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Lot Essay
Since its introduction, the Datograph has attained near-legendary status among collectors, establishing itself as one of the defining chronographs of modern watchmaking. Revered for both its technical ingenuity and extraordinary movement architecture, it is widely regarded as one of the finest serially produced chronograph wristwatches ever created. The pink gold version, such as the present timepiece, has become affectionately known among collectors as the ‘Dufourgraph’, a nickname inspired by legendary independent watchmaker Philippe Dufour, who famously chose a pink gold Datograph for his personal collection.
Presented to great acclaim at the 1999 Basel Fair, the Datograph Flyback represented a pivotal moment for A. Lange & Söhne and contemporary horology alike. It was the world’s first serially produced chronograph to combine a traditional column-wheel architecture with a precisely jumping minute counter, a patented oversized date display and a flyback function. Capable of timing intervals up to 30 minutes with one-fifth of a second precision, the movement offers exceptional legibility, while the flyback mechanism allows the chronograph to be instantaneously reset and restarted with a single press of the pusher. The signature oversized date, displayed through twin gold-framed apertures, has since become one of the manufacture’s defining design elements.
Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the calibre L951.1 is a masterpiece of traditional Saxon watchmaking. Comprising 405 individual components, it is constructed with untreated German silver plates and bridges, beautifully decorated with Glashütte ribbing, circular graining, polished bevels and mirror-finished steelwork. The hand-engraved balance cock, executed freehand by a master engraver, gives each movement its own individual character, perfectly illustrating A. Lange & Söhne’s uncompromising dedication to artisanal craftsmanship.
Presented to great acclaim at the 1999 Basel Fair, the Datograph Flyback represented a pivotal moment for A. Lange & Söhne and contemporary horology alike. It was the world’s first serially produced chronograph to combine a traditional column-wheel architecture with a precisely jumping minute counter, a patented oversized date display and a flyback function. Capable of timing intervals up to 30 minutes with one-fifth of a second precision, the movement offers exceptional legibility, while the flyback mechanism allows the chronograph to be instantaneously reset and restarted with a single press of the pusher. The signature oversized date, displayed through twin gold-framed apertures, has since become one of the manufacture’s defining design elements.
Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the calibre L951.1 is a masterpiece of traditional Saxon watchmaking. Comprising 405 individual components, it is constructed with untreated German silver plates and bridges, beautifully decorated with Glashütte ribbing, circular graining, polished bevels and mirror-finished steelwork. The hand-engraved balance cock, executed freehand by a master engraver, gives each movement its own individual character, perfectly illustrating A. Lange & Söhne’s uncompromising dedication to artisanal craftsmanship.