Hands-On A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Calendar—With Diamonds And A Bracelet

Key Points:

• A. Lange & Söhne is gaining overdue recognition among collectors for its traditional, mechanically impressive watches, highlighted by the new Datograph Perpetual on an upgraded bracelet that bridges past and present design elements.
• The brand's historical use of Wellendorff bracelets, highly prized and rare, has created a strong secondary market with prices for platinum models now exceeding $200,000, reflecting intense collector demand and rarity.
• The new Datograph Perpetual features a five-link bracelet with advanced engineering inspired by IWC's patented system, offering improved usability and finishing, marking a technical upgrade over previous seven-link Wellendorff styles.
• While the watch maintains the classic Datograph movement without recent innovations like a longer power reserve or instantaneous jumping calendar, its finishing and design quality remain among the highest in luxury chronographs.
• Priced at $276,000, the limited edition Datograph Perpetual Diamonds is considered a relative value compared to competitors like Patek Philippe, and collectors see it as a potential catalyst for future Lange chronograph bracelet offerings.