Description

The Datograph – a neologism of Date and Chronograph – was first introduced in 1999, carrying an in-house chronograph movement which was a rare feat for those days.

Originally launched in platinum as reference 403.035, rose and yellow gold editions were later made available as well, such as the present reference 403.031.

The reference 403.031 is one of the rarest variations of the Datograph, with production only lasting from 2003 to 2005. This model’s configuration with its black dial in a 18k rose gold case was famously purchased and worn by legendary watchmaker Philippe Dufour, earning it the nickname
‘Dufourgraph’ and cementing its legacy as one of its generation’s defining timepieces.

This beautiful collectible watch comes in a 18k rose gold case measuring 39mm and built in 3 blocks : the satin-finished case band, the polished bezel, and the caseback ring.

What sets this timepiece apart from many others is the fact that there is a unique particularity to the present watch: the metal bracelet.
The ‘Dufougraph’ was usually only available on leather strap. However, the current version features a bracelet courtesy of A. Lange & Sohne’s partner the German jeweler Wellendorff, while interestingly retaining the same reference number as the original strap version. This peculiarity is sure to raise this collectible’s value among watch collectors.  These bracelets, stamped with the Wellendorff stamp on the clasp, could be ordered upon request after a purchase of a Datograph, and hence only a few of these ‘bracelet Dufourgraphs’ are available out there.

The dial and the movement are as equally impressive as they are complex, the black dial features alternating baton and Roman numerals and lumed Gold hands matching the case material, while the outer tachymeter ring along with the sub dials and the date discs bring sharp contrast to the surface. The roman numerals at 2, 6 and 10 form a triangle that is symmetrically opposed by another triangle shaped by the date aperture and the sub dials. Similarly, the slightly lower sub dial positions at 4 and 8 o’ clock (instead of the usual 3 and 9) help strike a balance with the oversized date window at 12 o’ clock. These design details add geometrical harmony and clarity to the dial.

Moving on to the movement, the particularity of the caliber L951.1, with its 405 components and 40 rubies, explains why Philippe Dufour crowned it on numerous occasions as the best chronograph movement ever made. The in-house column wheel chronograph has a flyback function which allows the chronograph to reset on the push of a button. In addition, the ‘Dufourgraph’ has a jumping minute indicator which displays elapsed minutes in one-minute increments rather than continuously, allowing the user to have a precise reading of the elapsed time.

Offered here with its full orignal set, we are pleased to offer this unique opportunity to acquire a collectible Datograph.

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.