A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Chrono Platinum “Darth” Boutique Limited Edition of Only 100 Pieces with Black Solid-Silver Dial and Astronomical Moon Phases. The 41.5mm diameter solid three-body case, rounded bezel, and downturned lugs are polished and brushed, with a sapphire crystal and display sapphire display case back secured by 6 screws. The chronograph with flyback function has rectangular push buttons as well as a button for correcting the date at 10 o’clock. The dial is black oxidized pure silver with applied indices and luminous white gold hands. A subsidiary dial for the Small Seconds is between 7 o’clock and 9 o’clock, and another for the instantaneous 30-minute register is between 2 o’clock and 3 o’clock. There is a 50-hour power reserve with an indicator between 9 o’clock and 10 o’clock. The outermost track has a  Tachymeter scale. A double window for the large date is at 12 o’clock, and there are luminous 18K white gold alpha hands and a central chronometer hand. The perpetual calendar features the day-of-week indicator, month indicator, day/night indicator, and leap-year displays in subsidiary dials. The Astronomical Moonphase is located at 6 o’clock. The tourbillon is a true work of art. The fascinating tourbillon mechanism is exposed by the sapphire-crystal caseback and the open tourbillon bridge. There, the escapement rotates about its own axis once a minute inside the filigreed cage. This rotary motion offsets the influence of gravity on the balance wheel with eccentric poising weights. In conjunction with the free-sprung balance spring crafted in-house, it assures excellent rate accuracy across the entire 50-hour power reserve. The power-reserve indicator integrated at the end of the tachymeter scale reminds the owner when it is time to rewind the watch. For the first time in a Lange tourbillon, the balance beats at a rate of 18,000 instead of the conventional 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour. This corresponds to a frequency of 2.5 hertz. Consequently, stopped times can be displayed with an accuracy of one-fifth of a second. The patented stop-seconds mechanism instantaneously brings the balance wheel inside the tourbillon cage to a standstill when the crown is pulled. This allows the watch to be set with one-second accuracy. Fitted on a black alligator leather strap with a platinum fold-over deployant buckle. 

This horological masterpiece from Saxony incorporates three major complications with an additional five supplementary functions, demonstrating a high level of technical prowess while maintaining a clear and well-organized display despite its complex nature.
 

Crafted with precision, the development of this multiple-complication watch was a significant challenge, aiming to seamlessly integrate various complex mechanisms into a harmonious ensemble. The watch features a striking black solid-silver dial set against a 41.5mm platinum case, with hands and hour markers crafted in rhodiumed gold and blued steel, enhancing its visual appeal. The luminous hour and minute hands, along with the hour markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, ensure legibility.

At the heart of this limited edition model lies the DATOGRAPH mechanism, a column-wheel chronograph known for its precise jumping minute counter and flyback function, alongside the iconic Lange outsize date. This system ensures reliable control and precise timing of short durations, benefiting from a trio of technological advances in chronograph design.

The PERPETUAL component refers to the instantaneously jumping perpetual calendar with a moon-phase display, offering clear and unambiguous readings of the calendar indications and moon phase. Its mechanical precision is so high that the moon-phase display only requires a one-day correction every 122.6 years, with rapid correction possible for all displays.

Highlighting the tourbillon, visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback, this feature combats the effects of gravity on the movement, enhancing rate accuracy throughout its 50-hour power reserve. The watch introduces a lower beat rate for the balance, allowing for one-fifth of a second timing accuracy, and includes a patented stop-seconds mechanism for precise setting.

Unique touches, such as the power reserve indicator ingeniously integrated around the tachymeter scale and the solid white-gold moonphase disc, add a romantic and aesthetically pleasing element to this technically advanced timepiece. The intricate 729-part calibre L952.2 movement, together with the meticulous finissage and assembly, underscores the expertise and dedication of A. Lange & Söhne’s master watchmakers.

This watch, reference 740.036FE, not only epitomizes A. Lange & Söhne’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking but also presents a design philosophy that balances complexity with simplicity. Despite its numerous functions, displayed through subsidiary dials and discrete indicators, the watch retains an elegance and clarity, setting it apart as a truly exceptional piece among the brand’s extensive collection of complicated wristwatches.

This timepiece stands as a testament to Lange’s excellence, embodying the brand’s relentless pursuit of perfection and its commitment to refining both design and aesthetics, despite the competitive landscape filled with intricate watches. It symbolizes Lange’s unwavering dedication to advancing its craft and elevating its watchmaking artistry.

A mere glance at the dial subtly reveals the complexity beneath, but it is the examination of the caliber L952.2 that truly dispels any reservations. This movement is a pinnacle of beauty within Lange’s extensive collection, a significant statement given Lange’s renowned mastery in movement design and finishing.

The caliber showcases the revered lateral clutch and column wheel mechanism, a hallmark of A. Lange & Söhne’s engineering prowess. It is adorned with a mesmerizing array of finely finished components: the gleaming mirror-polished anglage, the distinctive Glashütte stripes, the vibrant fire-blued screws, the lustrous golden chatons, and the intricate perlage on the baseplate. These elements collectively underscore the esteemed reputation Lange has earned in the realm of high horology.
 

Reference No. 740.036FE