'Dufourgraph' 403.031 A. Lange & Söhne Datograph, Pink Gold

When a young Philippe Dufour loves your watch so much that he saves up to buy one, later calling it the ‘finest chronograph ever made’, you know you’re doing something right. However, Dufour couldn’t afford the platinum in period. So, he saved up and bought the ref. 403.031 in pink gold, which was, at the time, considerably cheaper. It is also lesser produced, from just 2003 until 2005 for this original run. As such, this narrow window of production has become known as the Dufourgraph. And Philippe Dufour is delighted that this is the case, still wearing his for special occasions to this day.

The photography for the first these images of this find are courtesy of a prior ACM example, a previously sold 403.031 in similar condition to the example we are featuring in the market now. 

Dufour has commented publicly many times that he believes the L951.1 to be the finest serially produced chronograph yet made. But the one that collectors admire is the reference he owns directly. Where the first ever platinum Datograph (ref. 403.035) was in production from 1999-2012, the 403.031 just received 2003 until 2005. It’s first generation with a ‘Meter’ dial, strictly. Some dealers will list later 405.031 models or the pink gold silver dial ref. 403.032 as ‘Dufourgraphs’ but that’s incorrect. It is ref. 403.031 and that’s it. The narrow production combined with Dufour’s story has seen this reference gain a cult following within Lange over the last decade. Lange themselves use it as a talking point, it is like a blessing directly from the high priest and that’s something neither love nor money can buy.

It’s also important to note that while rare compared to platinum, this isn’t the rarest Datograph by far. The ‘Yellowjacket’ 403.041 was made in 20-50 examples, depending on who you ask, and don’t even start on ‘The Pisa’ ref. 403.025X. But it is one of the most relatable. But nonetheless, there really aren’t many of these. I’ve heard to sources say 350 examples, but I can’t corroborate it. However, while there are many watches with nicknames, there are definitively very few watches nicknamed after someone whose business is watches. And that’s rather cool. Dufour a is a legend. And his choice of Lange is equally clearly legendary now, years after the fact. Sometimes constraints create something rather beautiful.

This example on the market now is equally lovely to that pictured. The case is sharp, its dial shows no signs of damage, and it's running well in spec. It comes form a well-regarded Singaporean retailer.