Let me express from the outset how challenging it is to do justice to A. Lange & Söhne. There's little left to say about the remarkable quality of this German watchmaker's creations that hasn't already been extensively discussed.
The recent unveiling of the new Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold "Lumen" during Watches and Wonders 2024 inspired us, so here's a short story.
Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” © A. Lange & Söhne
The journey began with the launch of the first Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon in 2016, featuring a platinum 950 case, a black dial in silver and powered by the Calibre L952.2.
In 2019 I had the privilege of photographing the second model of the collection during the SIHH and it remains one of the most exquisite timepieces I've ever beheld. This time encased in white gold with a rose gold dial keeping the Ø 41.5mm case size and powered by the same Calibre L952.2.
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon (2016) © A. Lange & Söhne
A. Lange & Calibre L952.2 © A. Lange & Söhne
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon (2019) © A. Lange & Söhne
As for the "Lumen" collection it began in 2010 with the Zeitwerk "Luminous" through the technical solution of a special coating on the inside of the glass acting like inverted sunglasses only allowing UV rays to pass through.
Here's a simple list:
2010 - Zeitwerk "Luminous"
2013 - Grand Lange 1 "Lumen"
2016 - Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase "Lumen"
2018 - Datograph Up/Down "Lumen"
2021 - Zeitwerk Honeygold "Lumen"
Zeitwerk "Luminous" © A. Lange & Söhne
Grand Lange 1 "Lumen" © A. Lange & Söhne
Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase "Lumen" © A. Lange & Söhne
Datograph Up/Down "Lumen" © A. Lange & Söhne
Zeitwerk Honeygold "Lumen" © A. Lange & Söhne
If the magic happens when the lights go out, pun intended, it perfectly fits the new Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon "Lumen".
During Watches and Wonders 2024 the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon joined A. Lange & Söhne's Lumen collection housed in a Ø 41.5mm Honeygold case.
The smoked, semi-transparent dial, characteristic of the collection, allows a glimpse of the mechanical ballet millimeters below and if the magic happens when the lights go out, pun intended, it perfectly fits the new Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon "Lumen".
In a design simplification the power reserve indication was removed leading to the refinement of the Calibre L952.2 making it the new Calibre L952.4 with 45 fewer components than its predecessors, while maintaining all functions. In reality, we're talking about a movement with 729 parts that has been reduced to only 684!
Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” © A. Lange & Söhne
Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” Calibre L952.4 © A. Lange & Söhne
Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” © A. Lange & Söhne
In the style of A. Lange & Söhne the new Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon "Lumen" emerged like a gentle whisper, incorporating subtle refinements that enhance this exceptional timepiece.
Looking at the Lumen collection the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon was indeed missing.
An extraordinary watch, both aesthetically and technically!
Inspiring!
Reference: 740.055FE / LSLS7406AA
Limited to 50 pieces, Calibre L952.4, Ø 41.5 mm Honeygold® case, manually wound movement, 50 hours of power reserve.
Complications
Outsize date, day/night indicator, moon-phase display, calendar function, tourbillon, chronograph, day-of-week display.
