A. Lange and Sohne Datograph Flyback Platinum 403.035

When folks think of Lange, the Datograph is usually the watch that is front of mind. It is arguably their most well-known piece, and it's fair to say an icon of the horological world. If you needed further convincing, the great Phillip Dufour owns a Dato, and has called it the greatest serially made chronograph in the world. I'm not sure praise comes much higher than that.

The version we have here is the original Dato reference 403.035, first introduced in 1999 and continuing production until 2011, making it a quite a historically significant reference within Lange's history.

So what makes this watch so special? Let’s start with the platinum case. Measuring in at 39.5mm x 12.8mm thick, it features a cleverly recessed case back helping mask the extra height required by the movement. The signature notched lugs combined with the brushed centre band and bevelled pushers make it a feast for the eyes wherever you look.

Within this case lies a deep black dial, with signature Lange Chrono sub-dials located at 4 and 8. These slightly recessed sub-dials on these earlier references tend to be creamier in appearance than later pieces, which is why we tend to gravitate towards them ourselves.

While the dial is unquestionably beautiful, the star of the show is still undoubtedly on the reverse of the case. Like a mini-city filled with hundreds of years of watchmaking chops, the calibre L951.1 is absolutely astounding visually and technically and you could spend hours each day simply staring at it in awe. The use of German silver adds a warmth you don’t get with other movements, and helps accentuate the multi-layered construction. It’s phenomenal, and perhaps the best looking movement ever created.

This particular piece was sold by Cellini in NY in 2009 and presents in TZ Good condition. Has been worn regularly by its owner, who has owned it for quite a number of years now, and shows marks commensurate with regular use in the form of swirlies, scratches and rub marks throughout. There's a few small nicks/dings present on the bezel and lugs, but nothing that we'd consider particularly deep. Rear of the lugs show quite a few strap change marks. Please see images for full condition details.

Serviced by Lange in 2016, and then again in 2019. The 2016 service is recorded in the service book, but the 2019 was not and the owner has misplaced the service papers but assures us it was completed. All functions operating as they should, and keeping time at at about +7 secs per day at mid-300's amplitude.

Comes with outer box, inner box, inner leather case, polishing cloth, manual, guarantee manual dated November 2009, hang tag and Watch Vault cleaning cloth. Please note the cushion within the leather box has fused together with the slot holding it, and shows tearing while also being stuck in place. Common with these early Lange boxes.

Lange has recently tightened up supply and put in a pretty hefty price increase across the range. Here’s your chance to pick up one of, if not the, worlds greatest chronographs before they are absolutely unattainable.

Brand: A. Lange & Sohne

Year: 2009

Model #: 403.035

Case Material: Platinum

Case details: 39.5mm

Movement: A. Lange & Sohne Manually Wound Chronograph Caliber L951.1

Dial: Black with Silver subdials

Paraphernalia: Outer box, inner box, inner leather case, polishing cloth, manual, guarantee manual dated November 2009, hang tag and Watch Vault cleaning cloth.

TZ Grading: Good

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.

Please note that payment for this piece is via bank transfer only, no PayPal or Credit Card. Payments made via these services will be refunded less their applicable processing fees.