A. Lange & Söhne’s is marking the 25th anniversary of its iconic chronograph with a series of limited editions, including the fresh-off-the-press Datograph Handwerkskunst. And now the brand has just announced a one-of-a-kind model that will be sold to benefit charity, the Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition”.

In white gold with a dial in grey and black – plus a matching white gold bracelet – the one-off Datograph continues the tradition of periodic unique pieces to benefit The Prince’s Trust, a United Kingdom charity that aids at-risk youth. The last Hampton Court Edition was an 1815 Chronograph in white gold with a black dial.

Initial thoughts

In some ways this is similar to the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” in being a compilation of Lange’s greatest hits. An iconic model with a unique and appealing dial, along with a weighty solid gold bracelet, make this watch easily appealing.

The grey, black, and red dial make this the sportiest Datograph ever, a look that is further accentuated with the gold bracelet. The aesthetic also suits the classic car theme of the watch.

Like to sell for high-six, or even low-seven, figures, the Hampton Court Edition will easily become one of the most expensive Lange wristwatches ever sold.

Concluding the anniversary

The Hampton Court Edition is the final Datograph launched for the model’s 25th anniversary and is in some senses a variant of the Datograph Up/Down 25th Anniversary, which shares the same white gold case.

It gets its name from the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, a classic car show at a 16th century stately home in Richmond Upon Thames, a town outside London. Lange has been the title sponsor of the event for several years.

The elements that make this a unique piece are easily apparent. To start with, the dial is an unusual matte grey with black registers and date discs, simultaneously accented with a red central seconds hand.

And then there is the white gold bracelet that’s essentially identical in design to the bracelet that Lange once offered as an option with watches like the Datograph Perpetual. The earlier bracelet was in platinum, however, while this is white gold and entirely polished.

And the final point of difference is the hunter back, or hinged cuvette, some typically only found on unique or limited editions. The hinged back is engraved with the Coucours of Elegance logo, and lifts to reveal the L951.6 movement.

The Hampton Court Edition will be sold at Phillips’ Geneva watch auction in November 2024, with all proceeds, including the customary buyer’s premium, going to The Prince’s Trust.

Key facts and price

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition”
Ref. 405.047

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 14.04 mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Material: 18k white gold
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: L951.6
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, flyback chronograph, power reserve, and oversized date
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: 18k white gold bracelet

Limited edition: Unique piece
Availability: To be sold at Phillips in November 2024, with proceeds going to The Prince’s Trust
Price: Unavailable

For more, visit Alange-soehne.com.