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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →At the late-August 2024 Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, the cars were the main event—but A. Lange & Söhne brought two Datograph stories into the setting. Ben Hodges’s photo report, published September 28, 2024, follows the opening parade and owner-led judging, then turns to a unique white-gold Hampton Court Edition and a 25-piece Datograph Handwerkskunst.
Cars arrived beneath the palace’s yew trees
Hodges describes arriving early for the opening parade, as cars were driven into position beside the old yew trees in the Tudor palace gardens. Among the early arrivals was a 1927 Bentley 3-Litre Boat Tail Speed Model. The scene was less a static display than a procession settling into place: each car’s arrival helped establish the mix of eras and styles that defined the show. Fratello Watches’ September 28, 2024 report records the visit.
How the 2024 car judging worked
For judging, cars in each category drove around an elliptical fountain and up to a small stage. According to Hodges’s account of that year’s event, the owners voted for the winning car in their categories and could not vote for their own entry. Winners received plaques rather than special A. Lange & Söhne watches. That describes the 2024 format in this report, not a rule for every edition of the Concours.
A field spanning vintage cars and modern classics
The examples in the report make clear that the show was not limited to pre-war machinery. Its line-up ranged from early sports prototypes and post-war grand tourers to more recent performance cars:
#1 Best Overall
- 1920s: 1927 Bentley 3-Litre Boat Tail Speed Model; 1928 Alta Supercharged Sports Prototype.
- 1930s: 1938 Bugatti Type 43A Roadster Sport Luxe.
- 1950s and 1960s: 1959 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder Prototipo; 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Speciale Aerodinamica; 1962 Shelby Cobra 260 Independent Competition.
- 1970s through 2000s: 1970 Range Rover Velar; 1995 McLaren F1; 2000 TVR Cerbera Speed 12.
- 2010s and 2020s: 2016 Pagani Zonda Oliver Evolution Hermes Edition; 2024 Gordon Murray Automotive T.50.
The spread—from the 1927 Bentley to the 2024 T.50—captures the report’s emphasis on modern classics as well as older cars.
The unique Datograph Up/Down made for Hampton Court
Hodges’s watch focus was A. Lange & Söhne’s Datographs. The standout was the Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition,” a unique piece made for the Datograph’s 25th anniversary. The report specifies an 18K white-gold case and an entirely white-gold bracelet, with a red central chronograph-seconds hand providing the strongest contrast.
Rank #2
- Classic luxury design: The round watch with the dial extends the function of the anti-reflective sapphire glass dial. The exquisite metallic luster appearance makes this men's watch suitable for your various occasions.
- Easy to adjust: scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, stainless steel case and bracelet are wear-resistant and the stainless steel bracelet is adjustable and comfortable to wear.
- Waterproof depth up to 100 m: It is very suitable for various business, leisure, indoor or daily activities, tolerates splashing water and sweating, but is not suitable for swimming or bathing and other underwater activities.
- Packaging and Service: This exquisite self-winding mechanical watch comes in an exquisite box and is a great gift for father, husband, friend and business associate.
- Accurate Time: The high-precision automatic movement is based on the natural movement of the human arm to ensure accurate time without battery. (Automatic watches must be worn for at least 8 hours a day to maintain work performance.)
A hinged hunter-style case back opens to reveal hand-wound caliber L951.6. Fratello’s account gives the movement’s construction as 451 parts. The lot was intended to benefit The Prince’s Trust, which was soon to become The King’s Trust.
The later auction outcome is recorded in Richemont’s Annual Report and Accounts 2025: Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo sold the unique Hampton Court Datograph in November for CHF 825,500 in support of The King’s Trust.
Rank #3
- 【𝗔 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗳𝗶𝘁】The RAINTEN R9001A men’s automatic watch blends luxury and function, featuring a minimalist dial with luminous hands, a transparent case back revealing the mechanical movement, 999 gold circle inlay, two diamonds at 6 o’clock, and a crystal bezel. It perfectly combines classic and modern design, complementing both formal and casual attire, and serves as a piece of jewelry that elevates any outfit.
- 【𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻】The 42mm dial features a color-changing green dial with luminous hands and Roman numerals for readability. A 40-piece crystal-set synthetic sapphire bezel adds luxury, while the 999 real gold circle inlay and two diamonds at 6 o’clock sparkle in the sunlight. The round stainless steel case offers durability with a polished look. The combination of sparkle, green, and gold, along with its layout, exudes luxurious craftsmanship.
- 【𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵】The RAINTEN watch features a Miyota 8217 self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, offering precise timekeeping. The exhibition case back with crystal glass lets you view the rotor and intricate mechanics, making it a conversation piece. The smooth, silent hand motion, along with the date and 24-hour subdial, ensures easy readability. This blend of technology, functionality, and luxury creates a unique watch.
- 【𝗔 𝗝𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀】A jewelry piece that catches the eye, it’s a stylish dress skeleton watch—perfect for business or important functions, but versatile enough to be worn at casual settings like concerts or parties, adding class and confidence to set you apart.
- 【𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗺 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲】The RAINTEN R9001A men’s automatic mechanical watch comes as a complete set with the watch, a box, a manual, and a strap adjustment tool. The combination of sparkle, green, and gold, along with its self-winding automatic movement, enhances its collectible value and makes it a piece of jewelry that elevates any outfit. Whether for a father, partner, it’s a gift that appreciates in value, becoming a meaningful keepsake.
The Datograph Handwerkskunst on the wrist
Hodges also saw and tried the Datograph Handwerkskunst during the visit. His report describes a 25-piece limited edition in yellow gold, distinguished by tremblage engraving. The try-on is Hodges’s personal account; it is not an independent assessment of the watch’s wear or performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A watchmaker’s place in the concours world
Hampton Court was part of a wider pattern of automotive partnerships for A. Lange & Söhne. Richemont’s 2024 annual report says the Maison renewed its long-running partnerships with the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. It also records the brand’s September 2024 debut as main partner of the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance in Rhode Island.
Rank #4
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] This watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 50m (165ft) -suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
Richemont’s 2025 report records partnerships at Lake Como, Hampton Court Palace and Newport during that year, as well as A. Lange & Söhne’s role as presenting partner of the first Concours of Elegance Germany at Lake Tegernsee. The report also states that, since its re-establishment in 1990, the Maison had developed 73 different in-house calibres. That figure speaks to the watchmaking context behind these appearances, while the Hampton Court report itself remains a snapshot of a particular late-summer day.
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