Anyone mistaking this as a new dial variation of last year’s Datograph Perpetual could be forgiven. But no, it is not; this is the new Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, which A. Lange & Söhne spent four years developing. The quick and easy way of identifying the new model is the presence of a curved white and red power reserve indicator on the dial flange at the 10 o’clock position, as well as the absence of small circular indicators jutting out of the two sub-dials. Also, it proffers a longer power reserve of 50 hours.

The sweet combination of perpetual calendar and tourbillon easily makes this watch a Holy Grail watch contender. For the perpetual calendar, in addition to awareness of differing lengths of the months and the leap year cycle, the moon phase is extremely accurate as can be expected from A. Lange & Söhne. In this case, the display will be off by only one day in 122.6 years.

All calendar elements are individually correctable with recessed pushers on the side of the case. One regular pusher at 10 o’clock advances the entire calendar by one day. Accidental activation when worn or when the watch is placed on the side is made impossible, as one must pull the crown out first in order for this button to be operational. There you have it –convenience and security in one.

Ever so discreet, the tourbillon is hidden from the front view and visible only to the owner of the watch and the privileged few he would remove his watch to show. Its balance beats at the leisurely rate of 18,000vph or 2.5Hz. A mechanism is built in to stop the balance wheel for precise time setting to the seconds with the pulling of the crown.

Datograph watches, by default, feature a big date display and the flyback chronograph functionality; this new model is not an exception. The chronograph tracks time for the duration of 30 minutes with a jumping minute counter. The associated sweeping chronograph second hand is precise to one-fifth of a second. It is amazing how so much information can be presented on the blackened silver dial, and in such a legible fashion.

This 41.5mm watch is very wearable at 14.6mm thick (only 1.1mm thicker than its 41.0mm brother without tourbillon). One hundred units of the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon will be produced, all in platinum.

Specs

• Dimensions: 41.5mm
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar,
  moon phase display and power reserve indicator
• Power Reserve: 50 hours
• Movement: Manual-winding Lange Calibre L952.2 with tourbillon
• Case: Platinum
• Water Resistance: 30 meters
• Strap: Black alligator leather with platinum deployant buckle

Story Credits

Text by Ruckdee Chotjinda

This story was first published in WOW.