Is this the finest mechanical watch ever made, or just an extravagant display of excess?
There are watches, and then there is A. Lange & Söhne. The German brand doesn’t just make timepieces—they create mechanical masterpieces, the kind of horology that makes even Swiss watchmakers glance nervously over their shoulders.
And among their most exquisite creations is the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”. A name so long, it could double as a German railway station. But behind that overly complicated title lies one of the most advanced, mesmerizing, and jaw-droppingly expensive watches ever made.
So, the big question is: does this watch justify its absurd exclusivity, or is it just a hyper-engineered status symbol for people who have run out of things to buy?
Design: honeygold—what on earth is that?
Let’s start with the case—crafted from 750 Honeygold, an exclusive A. Lange & Söhne alloy that is harder than conventional gold and possesses a unique warm hue somewhere between rose and yellow gold.
It’s a precious metal that somehow looks understated, which is a rare thing in the world of luxury watches. Unlike the bling-laden monstrosities from other brands, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” whispers rather than shouts.
The dial? Sapphire crystal, semi-transparent, allowing the luminous indicators to glow like a futuristic city skyline at night. It’s not just a watch—it’s a light show strapped to your wrist.
And the size? A 41.5mm case with a thickness of 14.6mm—hefty, but perfectly balanced. This isn’t some dinner-plate-sized monstrosity. It’s elegance, sculpted into gold.
Movement: German engineering at its peak
Now, let’s talk about the engine inside this mechanical marvel.
A. Lange & Söhne could have stopped at making just a chronograph—but they didn’t. They could have made just a perpetual calendar—but that wasn’t enough. So, they went all in and threw in a tourbillon, because why the hell not?
The movement—L952.2—is a hand-wound caliber with an impressive 50-hour power reserve. It consists of 684 meticulously finished components, each decorated to levels of perfection only a German watchmaker with a magnifying glass and unlimited patience could achieve.
The column-wheel chronograph is one of the finest in existence, allowing for a butter-smooth push-button operation with zero hesitation.
The tourbillon? Hidden from sight, but rest assured, it’s there, working tirelessly to eliminate the tiny inaccuracies caused by gravity.
And the perpetual calendar? It doesn’t need adjusting until February 2100—which, let’s be honest, is further into the future than most of us will need it for.
Lumen effect: why does it glow like a sci-fi gadget?
One of the most mind-blowing aspects of this watch is its Lumen effect.
Unlike most traditional timepieces, the semi-transparent sapphire dial allows light to charge the luminous indicators during the day, making them glow at night in a way that looks more spaceship than timepiece.
You’re not just checking the time—you’re watching a glowing dance of green luminescence, floating above the intricate mechanics. It’s the closest thing to a horological Northern Lights you’ll ever see.
Rarity and exclusivity: can you even get one?
No.
Well, unless you’re one of the fifty people on the planet who were lucky (and rich) enough to acquire one of these.
Yes, only 50 pieces exist, making it one of the rarest A. Lange & Söhne watches ever made.
So, even if you suddenly find a few hundred thousand euros lying around, it’s unlikely you’ll get your hands on one. And if you do? You’ve just joined an ultra-exclusive club of collectors who own one of the greatest timepieces of our generation.
Final verdict: is it worth it?
If you’re asking whether this watch is worth its price tag—probably around €500,000, depending on how desperate collectors get—then you’re asking the wrong question.
This isn’t about value for money. It’s about owning a mechanical marvel, a piece of German engineering that transcends timekeeping and enters the realm of pure artistry.
It’s not just a watch—it’s a statement.
A statement that says, “I appreciate the absolute pinnacle of craftsmanship, and I don’t care that my watch costs more than most houses.”
And honestly? That’s what makes it brilliant.
So, tell me—if you could choose one watch to own forever, would it be this A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”, or do you have another grail timepiece in mind? Let’s hear your thoughts!
all images thanks to alange-soehne.com
