MILESTONE MARKERS

A. Lange & Söhne marks the 25th anniversary of the Datograph with two irresistible timepieces integrating the original model's signature chronograph and outsize date

- LYNETTE KOH

IT MIGHT SEEM SURPRISING but, until recent times, chronograph timepieces that possessed movements designed and built inhouse were not the norm. Just two decades ago, it was common for fine watchmaking brands to use third-party movements to power their chronographs.

In modern times, A. Lange & Söhne led the move towards in-house chronograph movements with the launch of the Datograph in 1999. The watch was powered by the calibre L951.1, which unites a column-wheel chronograph with a flyback function, a precise jumping chronograph minute counter and the brand’s signature outsize date.

This year, the Saxon manufacture celebrates the 25th anniversary of its classic flyback chronograph with two covetable limited editions that include the complication. First up, a 125-piece limited edition of the Datograph Up/Down, which was first introduced in 2012. It was driven by the calibre L951.6, an update of the original Datograph movement, with the addition of a power-reserve indicator and an increased power reserve of 60 hours.