Important Watches

A. Lange & Söhne

Datograph, Reference 403.035 | A platinum flyback chronograph wristwatch with date, Circa 2012

Estimate

350,000 - 600,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

A. Lange & Söhne

Datograph, Reference 403.035

A platinum flyback chronograph wristwatch with date, Circa 2012

Dial: black

Calibre: cal. 951.1 mechanical, 40 jewels

Movement number: 59’498

Case: platinum, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws

Case number: 169’521

Closure: black A. Lange & Söhne alligator strap and platinum folding clasp

Size: 39 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: A. Lange & Söhne International Guarantee Seal, instruction manual and presentation box

At the 1999 Basel Fair, A. Lange & Söhne introduced a watch which caused an industry wide revolution, bringing about changes that can still be felt today. Despite being the brand’s first chronograph offering since its resurrection, the Datograph was an instant hit and outshone many chronographs from already established brands such as Patek Philippe.

Taking five years to design, the flyback chronograph movement of the watch was made specifically to be as complicated and intricate as possible, made more difficult to create due to the design team taking an uncompromising 'dial first' approach, where the dial was created first and the movement had to be engineered around it. The resulting movement was a true marvel to look at, often described as a little city. To balance the subdials which are situated below the midpoint of the dial, the iconic big date from the Lange 1 was carried over and placed directly beneath 12 o’clock.

At that point in time, no other brand had gone to such lengths in chronograph production. In comparison, Patek Philippe had just released reference 5070 one year prior and was still using a Lemania movement. The Datograph ushered in an age where in-house, complicated design and a focus on movement finishing were made priorities. The watch acted as a major catalyst for the well known industry trend of in-house production, and indeed in the following years after release, big industry players, including Patek Philippe, had all adopted A. Lange & Söhne’s philosophy.

朗格 Datograph 型號403.035

鉑金飛返計時腕錶，備日期顯示，約2012年製

附帶證書、説明書及盒子

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."