German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne recently unveiled a new limited edition of their iconic DATOGRAPH chronograph to celebrate the model’s 25th anniversary. The DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST features rare and exceedingly sophisticated decorations that showcase the house’s mastery of traditional handcrafts.

First introduced in 1999, the DATOGRAPH set a new standard for chronograph design with its unique blend of technical complexity and minimalist elegance. Now in 2024, the latest HANDWERKSKUNST edition takes the DATOGRAPH to new heights of artisanal perfection. The watch’s black-rhodiumed dial dazzles with a delicate “tremblage” engraving that creates a subtle three-dimensional texture across the surface. This labor-intensive technique demands immense skill and patience from the engraver, who must maintain crisp edges around the brand logo, minutes track, and tachymeter scale.

The movement also abounds with hand-finished details like the black-polished chronograph levers and granular bridges. But the true pièce de résistance is the solid-gold balance cock, exquisitely engraved with an intricate vine motif in relief. Floral engravings have decorated Lange watches since the 19th century, making this piece a bridge between past and present.

Housed in a 41mm yellow gold case, the DATOGRAPH HANDWERKSKUNST represents the apex of Lange’s “HANDWERKSKUNST” special editions. With each component meticulously hand-decorated, only 25 examples will be produced.