This particular variant - with its platinum case and black dial - was the first iteration of the design, having remained in production from 1999 to 2011. It also comes with its original platinum deployant clasp, as when it left the factory.

To many, it remains the quintessential Datograph. It features a carefully designed dial, which perfectly balances the different elements throughout. The date and chronograph subdials form an equilateral triangle, with the central point being the pinions in the middle, which hold the hands in place. The applied Roman numerals - at 2, 6 and 10 o'clock - also form a triangle, which subtly reinforced the balance of the overall design.

The subdials are slightly recessed, with a warm, creamy tone, which contrasts with the stark, black dial. This layering creates a satisfying level of depth, which becomes especially prominent when light hits the dial at different angles. This is a particularly early example of the Datograph, as evidenced by the "METER" signature found on the tachymeter. In later examples of the tachymeter, the letter “S” has been added to the end of the word “METER” at 2 o’clock - so the text changes from “BASE 1000 METER” to “BASE 1000 METERS”. This change seems to happen around 2005-2006.

Measuring 39 mm by 12.8mm, the case is made out of platinum, which complements the darker tones of the dial. The case features the brand’s distinctive notched lugs, which are mirror polished and bevelled separately, then attached to the case. The pushers follow the lines of the case, with subtle bevels used on the edges.

This Datograph 403.035 is powered by the caliber L951.1, which combines a range of impressive technical and aesthetic features. It is understood that the development began in 1995, with several years of design, prototyping and construction required to achieve the end result. It features a column wheel, lateral clutch and flyback chronograph movement, combined with a date function. The “flyback” chronograph function also allows the stopwatch to be instantaneously restarted for continuous timing, without having to stop, reset, and restart the chronograph.

Closer look

Condition

This A. Lange & Söhne Datograph is in very good condition overall. Very light superficial marks are found to the case and lugs, more specifically light grazing on the very ends of the upper left and right lugs and on the bezel at the 12 o'clock position, though only on the very surface of the material. The dial hands and movement are free from any signs of imperfection. The hallmarks on the caseback and deployant clasp are crisp and well defined. The original deployant clasp is also included, as when it was new.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.