Description

The Datograph – A. Lange & Söhne’s in-house chronograph with date – was introduced in 1999. The present reference 403.041F is one of the rarest out-of-catalogue variations, with an estimated 30 pieces ever produced between 2007 and 2009. This configuration with a black dial inside a yellow gold case earned it the nickname “Yellowjacket”, due to its resemblance to the hunting wasp.

In order to further appreciate the elusiveness of this model, the story goes that Lange executives wore Yellowjackets at the SIHH 2008 to test the market. Though they were never officially released, these watches eventually made it out to collectors on a very selected basis.

The bright 18k yellow gold case measures 39mm and is made of 3 blocks : the satin-finished case band, the polished bezel, and the case-back ring.

The black dial features alternating baton and numerals as well as gold hands matching the case, while the tachymeter ring, sub dials and date discs bring sharp contrast to the surface. The Roman numerals form a triangle that is in symmetry with another triangle shaped by the date aperture and sub dials. Similarly, the slightly lower sub dial positions help strike a balance with the oversized date window at 12. These design details add harmony and clarity to the dial.

Behind it all is the legendary caliber L951.1 which was crowned by Philippe Dufour as the best chronograph movement ever made, cementing the legacy of the Datograph until today. We are proud to be once again offering exceptional timepieces for the most discerning collectors.

A yellow gold deployant clasp on a black alligator strap will securely fix this striking chronograph to your wrist.

A.Lange & Sohne – bio

Founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in Glashütte, Germany.  The company soon became the pioneers in watchmaking in their region.  After Ferdinand’s death his sons, Emil and Richard continued to produce the finest pocket watches of their time.
During World War II, they were victims of bombardments and eventually even got nationalised by the Soviet administration and ceased to exist. At the fall of the Berlin wall in 1990, the grand son of the founder, Walter Lange, revived the company with the help of Swiss watch manufacturers such as IWC & Jaeger-LeCoultre.   The brand introduced their new collection in 1994 with success and by 2000 the company got acquired by the Richemont Group.