From 30 August to 1 September 2024, the Concours of Elegance took place in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace near London, once again providing A. Lange & Söhne with a fitting stage to exhibit consummate masterpieces of Saxon watchmaking artistry. This year, the spotlight was on select chronographs, particularly the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition”. On 9 November 2024, this unique timepiece, featuring an engraved hinged cuvette, will be auctioned in Geneva by the renowned auction house Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, with all proceeds supporting The Prince’s Trust.
Saxony precision watchmaking in an English country garden: A. Lange & Söhne’s presence at the Concours of Elegance 2024, where the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” attracted widespread interest
It was truly a weekend of mechanical elegance. Once again, the magnificent gardens of Hampton Court Palace provided an impressive backdrop for this year’s Concours of Elegance, showcasing spectacular vintage cars. Sponsored by A. Lange & Söhne since 2018, this prestigious competition captivated the numerous spectators with about 60 rare and valuable automotive masterpieces, some making their debut appearance in Great Britain. The ceremonial highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Best-of-Show” award on Friday, which Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid presented to the owner of a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip. On Saturday, Schmid also honoured the winner in the category “Thirty Under 30” for a 1958 Austin Healey Supercharged Sprite.
Presentation of the ‘Best of Show’ award to the owner of a Rolls-Royce Phantom III Convertible by Inskip
A unique piece of exquisite watchmaking artistry
The event offered not only a close-up experience of the history of the automobile in all its diversity but also a captivating display of horological excellence by A. Lange & Söhne. A selection of exclusive manufacture chronographs underscored the historical connection between timekeeping and motorsports. Thanks to their technical and aesthetic finesse, chronographs have been among the manufacture’s flagships since the launch of the DATOGRAPH 25 years ago. The highlight of A. Lange & Söhne‘s presence at this year’s Concours was the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition”, a unique chronograph with a flyback function and precisely jumping minute counter, specially crafted for this occasion.
The new DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” in white gold with a grey dial
For the first time, the one-of-a-kind watch unites a 750 white-gold case with a grey dial and black subsidiary dials. Beneath the hinged cuvette, engraved with the crest of the Concours of Elegance, lies the manually wound, 451-part L951.6 calibre, which breathes life into the watch. It is elaborately finished according to the superior standards of Lange artisanship and is assembled twice. The sapphire-crystal caseback allows a view of the precisely orchestrated switching sequences, including the minute counter mechanism and the column wheel. The aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by signature elements of A. Lange & Söhne timepieces, such as the bridges made of untreated German silver, the hand-engraved balance cock with a whiplash precision index adjuster, and four screwed gold chatons, leaving a lasting impression.
A. Lange & Söhne DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition”
On 9 November 2024, the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” will be auctioned by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo in Geneva. All proceeds will go to The Prince’s Trust, including the buyer’s premium charged by the auction house. The mission of the UK-based youth charity under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III is to help young people to develop essential life skills, prepare for work and access employment opportunities.
Caseback view of the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” with engraved hinged cuvette
“Being part of the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace has become a special tradition for us, underscoring our passion for groundbreaking engineering and craftsmanship, as well as its significance for future generations,” says Wilhelm Schmid, A. Lange & Söhne CEO. “The masterpieces on wheels showcased here are born from the same pursuit of precision, originality and perfection as was once the case with our DATOGRAPH. As our manufacture’s very first proprietary chronograph movement, it has been an expressive symbol of our ambition to never stand still for 25 years. Our commitment to The Prince’s Trust also follows this philosophy. We hope that as many people as possible will take part in the auctioning of the DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition” and thus support the important work of the Trust.”
A. Lange & Söhne DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN “Hampton Court Edition”
