Hands on with the NEW A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up Down Lumen

Jun 12th 2019 By Kiley Schiffman Storrs

Originally released in 1999, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph is one of the most iconic chronographs on the global market. Balanced in presentation and function, the Datograph is instantly recognizable for its minimal design and distinctly German appearance. If you are wondering what could be edgy or inventive about a classic chronograph from a historic timepiece manufacturer, enter A. Lange & Söhne, giving the Datograph the limited-edition Lumen treatment.

The Datograph Lumen is the fourth watch from A. Lange & Söhne to get the Lumen treatment. Beginning with the Zeitwerk in 2010, the Grand Lange 1 in 2013, and the Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase in 2016, the Datograph enters the rare air of limited-edition timepieces offered in platinum with this unique presentation. The Lumen series presents timepieces with dials constructed of dark tinted semi-transparent sapphire and coated in luminous pigments. Tinted sapphire allows the main plate and rotating date discs to be seen through the dial. This filters most of the visible light but allows the coated surfaces to become charged. The highly contrasted glow is set against a black background, providing a unique glowing timepiece.

The Datograph Lumen is presented in a 41mm diameter polished and brushed platinum case. Powered by the Calibre L951.7 in-house hand-wound movement constructed of 454 parts (three additional parts were added due to adaptations needed for the noctilucent movement), the Datograph Lumen features a 60-hour power reserve. This Datograph glows courtesy of lume filled hour and minute hands, with the chronograph counters, minute scale, tachymeter, and date window all receiving the luminescent treatment as well, providing a steady and legible glow for the timepiece.

Crown and Chronograph pushers are located on the right side of the case, with a single pusher on the left side used to adjust the outsized date function. Each press of the left pusher advances the date one day. The chronograph features a flyback function. Turning the watch over reveals the sapphire case back. The sapphire case back showcases bridges and plates crafted from untreated German silver. Operating at 18,000 vph, the beat can be adjusted by a swan-neck. The Datograph Up/Down Lumen is offered in a limited edition of 200 timepieces, each individually numbered.

Photos do not do justice to how bright the lume is on the dial of the Datograph. The hands, subdials, date, and power reserve indicator have all received the treatment. Coupled with the inner dial ring with the minute scale, the first time a Lumen timepiece has received this treatment, we would recommend keeping this timepiece covered in a movie theater. A. Lange & Söhne have only given four timepieces the Lumen treatment, and with the release of the Datograph, they have created a stunning limited edition in one of their most iconic timepieces.