A. Lange & Söhne

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

I think it's going to get mixed reviews, but well to each his own!

Stephen

I do not like the fact that the hands still are luminous though.

Wish they had taken that awful thing away!

Stephen

... 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

Lots of DNA left.

- SJX

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 it slender and all the original Datograph spirit is preserved like the triangle created by the date display the subdials, the PR indicator remaining very discreet.I consider this new Datograph as a very worthy evolution with more than welcome improvements which will give a new dynamic to this watch.

Best.

 Fx

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

Several of the current owners I've spoken to say the same thing "Not bad, but I'll happily wear mine."

- SJX

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.

Some things i like less: lack of Romans (Dato pedigree), wider case (less density, less stealth).

Some things i like more: PR indicator (useful and very discrete, it does not break the triangle, but it makes the difference between the Classic and the New), supression of the 5, 10, 15, ... 60, indications on the dial.

And something wonderful which i think no one has mentioned so far: THE PROPORTION BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN HANDS has changed (apparently), the hours hand is broader and shorter than on the current model, which will benefit LEGIBILITY a great deal (this was my only reservation with the current Dato and now it seems that they've solved it).

So, huge congrats to Lange for achieving brilliantly something that was very difficult and extremely risky. IMO it's a win.

And, as i said before, not only do i love the Successor, but it also makes me love the Classic even more (if that is at all possible).

LONG LIVE THE DATOGRAPH !

FRED
a DatoLover

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

NOW SOLVED

This is was gradual improvement is all about.

... 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] need more than 36 hour PR.

Size increase with a justification is totally different from fitting small movements in larger cases , which is what others have been doing.

And +2mm is not excessive. I can live with that, especially if the watch puts some more platinum weight on

FRED

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

" More Platinum weight "

YUmmy!

Stephen

now one more Lange chrono to target.

best,

Horo

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