First Generation 403.035 A. Lange & Söhne Datograph

If there is such a thing as a modern classic of watchmaking, the Datograph is it. We all know, we all adore, the first L951.1 Datograph ref. 403.035. But they’re not all quite the same. This is a first generation dial, which although very minutely differs from the Datographs which followed, is meaningfully different even if only for being the first. It was a five year project and, had it been a failure, risked sinking the brand itself. It wasn’t a failure, it shook the traditional Swiss watchmaking world and, for the first time in a century, put them on the back foot. It’s the watch you show non-watch people to make them understand our world.

But for all that it deserves to be collected and is a remarkable exhibition of engineering and art, the distinct series of Datograph aren’t covered much. This dial says ‘Meter’ instead of ‘Meters’ in the tachymetre. The first ever bit of production says Meter, and it’s strange to have any inconsistency in the modern era. Lange used to produce dials in batches, and there were small differences in the early days. Earlier dials also sported thicker subdial printing, particularly noticeable on the smaller markers. Across metals, there are about 4,000 first series or generation Datographs. 3/4 of them sport this earlier ‘Meter’ dial. We don’t really see this kind of thing anymore, from Lange or anyone. But there’s a lot to yet be discovered in early Lange.

It was a watch that Philippe Stern stared at in awe upon release. It was a watch that inspired a Dufour to find the means to purchase his own (in pink gold, but same-same). And it was a watch that really told Switzerland that Lange weren’t messing around with ébauches alone or going to dependent on anyone else. It’s the best of Blümlien, the best of De Haas, and hasn’t really aged a day since introduction. The fact that first generation Datographs which founded the brand aren’t trading hands for any real premium or even above the latter up/down is borderline absurd to me. They’re both beautiful, but this is the more significant watch. Soon people are going to start paying attention. Das ist mein Bier.

This example looks aesthetically great, it was overhauled at Lange recently and it remains to be seen whether that includes a case restoration or not, so some that definitely matters. The dial appears lovely and quite original. It comes with its full set from a well-regarded Parisian retailer.