograph” or “Dufourgraph”, because this was once the only watch Philippe Dufour owned that he did not make himself. With its short production run, it is naturally less common than the silver dial version.

Ref. 403.035 (left), and ref. 403.031

Datograph Pisa ref. 403.025X (2004)

This is the only limited edition of the Datograph produced until the Datograph Lumen of 2018. It had all “albino” livery of a rhodium-plated dial matched with a platinum case.

Ten pieces were made for Milanese retailer Pisa Orologeria, each engraved “No. X/10” on the case back and delivered with an extra solid platinum case back. The watch was also delivered with two straps, brown and dark blue.

Two examples of the Datograph Pisa. Image – Phillips

Datograph ref. 403.032 (2005-2013)

Replacing the earlier pink gold model with a black dial, this is the more common version of the pink gold Datograph.

The ref. 403.032

Datograph ref. 403.041 (2008)

The one and only Datograph in yellow gold, and possibly the only Lange model made in this metal with a black dial. Production date is unknown but I estimate it was produced for a year, at most two, making it quite rare. In fact, this is likely the least common of the regular production Datographs with about 40 to 50 made.

The ref. 403.041

Ref. 453.135 (left), and ref. 453.035

Datograph ref. 403.435 (2006-2012)

The last version of the first-generation platinum Datograph on bracelet, which now has integrated end links. The same bracelet was also offered with the Langematik Perpetual.

Datograph ref. 403.432 (2006-2012)

The pink gold equivalent with a bracelet featuring integrated end links.

Ref. 403.435 (left), and ref. 403.432

Jewelled Datographs

The Datograph was also produced in tiny numbers with precious stones on the bezel, most often diamonds. All gem-set Datographs are 1 mm wider and 0.2 mm thicker at the bezel in order to accommodate the gemstones.

(This is not an exhaustive list as additional jewelled watches were made as custom orders.)

Datograph ref. 815.025

Platinum, rhodium-plated dial set with round diamonds in the centre and on chronograph sub-dials, bezel set with blue sapphires.

Datograph ref. 815.026

Platinum, rhodium-plated dial set with round diamonds in the centre and on chronograph sub-dials, bezel set with baguette diamonds.

The ref. 815.026. Image – Christie’s

Datograph ref. 815.031

Pink gold, black dial with silver sub-dials, bezel set with baguette diamonds.

Datograph ref. 815.032

Pink gold, silver dial with silver sub-dials, bezel set with baguette diamonds.

Datograph ref. 815.036

Platinum, black dial with black sub-dials and black date discs, bezel set with baguette diamonds. Made for Singapore retailer Sincere Watch Ltd.

The ref. 815.032. Image – Christie’s

Unique Datographs

I am also aware of three unique versions of the Datograph, all of which were made for people connected to the company. Lange did create pieces with unique dials such as these, not only for the Datograph but for other models as well, in the early days of the company, but it no longer does so (except perhaps on one or two special occasions).

Datograph ref. 403.035 “pre-Pisa” (?)

This unique piece predates the Datograph Pisa. It was made around 2001 for Dr Frank Müller, then the president of Lange. The difference between this and the Datograph Pisa lies in the central seconds hand – whereas the Pisa has a blued steel seconds hand, this has a rhodium-plated hand. This also lacks the limited edition engraving on the case back found on the Pisa.

The “pre-Pisa”

Datograph ref. 403.035 (?)

In platinum with a metallic blue dial matching sub-dials, this was one of the most unusual examples ever made, this was produced around the year 2000 for a director of Mannesmann VDO, which at the time owned Les Manufactures Horologères (LMH), the parent company of Lange.

Image – Markus Tschopp

Datograph ref. 403.035F

Produced in 2001 for a senior manager at Mannesmann VDO, this has an all-black dial, right down to the date discs.

Image – Markus Tschopp and Alexander Monkowius

For more on other versions of the Datograph, including subsequent models with additional complications, see the other articles on SJX Watches.

Many thanks to the PR team at Lange Uhren for their help in compiling this. If anyone has additional information or photos of pieces not presented help, please drop me a line.