310.026 A. Lange & Söhne Langematik Perpetual

Production of the Langematik Perpetual is no more, removed from the catalogue in 2024. This is a reference 310.026, produced from 2014-2017, one of the most representative of its breed. It was expensive and difficult to manufacture, from the Zero-Reset seconds to the multi-mass rotor and its beautiful finishing. It was overlooked for decades and, as music often reminds us, we didn’t know what we had until it went.

The Sax-O-Mat calibre was made to reflect modernity by introducing a rotor and completely free movement development. Like the Datograph and Lange 1 before it, the focus was on the date. And then there’s L922.1, which no other Lange automatic can hold a candle to. It has what I like to call a macro-rotor which is hand engraved with a platinum edge. That mass gives the impression of a ¾ plate but isn’t. Then there is the surprisingly intricate zero reset around the balance wheel, which means that when you pull the crown the seconds instantaneously jump back to zero. This is surprisingly useful and fun. Build on all this are a traditional QP works, slightly altered for the big date at 12. This is value in watchmaking. Whatever you make of the design, the calibre is spectacular.

As the Langematik was made over two decades, there are a number of variants. This 310.026 is more on the value side, but black dial is never out of place. One the rarer side, look out for the 310.028, 310.037, or grail honey gold 310.050. The only credible rival is in the Saxonia Annual Calendar, which some prefer for its cleaner dial aesthetic. But if you’re the kind of person who loves the sparing and imposing Romans from the first generation Datograph, this is your kind of thing. The Lange 1 QP has taken the place of the Langematik and while that layout is quite smart, there is an immense charm about this quirky, refined, yet deadly serious QP.

This example represents itself well, with little to no visible wear that I can see. The case looks full and untouched to my eye. It comes with its full set from a well-regarded London retailer.