A. Lange & Söhne is a renowned German watch brand recognized for crafting top-of-the-line mechanical timepieces. Among its exceptional creations is the Datograph Perpetual, which expertly blends a chronograph with a perpetual calendar.
The Datograph Perpetual White Gold (410.038) is an exquisite iteration of this model, boasting an 18-carat white gold case and a solid silver grey dial. This watch is a feat of horological engineering and design, exemplifying the luxury and ingenuity that defines A. Lange & Söhne as a leader in the watchmaking industry.
Wristwatch Elegance: Style & Structure
This stunning timepiece boasts an intricate combination of a chronograph and a perpetual calendar, resulting in a sophisticated and highly functional watch. The 18-carat white gold case measures 41 mm in diameter and 13.5 mm in thickness, making it a bold accessory on the wrist. The solid silver grey dial features multiple subdials, windows, and indicators that showcase information such as the date, day, month, leap year, moon phase, and power reserve.
The rhodiumed gold hands and markers add a touch of elegance to the watch, while also providing luminosity in the dark. One standout feature of this watch is the flyback function, which allows for quick and easy resetting of the stopwatch with a single push of a button. The watch’s sleek and sophisticated appearance appeals to a wide range of aficionados who appreciate superior craftsmanship, technical precision, and timeless design.
The contrast between the white gold case and the grey dial creates a refined aesthetic that can effortlessly complement various outfits and occasions. The watch’s symmetrical dial layout and high level of finishing, which includes a polished case, sapphire crystal caseback, and a hand-stitched alligator leather strap, demonstrate the manufacturer’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
The Fabric of Time: Materials and Craftsmanship
Crafted from 18-carat white gold, this watch boasts both durability and luxury, lending it a truly refined appearance. Measuring 41 mm in diameter and 13.5 mm in height, the watch’s fixed bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal only add to its impressive design. The gray, solid silver dial features rhodiumed hands and is complemented by a classic and comfortable black alligator leather strap.
Impressively, the watch’s hand-wound movement touts a 36-hour power reserve and an array of complications such as a perpetual calendar, moon-phase display, chronograph, and day/night indicator. Though it’s water-resistant to 30 meters, this timepiece is not meant for swimming or diving. Meticulously crafted with an eye for both functionality and aesthetics, this watch is a true masterpiece for those with an appreciation of the finer things in life.
Movement and Accuracy
This watch boasts a hand-wound movement that operates at a frequency of 18,000 bph (3 Hz). This means the wearer must manually wind the movement to keep it running smoothly. With a power reserve of 36 hours, the watch can run without winding for that duration.
To maintain accuracy in different positions, the movement is precision-adjusted in five positions. The watch also features a stopwatch function via its chronograph and a complex perpetual calendar that displays a wealth of information, from dates to moon phases, and even adjusts for leap years. The movement is assembled and decorated by hand, and an engraved balance cock adds an extra touch of sophistication.
While specific details on accuracy and reliability are not provided by the manufacturer, it is widely believed that hand-wound movements are more dependable than automatic or quartz movements due to their lower friction and fewer moving parts. However, wearing such a timepiece requires attention and occasional maintenance, as the movement must be regularly wound and serviced. Would you like to learn more about this watch’s features and specifications?
The Complex Core: Functionality and Intricacies
The watch boasts a variety of impressive functions and complications. Utilizing a chronograph feature, it can accurately track elapsed time up to 30 minutes with ease and efficiency, thanks to its flyback mechanism. Activating this feature is a breeze with the two pushers located on the side of the case.
The chronograph also includes a central seconds hand and a sub-dial for the minutes counter. Additionally, the watch comes equipped with a perpetual calendar function that displays a multitude of important information. The date is prominently featured in a large double window at 12 o’clock, while the day, month, leap year and moon phase can all be viewed through the 3 sub-dials.
Impressively, this function is programmed to account for all the irregularities found within the Gregorian calendar up until the year 2100. The watch also includes a day/night indicator, displayed as a small circle that changes color from white to blue, situated between 7 and 8 o’clock. This useful feature ensures that your calendar settings are always accurately adjusted.
Crafted for Comfort: A Wearability Analysis
This timepiece blends a chronograph with a perpetual calendar in a sophisticated package. Crafted with a 41 mm white gold case and measuring 13.5 mm thick, it features a black alligator leather strap that is both comfortable and adjustable. The elegant grey dial is expertly complimented by the strap, providing a refined aesthetic and solid balance on the wrist without feeling too heavy.
This watch is perfect for formal occasions, yet stylish enough for casual wear. With a 36-hour power reserve and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this masterpiece boasts a moon-phase display, day/night indicator, and day-of-week display. The outsize date and flyback function make it easy to read and navigate.
Experience the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design with this watch, offering outstanding comfort and wearability.
Cost Meets Worth: Evaluating Value
The cost and quality of this impressive chronograph are not for the faint-hearted or those seeking a budget-friendly item. It is among the most intricate and pricey chronographs on the market, with a price around $140,000. But in return, you receive an exquisite blend of flyback chronograph and perpetual calendar mechanisms, encased in a stunning white gold shell with a striking grey face.
The A. Lange & Söhne brand speaks for itself when it comes to the handiwork and precision of this timepiece, visible through the sapphire caseback with its column wheel, jumping minute counter, and patented precisely jumping minute counter details. Whether this watch is right for you in comparison to other luxury chronographs depends on what you prioritize in your needs.
Do you prefer a more casual and sporty look? Then perhaps consider a Rolex Daytona or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore. Or lean towards a classic and elegant style, in which case you might opt for a Patek Philippe Nautilus or Vacheron Constantin Overseas. But if you’re seeking a watch that melds technical excellence, aesthetic refinement, and a rich horological history, this piece is well worth the investment.
It’s an exceptional and elevated timepiece that will undoubtedly impress any watch aficionado.
Pros and Cons
The watch offers impressive functionality and complexity by combining a chronograph with a perpetual calendar, making it a desirable timepiece. Its solid silver dial in a sophisticated grey/rhodié color gives it an elegant appearance that is sure to turn heads. Showcasing A.
Lange & Söhne’s precision and craftsmanship, the watch boasts a hand-wound movement with a 36-hour power reserve. However, its exclusivity may be a drawback for many, as it comes with a high price tag of around $130,000. Additionally, its thickness can make it uncomfortable and bulky to wear on the wrist, measuring 13.5 mm in height.
The complex dial, with four sub-dials and multiple indicators, may make it challenging to read or appreciate the time, which can be a downside for some.
Clocking Out: Final Review
In our final analysis, we have come to the conclusion that the Datograph Perpetual White Gold (410.038) is a truly exceptional piece of haute horlogerie. It manages to expertly blend a flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar and moon phase display into a remarkably elegant package. The 18k white gold construction and grey dial with rhodium-plated hands and applied hour markers give it a sleek, sophisticated appearance.
The timepiece is powered by the in-house caliber L952.1, boasting a power reserve of 36 hours and a frequency of 18,000 vph. Water-resistant up to 30 meters, it comes complete with a hand-stitched black alligator leather strap. It goes without saying that the Datograph Perpetual White Gold is not a watch for everyone.
It is a complex and refined timepiece that only those with a keen eye and deep appreciation for precision mechanics will truly appreciate. The price tag of $128,800 is also a testament to its exclusivity. However, owning this watch is to own a true masterpiece that will never go out of style.
It is reliable and durable with a timeless design that will stand the test of time. Those who invest in the Datograph Perpetual White Gold can rest assured that their investment will only appreciate in value over time. At the end of the day, the Datograph Perpetual White Gold (410.038) is one of the finest watches ever produced by A. Lange & Söhne. It is a true marvel of horological engineering that demands the admiration and respect of all watch enthusiasts.