A. Lange & Söhne is marking 25 years of its landmark chronograph of 1999 with the Datograph Up/Down “25th Anniversary”, a limited edition that’s a subtle but significant variation of the familiar model. The anniversary Datograph sports a dark blue dial matched with a white gold case that contains the much loved L951.6 movement.

Limited to 125 pieces, the new model joins the regular production versions in platinum and pink gold (both with black dials) that remain in the catalogue. And it’s the more affordable of the anniversary editions, with the flagship being the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”.

Initial thoughts

While the anniversary Datograph doesn’t seem like much on the face of it, the colour and material is fairly unique for the model. The Datograph has only ever been offered in platinum, pink or yellow gold, and never before with a blue dial (except on one occasion). Though left unstated in the official announcement, the blue dial is clearly a reference to a unique example of the first-generation Datograph that had a blue dial, something that fans of the brand will appreciate.

Moreover, the Datograph is rarely iterated as a limited edition. This is only the third Datograph limited edition (following the Datograph Lumen of 2019), leaving aside gem-set models.

Consequently, there’s a lot to like about this, with a big caveat. As comparably-priced alternative to the regular production models, this is a compelling proposition. However, the fact that buying Lange watches from a boutique is challenging diminishes some of the appeal.

This is not the only anniversary edition, another is the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold Lumen (left)

A few modest tweaks

The Datograph “25th Anniversary” is a modest variation of the standard model. Instead of a black dial, this has a dark blue dial with silvered sub-dials and white date discs. As is usual for Lange, the dial is a disc of silver that’s treated blue (either with PVD or galvanic coating), while the hands and markers are 18k white gold.

The case is 18k white gold and identical in size, so it is 41 mm wide and 13.1 mm high. It’s large and slightly chunky in the typical Lange style, but finished well.

Likewise, the case back shows off the L951.6, the same calibre found in the regular production version. It’s an evolutionary successor of the L951.1 found in the original Datograph of 1999, but largely identical. The well-known and revered aesthetics remain the centrepiece, particularly the intricate chronograph works that have both depth and texture.

Key facts and price

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down “25th Anniversary”
Ref. 405.028

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 13.1 mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Material: 18k white gold
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: L961.6
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, flyback chronograph, and oversized date
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: Alligator with pin buckle

Limited edition: 125 watches
Availability: Only at A. Lange & Söhne boutiques
Price: Around €125,000 including VAT

For more, visit Alange-soehne.com.