For the 25th anniversary of the Datograph, A. Lange & Söhne is celebrating in a big way with the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”. Given the milestone anniversary, it’s fitting to see the most technically exceptional Datograph delivered in the appealing Honeygold “Lumen” format first seen in 2021 with the Zeitwerk.

This is the ultimate anniversary Datograph, with a price to match. The 25th anniversary, however, is also being marked with the more affordable Datograph Up/Down in white gold.

Initial thoughts

It’s hard to overstate the impact that the original Datograph had on fine watchmaking – specifically the construction of high-end chronograph movements – since its debut in 1999. Much has been written about this moment, but in short this is an anniversary worth celebrating. 

As good as the “Lumen” is, and it’s nearly faultless, I expected more from Lange. At the end of the day it’s a combination of known elements, so the end result is not groundbreaking. 

That said, there isn’t much I’d change. The underlying L951 calibre remains best-in-class after a quarter of a century, and the tourbillon version, which has now been in production for nine years, is executed masterfully.

Given the degree of complication and Lange’s proclivity for making big, sturdy watches, the proportions are actually not that bad. While known to be a bit top heavy, the overall dimensions are not outside the norm, especially for a watch of this complexity.

While pricing has not been confirmed, expect it to be in excess of around €620,000 (including VAT). While the pricing is certainly aggressive, it will likely be in short supply given the 50-piece run. Predictably, it’s a boutique-only edition. 

The 25th anniversary duo, so far

Party everywhere

Few brands encapsulate the notion of “business in the front, party in the back” like Lange. On the dial, the brand’s signature aesthetic is austere, logical, and serious.

While Lange has shown itself capable of flamboyant designs, like the Soirée and Handwerkskunst editions, these remain exceptions to the norm. In other words, it’s usually only when you turn the watch over to see the movement that the magic happens. 

The Lumen collection is Lange’s way of letting its hair down and having fun. As a result, they are arguably the brand’s most visually engaging watches, especially at full “charge”.

Given the hallmark smoked sapphire dial, the Lumen format is most exciting when there’s a lot of action to be seen on the dial side of the movement. And it’s in this respect that the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” really shines (no pun intended). 

Previous Lumen editions, like the Lange 1, Datograph Up/Down, and Zeitwerk, feature relatively simple under-dial views dominated by perlage and discs for the date or time. With a perpetual calendar integrated into the dial side of the mainplate, the L952.4 raises the bar for visual interest, especially around the moonphase indicator at six o’clock.

Keen observers will have noticed that the L952.4 movement designation differs from the L952.2 in the standard model. The difference is that the Lumen omits the power reserve indicator for a cleaner look. There are also some other minor tweak to dial-side components due to the transparent dial, but the rest of the movement is identical to the standard version, essentially the basic Datograph movement with the addition of a one-minute tourbillon.

Lumen aside, the other defining characteristic of this anniversary Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon is the Honeygold case. A gold alloy exclusive to Lange in watchmaking, Honeygold is best described as a cross between yellow and pink gold in terms of colour, while its physical properties include greater hardness than conventional 18k gold alloys.

Key facts and price

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”
Ref. 740.055FE

Diameter: 41.5 mm
Height: 14.6 mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Material: 18k Honeygold
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: L952.4
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, perpetual calendar, moonphase, flyback chronograph, and oversized date
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Alligator with deployant clasp in 18k Honeygold

Limited edition: 50 watches
Availability: Only at A. Lange & Söhne boutiques
Price: Around €620,000 including VAT

For more, visit Alange-soehne.com.