There are very few established watch brands that still have the ability to really wow us year in and year out. A. Lange & Söhne is most definitely one of them and if you needed any convincing of that fact than look no further than the exceptional Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon unveiled at SIHH 2016 earlier today.
The Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon
Limited to just 100 pieces the new Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon is no doubt destined to quickly shoot to the top of many collectors’ ‘must have’ lists thanks to its delicate blend of complexity and aesthetic beauty. Taking Lange & Söhne’s existing – and highly popular – Datograph Perpetual, this new model – as the name suggests – sees the introduction of a tourbillon into the mix.
I’m just going to take a minute to let that last line sink in. Datograph. Perpetual Calendar. Tourbillon. What else could you possibly ask for besides maybe a minute repeater, although presumably that would just make the case too thick to be worn socially be any respectable gentleman. No, I think Lange & Söhne have got the balance between functionality and excessive opulence just about right with its new Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon.
Presented in a 41.5mm x 14.6mm platinum case, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon is powered by the wonderfully intricate Lange Caliber L952.2, comprised of some 729 parts. As with its sibling, the Datograph Perpetual, this new model offers a column-wheel chronograph with jumping minute counter, a flyback function as well a perpetual calendar complete with moonphase indicator and outsize date display. In addition to the date the watch also of course displays the day-of-week, month and leap-year displays in subsidiary dials.
Of course many of you are probably wondering right now where the tourbillon actually is. Fortunately the creative folk at Lange & Söhne had the good taste (and sense) to not mess with the existing harmony of the Datograph Perpetual dial – with the obvious exception of course of adding the word ‘Tourbillon’ just below ‘Datograph Perpetual’. Rather, like the good old fashioned, traditional-styled watches of yesteryear, the tourbillon is tucked away on the back of the movement, strictly for the viewing pleasure of the wearer only as and when he or she chooses. That being said, you may find the tourbillon isn’t the only thing that catches your attention when you turn the watch over. Talk about a thing of beauty!
What’s not visible is the fact that the balance beats at a slightly slowed rate of 18,000 (2.5 Hz) – a first for a Lange tourbillon with chronograph – resulting in a display accuracy of one-fifth of a second for stopped times. Also not shown is the 50 hour power reserve, although if you look closely you’ll notice there’s a subtle indicator cleverly incorporated into the tachymeter scale between 9 and 11 o’clock.
When launched the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon will run you a cool EUR295,000. Better get your cards ready now those as these babies are sure to be popular.
For more information please visit A. Lange & Sohne.
