New Lange Datograph unveiled!

Dec 20, 2011,00:14 AM
 

Lange just unveiled the Datograph Auf/Ab. The most evident changes over the outgoing model is the new 41 mm case and a power reserve of 60 hours thanks to a larger barrel. Also the dial now has batons instead of Roman numerals. The current model on the other hand has a 36 hour power reserve and a 39 mm case. 

The Datograph also now has the in-house Lange balance wheel with adjustable weights.





 

The pictures indicate Lange has retained the classic Datograph proportions though I'm unsure about the baton indices. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this in a few weeks in Geneva.

- SJX



 



 

This message has been edited by SJX on 2011-12-20 00:16:25 This message has been edited by SJX on 2011-12-20 00:23:03


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Congrats to Lange on this new piece!

 
 By: BluNotte : December 20th, 2011-00:23
I think it's going to get mixed reviews, but well to each his own! Stephen

At least it's platinum. :-) [nt]

 
 By: SJX : December 20th, 2011-00:24
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That and it's FINALLY above 40mm!

 
 By: BluNotte : December 20th, 2011-00:26
I do not like the fact that the hands still are luminous though. Wish they had taken that awful thing away! Stephen

One man´s meat is another man´s poison!

 
 By: anaesdoc : December 22nd, 2011-08:19
Hi Stephen, glad you like the larger size. For me this increase in size makes it easier to renounce the Lange watches which I often like(d) due to their moderate diameters, but which are beyond my reach otherwise. The Grand Seiko LE with 36 mm would be ju... 

I like the PR meter....

 
 By: KIH : December 20th, 2011-00:37
... but not sure of the larger and even thicker case... Have to see in person. At least they kept the Dato DNA well enough. Ken

This is an incremental change...

 
 By: SJX : December 20th, 2011-00:45
Lots of DNA left. - SJX

Agreed

 
 By: aaronm : December 20th, 2011-12:36
the PR is much nicer ans less obtrusive then some of their previous efforts A

I would say the same comments than in the other topic...

 
 By: foversta : December 20th, 2011-01:33
I think it is a great evolution. First of all, it is not surprising, the changes were expected: the case diameter and the increased power reserve, especially after the new 1815 chronograph. Secondly, the watch is really beautiful. Its enlarged case makes ... 

+1 [nt]

 
 By: passetemps : December 20th, 2011-01:46
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As a big fan of the original Dato

 
 By: donizetti : December 20th, 2011-01:46
I like this update. This was very easy to get wrong and with the careful size update and the appreciated improvements to the movement I think they have done a great job, even though I will still happily wear the original for now. Best Andreas

Similar feelings

 
 By: SJX : December 20th, 2011-01:56
Several of the current owners I've spoken to say the same thing "Not bad, but I'll happily wear mine." - SJX

Same thing here: i am DOUBLY happy...

 
 By: passetemps : December 20th, 2011-01:59
FIRSTLY: because i love the new piece and i definitely want one! SECONDLY: because it makes me love my good old Dato not less, but MORE. It is difficult to explain, but this is how i feel: a perfect balance has happened, which was very hard to achieve. So... 

Excellent observation re. the hands

 
 By: SJX : December 20th, 2011-02:03
I'll have to see it in the metal to confirm, but the similarity of the hour and minute hands was one issue with the original Dato. - SJX

yes it was, and the only issue that i've ever had...

 
 By: passetemps : December 20th, 2011-02:07
NOW SOLVED This is was gradual improvement is all about.

My only gripe is the increased size...

 
 By: sidneyc : December 20th, 2011-03:29
Thanks for the post SJX! For me, the original 39mm is the perfect size. Not too small, and not too large. 41mm is pushing the boundary. I already have a few 42mm watches, and I was hoping that eventually adding a Datograph to the collection, then my watch... 

You are right, Sydney, they've done a great job and...

 
 By: passetemps : December 20th, 2011-03:41
... they have NOT failed their loyal clients (us) for the sake of following the trend, as several other brands have been doing lately. The size increase has a justification: to make room in the movement to stock more energy for those who [think that they]... 

Seeing it in the metal...

 
 By: sidneyc : December 20th, 2011-03:52
.. might prove that the 41mm size is not too excessive.. so I'll be looking forward to that! Fred, I agree that they at least increased the size for a valid reason, that is to redesign the movement for a longer power reserve. I was being a little greedy i... 

Excess is relative

 
 By: SJX : December 20th, 2011-08:14
I suspect it will seem like excess to some who are familiar with the 39 mm. But for a new or unfamiliar client 41 mm is perfectly normal. And that matters more. - SJX

Love the way you say it

 
 By: BluNotte : December 20th, 2011-05:52
" More Platinum weight " YUmmy! Stephen

+1...

 
 By: KIH : December 20th, 2011-05:15
...the original size and thickness tired and hurt my wrist enough....

remarkable remake of a classic

 
 By: Hororgasm : December 20th, 2011-03:45
now one more Lange chrono to target. best, Horo

THAT is a great question, SJX!

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : December 20th, 2011-08:57
We were all quite certain this day would come, and I must say the images you posted do look gorgeous. I wonder, though, whether the Datograph should have been retired and replaced, rather than remade. Time will tell. Best, CaliforniaJed

Some classics deserve to remain as they are, without cosmetic surgery...

 
 By: Brava : December 20th, 2011-13:00
The Datograph is one of those. Let it grow old gracefully.

a wonderful refinement

 
 By: playtime : December 20th, 2011-04:30
I never was a fan of the Roman numerals J

Nicely done

 
 By: d-star : December 20th, 2011-05:10
I like the updates. Overall has a more sporty look. Looking forward to seeing it in the other metals.

Gorgeous timepiece.

 
 By: VMM : December 20th, 2011-07:24
Improving perfection is always nice. Let's wait to see it live, and see how it feels on the wrist, the 39 mm sits perfect on my wrist. LOVE it! Bravo for Lange. Vte

Call me conservative

 
 By: Brava : December 20th, 2011-08:50
Proof that not every change is an improvement. The old one was perfect as it was. A lone beacon of 39mm modesty in a world of increasing gigantomania. This apart from the fact that I do not care for power reserve indication one way or another. I would hav... 

The old one was almost perfect but it still needed change

 
 By: SJX : December 20th, 2011-19:03
It was around since 1999. I am undecided if this is the right change but I look forward to seeing it in Jan. - SJX

Respectfully disagree...

 
 By: Brava : December 20th, 2011-20:16
Perfection need not, cannot be improved upon.

Improvements

 
 By: Le Monde Edmond : December 20th, 2011-09:09
Lange did the right thing: Left the basic DNA of the watch untouched but added useful touches like power indication (extremely useful- there is nothing more annoying when your watch stops because you didnt wind it). Perhaps the only negative: Does the cas... 

Made the Dato more like the DS

 
 By: Gary G : December 20th, 2011-10:57
...in size and appearance. Now if they make the DS more like the Dato (by adding a date) I'll be in big trouble! Will be interested to see this one in the metal... Best, Gary G

The baton markers are to indicate the Dato is part of the Saxonia range

 
 By: SJX : December 20th, 2011-19:02
according to the press release. I would assume the new dial DS is the same. - SJX

If they would really add a date to the DS and make it smaller

 
 By: ArthurSG : December 20th, 2011-21:47
that may be the trick to pull me out of my horofatigue. In fact, date not required but a 39MM DS will be great. Easier to put complications in bigger cases...

You're asking too much :-D LOL

 
 By: TdotBean : December 20th, 2011-23:00
Next thing we'll want it to price like a speedmaster :-P I'm relieve that this new version not an improvement over the 1st one but another interpretation of the dato line. Don't you see it? Datograph, Datograph Perpetual and now Datograph Auf. I don't kno... 

Dude.. despite my near horocoma, the Dato still sings very much to me

 
 By: ArthurSG : December 20th, 2011-23:37
It's not BS simply put. A lot of subsance in it.

I know dude that's why I ask you to sell to me.

 
 By: TdotBean : December 20th, 2011-23:53
Well I try my luck. This proof you are not in horocoma just horopicky or horoanalysis-peralysis ... LOL I doubt you will ever be able to get rid of the dato man. This dato is Dato' to us Malaysian/Singaporean. I'm talking nonsense now I best shut up. :-P ... 

My first impression ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : December 20th, 2011-12:45
a worthy evolution/refreshment, which I am really looking forward to see in a few weeks. Oliver

Just simply LOVE it! Looking forward to trying it on!

 
 By: Haagen : December 22nd, 2011-09:42
And maybe ONE day...own it!

A much better and updated version in my eyes.

 
 By: BABKA : December 22nd, 2011-18:48
I can't wait to see in in the metal. Perfect sizing to satisfy everyone too.

(One of my all-time) Favourite (s)

 
 By: Alvin Hong : December 28th, 2011-05:19
As a very fond owner of the DG, the biggest improvement will be the 60 hour power reserve. I am less sure about the power reserve indicator itself, which adds clutter to the dial. I also love the roman numerals at 2,6,10, and the batons make the dial look... 

+1 [nt]

 
 By: passetemps : January 10th, 2012-10:58
No message body

I like it. Like my old one too. It is wise to end the original

 
 By: mphilippe : December 29th, 2011-13:13
the new in-house balance and spiral are important improvements along with extended PR and indicator. My only regret is the expanded size. I prefer the old dimensions especially for my small wrist. Look forward to seeing in the flesh

A subtle yet refreshing change!

 
 By: bs22fly : January 9th, 2012-14:21
Finally! The Datograph was in desperate need of a update and they succeeded! Can't wait to see it in person. Do they dare update the Lange 1 ? They should.

Will there be an extra zero in the date?

 
 By: dkennedy1001 : January 10th, 2012-10:45
Im new to learning about Lange watches but just wondering is the lack of a zero for single digit dates a Lange signature design or could the new Datograph get the extra zero? Also IMHO the newer model looks better.

Who wants a zero in the first digit of the date?

 
 By: passetemps : January 10th, 2012-12:04
IMO, the date is easier to read as it is, plus it avoids confusions (02 with 20, etc.) It is also part of the strong personality and unique charm of the Datograph. I hope they don't change that. They have already lost the 3 roman numerals and the slightly... 

Really, confusion?

 
 By: dkennedy1001 : January 10th, 2012-14:11
Thanks a lot passtemps for the reply. I can understand the historic charm argument of the Datograph which is fair enough for keeping the date as is but certainly not the confusion point! Have you ever looked at a 24hr clock which reads 20.15 and you think... 

Authenticity is the factor where i suppose we (and most) would agree :-)

 
 By: passetemps : January 10th, 2012-14:34
A Dato with a 0# date indication 9 days per month would just not be a Dato. And yes, i agree, readability is secondary. More than anything else, i'll miss the roman numerals on the new Dato. They look daringly fantastic on a chrono! And they make a triang... 

Like to hear your view on this Fred if you wouldnt mind

 
 By: dkennedy1001 : January 11th, 2012-01:16
Completely agree on the authenticity side of things and I think I may agree with you in regards the roman numerals too. As you seem to have a keen eye for detail I would be very interested to hear your opinion on something that also changed which is very ...  

Actually, i think i was the first to mention this improvement on the forum!

 
 By: passetemps : January 11th, 2012-02:27
Yes, the difference in the size of the hands is a GREAT improvement, IMO the best improvement of the new Dato. What i think they have done is, thanks to the wider case, they have enlarged the MINUTE hand, while the HOURS hand remains the same, exactly lik... 

Markers for each minute on the dial

 
 By: dkennedy1001 : January 11th, 2012-03:14
Thanks Fred, but I was more talking about the markers indicating each minute around the dial which have been shortened in length with the 5, 10 etc removed also. All great improvements in my opinion. Agree with you about the hands too though, much better.... 

OUPS sorry: i misunderstood you!!!

 
 By: passetemps : January 11th, 2012-03:44
You are absolutely right! The detail that you mention, i had not noticed on the first press images... It looks good, but honestly, i prefer to see the tiny 55, 60, 5, 10 on the dial. These enrich the dial, they make it more interesting, even more so with ... 

Thanks

 
 By: dkennedy1001 : January 11th, 2012-03:59
Thanks Fred, good to get another point of view on these little changes. Will be great to see it on users rather than the PR photos we see at the moment... Cheers

But if you don't have one yet...

 
 By: passetemps : January 11th, 2012-04:19
...then my advice is to get hold of a Classic Datograph while you can, and while the new one starts its long journey to your AD... F.

a dream...

 
 By: dkennedy1001 : January 11th, 2012-04:46
I can only dream for now, maybe a few more years and a few more promotions...

May your dream come true :-) [nt]

 
 By: passetemps : January 11th, 2012-05:19
No message body

I am in love again

 
 By: ianny : April 8th, 2012-04:11
I love the increased power reserve, and the idea of the 41mm dial. Not too sure about the thicker dial though. Can't wait to see it in the metal.

Has always been the nicest ...

 
 By: hans_jorgen_1968 : April 9th, 2012-13:58
To my taste, has the Datograph always been the most beautiful and balanced Lange - at least of the more complicated variants. So yet another model to dream of Best Hans