403.035, Datograph Wellendorff, First Generation, Platinum

In 1999, A. Lange & Söhne revealed the new benchmark for haute horology chronographs. Shockwaves were sent through Switzerland as this completely vertically developed, hand-finished, flyback column-wheel chronograph brought a new style of finishing and architecture to the market. This was the ref 403.035, the First Generation Datograph. It is the watch whose display model calibre Philippe Stern reportedly stared at for nearly ten minutes at Baselworld in 1999. It is the watch which proved that the newly reborn watchmaking town of Glashütte could stand should to should with the very best of Genevan watchmaking. It is also the watch which Philippe Dufour has repeated claimed is, ‘The best chronograph ever made’. 

This Datograph is significantly enhanced by its pairing with a detachable Wellendorff 'Wave' bracelet. This is an extremely scarce bracelet, which had extreme cost near the price of the watch at time of launch—executed in platinum. The pairing delivers a balanced and contemporary aesthetic which flatters such a Teutonic case design. Wellendorff, no longer making bracelets for A. Lange & Söhne, are widely-regarded to have produced the finest precious metal watch bracelets in the world.

Development of the Datograph began right from the start of the brand’s rebirth. Led by Reinhard Meis, Annegret Fleischer, and Jens Schneider, a group of engineers sought to create one of the most technically advanced, breathtaking, and distinctly Saxon chronographs. The dial had been designed by Blümlein and Meis directly first, so the calibre had to be reverse-engineered to meet that dial design. This required 5 years of development. 

The result was a column wheel, lateral clutch, flyback chronograph with oversized date (inspired by the Semper Opera House) that is in its own class. Calibre L951.1 and its 504 components were designed ground-up with aesthetic beauty in mind, featuring immense depth and unrivaled traditional German finishing. Details were its focus. Consider the minute counter, whose hand jumps at each minute instead of slowly scrolling. This was incredibly difficult to engineer but also far more satisfying. It is equal parts sculptural and functional. In fact, in development, its project was interally dubbed ‘The Cathedral’ for its towering, layered architecture. 

This example features the earlier thick subdial printing and a ‘Meter’ dial, both of which grow increasingly desirable to collectors as early Lange is beginning to separate itself in Datograph, like Lange 1 has. Its platinum case measures an imposing 39mm without apology. It is an uncompromisingly beautiful chronograph, focused on quality without compromise. It features direct design decisions from Blümlein and meticulous finishing standards that could only have been introduced by Germans looking to prove themselves. It is a collaborative vision and emblematic of the best in German watchmaking. 

This Datograph presents in exceptional overall condition. The case is very strong with fully defined edges. Its Wellendorff bracelet, comparably, is excellent. The calibre L951.1 is running well in specification on our timing equipment. The watch comes with its complete set including all original documents.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.