A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon

amanico · 2016-01-25T01:12:11Z

Explore the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon from SIHH 2016. Discover insights on its chronograph, perpetual calendar, and tourbillon, plus collector debates on design and value.

amanico

WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum

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Amanico introduces the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, a significant new release from SIHH 2016. His post provides an initial overview of this highly complicated timepiece, combining a flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar, and a discreet tourbillon. Amanico offers his personal perspective on the integration of multiple complications, setting the stage for a community discussion on its design, technical prowess, and market positioning.

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Another interesting release from Lange, this year, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon.

So, as you can guess, you have an exceptional chronograph coupled to a grande date which is associated to a complete perpetual calendar and, cherry on the cake, a superb tourbillon which has the good taste to be located on the back side.

Still, I prefer three watches, one for the Tourbillon, one for the Perpetual Calendar and one for the Chronograph, but for those who are mad about the " three watches in one " solution, this one is a serious and interesting offer.

The case is made of platinum, 41, 5 mm big, which is good, 14, 6 mm high, which is quite thick. Without speaking of the weight, quite important.

The perpetual calendar, complete, with a moon phase accurate to one day each 122, 6 years, can be set, in a synchronized way, through the pusher at ten o' clock. The days and the months are not that easy to read. But since we don't read time anymore, but as we admire it...

The Chronograph is flyback, with jumping minutes.

The Tourbillon has a stop second.

As for the movement, the Cal 952-2 is superlative in its decoration and in its characteristics:

- 59 jewels, which is not exceptional, but less common, 1 diamond, too.

- 5 screwed gold chatons.

- 729 parts!

And, last but ont least, very impressive to look at. Sculptural.

This movement beats at the quite pace of 18000 vibrations per hour, and has a power reserve of 50 hours.

One last detail, the power reserve, located between 9 and 10 o' clock. Discrete and original, a bit the same than the one of the JLC Extreme Lab 2.

Here are the few pictures I could take:

The bomb:

No bad, not bad... Even if I would still prefer a Datograph first generation, a Langematik Perpetual and a Lange One Tourbillon.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-01-25 01:14:20

Key Points from the Discussion

Some collectors prefer individual watches for each complication (tourbillon, perpetual calendar, chronograph) rather than a single highly complicated piece, despite acknowledging the stunning craftsmanship of Lange's integrated design.
The addition of a hidden tourbillon significantly increases the price, making these designs less accessible. Removing the tourbillon could open up these watches to a broader audience without compromising the core aesthetic.
A point of debate is the inclusion of the word 'tourbillon' on the dial, with some preferring a cleaner dial and believing the owner's knowledge of the complication is sufficient.
The tourbillon's visibility on the movement side, rather than the dial, is appreciated by some for its discreet nature, maintaining a stealthy elegance while still showcasing the technical achievement.
The watch's 41.5mm platinum case and 14.6mm height make it substantial, leading to discussions about its wearability and weight, especially compared to other complicated Lange models.
The practicality of a manual-wind perpetual calendar is questioned, with a preference for longer power reserves (e.g., 30-60 days) to make such a complication more user-friendly.

The Discussion

ik2000

Jan 25, 2016

Being Lange, of course they had to put 3 in one....

Just to show they can, but like you, I would rather the 3 in seperate watches ... Even though Lange are at the high end of pricing, this and the L1 Perpetual Tourbillon are both stunning watches, but just totally out of reach price wise because of the addition of the hidden tourbillon. Remove the tourbillon (maybe call it the baby version, I am sure owners wouldn't care!), and you open up these great designs to more people. I think the L1 Perp Tourb is a beautiful watch, but it would be beautifu

amanico

Jan 25, 2016

But there is already a Datograph Perpetual in the collection. Ok, not black dialed, but I am sure it will come some day. Thanks, Imran. [nt]

Mark in Paris

Jan 25, 2016

I like it a lot

Hi Nicolas and thanks for the report, you seem to have ahd a lot of work last week! I'm not a fan of the usually bigger sizes we see in the very complicated models. Here, it seems an exception as the watch seems, on the paper, to remain "acceptable". I must say I really like its layout and how it was built and designed. This time the tourbillon is not hidden into the caliber's bridges and the tourbillon cage is very "opened". It is thus well integrated into the movement. The dial is perfect to m

amanico

Jan 25, 2016

A nice looking watch, with a well integrated tourbillon, I agree.

A lot of pleasure rather than work, as every year. It just takes a lot of time to digest all these novelties. Best, Mark, and thanks for your feedback. Nicolas

patrickh

Jan 25, 2016

The movement is really a "bomb"

as you said. A watch to be worn upside down (if you remembered a "special" dato photo posted by Alex83 one month ago). Good job LANGE. Cheers, Patrickh

amanico

Jan 25, 2016

The best feature, in my opinion. Thanks for your feedback, Patrick. [nt]

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A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon

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