tim5
12
I have always preferred the 1815 chronograph
Jul 19, 2020,12:47 PM
Yes, the Datograph is the original but it _is_ too thick and heavy, I never completely bought into the romans, it kinda can't decide whether it's a sport or a dress watch, I prefer understated (or, better, absent) tachymeters. The essence of this watch (and its spectacular movement) is the chronograph, the date is almost a distraction; I can certainly do without it.
Respecting this, the 1815 shaves 2mm off the height by omitting the date and is much more reasonably priced (Lange's premium for platinum is excessive, across all models). Like the Datograph, it does have the unfortunate lip on the backside so it's not quite as comfortable as, say, the flatter-backed Lange 1, but with less weight and thickness, it's fine, I wear mine all the time. I am also a sucker for silver dials with blue hands and love the classic, simple styling of both the original 2004 edition and (even more) the tachymeter-less 2010 version.
While the newer-model Datograph is arguably sharper than the original above (markers instead of romans, who doesn't like a power reserve, the lume version is even sexier) and no thicker, it is wider and (presumably) heavier still (never tried on the new model). We all have our preferences but, to me, it isn't even close: While it may be less of an icon, the 1815 chrono is the superior timepiece. I actually think it is the single nicest regular-production wristwatch there is, and I might even drop the "regular-production".