A. Lange & Söhne produces works of incredible art that double as fine watches. While most non-horology types usually equate fine watchmaking with the Swiss, the German’s have elevated the art, along with both breathtaking details, as well as minimalist designs, to create some of the most sought-after watches on the planet.
The recently unveiled A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst hits a new level of aesthetic eye-candy and precision details that may outdo anything in the watch 
making world. The images included in this post just barely do it justice. And while some of the watches I have featured on this blog are obtainable, and I do own one or two, this watch isn’t. (maybe for a Saudi prince, but not for me) One of the brands other watches, that may rise to this level, sells for about $400,000. The actual price of this watch is not listed anywhere, except to say that the price is available upon request from the company. The old adage about; “if you have to ask the price, you probably can’t afford it,” is applicable here. The watch is limited to 25 total pieces worldwide.
A description of the watch, that might do it justice, would be too lengthy for a blog post. But, let me hit upon a few details to convey the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into the making of this watch.
The 41mm case is made from 18-carat yellow gold. It has a sapphire glass exhibition case back. The dial color is grey and the movement is a manually-wound L951.8 with a 60 hour power reserve. It includes an outsized date window feature and a chronograph.
According to the brand; “The limited HANDWERKSKUNST edition boasts rare and exceedingly sophisticated dial and movement decorations.” A. Lange & Söhne further states that the dial: “feature(s) an ornate tremblage engraving, resulting in a three-dimensional structure with subtle light reflexions.
This requires the engraver to use a special tool, and endless patience, to create the fine-grained surface effect. The Roman numberal appliques at the hour markers, are carefully chamfered and decorated with straight graining. This is true of the hands of the watch. It requires meticulous craftsmanship to pull these details off.
Although observing the dial of the watch from the front would seem to be enough to leave most people in awe, it only requires flipping the timepiece over to reveal an exhibition back that is at least as awe-inspiring, if not more so.
Observing the integral calibre L951.8 movement reveals lavishly finished levers and parts that have been finished by “blackpolish,” a painstaking technique that ensures that when light hits every piece, it is reflected in one direction. This makes the levers look like they are jet black from that on
e direction, but with a mirror-like surface from any other angle.
The surfaces of the “bridges” are granular and made form German silver. The intricate engraving on the balance cock includes a “filigreed vine pattern.” The vine pattern is relief-engraved, and not just cut into the material.
This new Datograph Handwerkskunst is the eighth model in this special edition series.
