Our remarks

A. LANGE & SÖHNE Datograph "Mark I", Reference 403.035, "Meter" Dial, 950 Platinum, Folding Clasp, Box and Papers, Year 2001, Lange Service 2023, Excellent, Rare

When Lange introduced the Datograph in 1999, it did something none of the established manufactures had dared to do for decades, build its own column wheel flyback chronograph movement entirely in house, at a time when even the biggest names in Geneva were still buying their chronograph calibers from outside suppliers. Philippe Dufour himself has praised and worn the Datograph, a rare endorsement from one watchmaker to another.

The case is 950 platinum, 39mm and 12.8mm thick, with Lange's distinctive notched lugs, mirror polished and beveled separately before being fitted to the case, and a sapphire display back secured with six screws. It closes with the original platinum folding clasp, exactly as it left the manufacture.

The black dial carries the tachymeter scale marked simply "BASE 1000 METER," without the trailing "S" that Lange added to later production around 2005, the detail that identifies this as a genuine early Mark I example. Silver, cream toned subdials sit recessed against the black surface, with the date and chronograph registers, together with applied Roman numerals at two, six and ten, forming the balanced triangular layout the Datograph is known for.

Inside runs the caliber L951.1, the movement that started it all, a column wheel, lateral clutch flyback chronograph combining Lange's oversized date with a jumping, precisely synchronized minute counter accurate to one fifth of a second. It remains one of the most respected chronograph movements built this century, entirely developed and finished in house.

This example is in excellent condition, comes with its original box and papers, and was serviced by A. Lange & Söhne in 2023.

This example is offered a  sin :

- Excellent condition

- Full set with early leather box and papers, two hang tags

- Serviced by Lange & Söhne, 2023 - Service letter copy

- Genuine early Mark I, "Meter“ dial

"The Datograph that started Lange's chronograph reputation, a movement that is simply stunning and this model here still carrying the early dial detail collectors specifically hunt for.“