A. Lange & Söhne

Both are stunning Chronographs but I wonder which one you like most. Left=first generation ref 401.026 Right=boutique exclusive ref 414.026 ...  

I like the contrast of the blue hands on the white dial

The blue hands make reading the time more legible.

Both are gorgeous, but the silver-on-silver illegibility issue with the hour and minute hands would bother me a bit.

+ longer power reserve, which is imo very important.

as I love the blue hands. ...  

Love them both, but I’d go for the original purely on dial aesthetics. I like the blue hands and contrasting sub dials which match the case.

Regarding the movement second gen. My pic would be the new black or rg. However, here I would go for the boutique version, only by a tiny margin.

I have a lust for this watch!

I can understand your predicament as it’s not an easy choice. Appealing (to me) of the boutique version are the upgraded movement and the color of the sub-dials (less yet still sufficiently different from the main dial whilst in the 1st gen the sub-dials ... 

I was never a fan of the 1st gen.

I love the first gen 1815 rather smaller, contrasting sub-dials and sharper transition between surfaces; yet, the btq is more subtle and wins over for 60 hours of reserve for me. Whichever, there is no wrong choice here. Both are splendid pieces.

première génération Wg pour vous et cadran noir rose pour votre dame credit Deniz credit Deniz ...  

I want the pink gold for myself though

whether it be the 403.031 or the 401.031, I get all warm inside when I see those colors! And that rose gold deployant buckle??? You're cruel!

Boutique edition seems to be better aesthetically, but has less readability IMHO. But still would prefer BE. WBR Serge

I voted above for the first gen, which I own in a very different color combination (RG with black dial). A number of the comments make reference to the superior power reserve of the second gen. I understand why that might be important for watches with non... 

Power reserve is not that important for a time only watch as I also wind my watches in this case everyday.

the white hand make it uniquely sterile

The blued steel is fantastic on this watch. I don't understand why they don't release a new version with black text and blued hands... I will be first in line! Thomas

The color combination seals the deal.

I found the boutique edition a little difficult to read (especially in low light) so 1st generation would be my vote. Blue hands on the 1st generation seal the deal....

I remember long debates with a friend about the original Datograph vs. original 1815 Chronograph. I bought the 1815. Ever since I’ve looked at each new edition of the 1815 Chronograph and still prefer the original. I’ve had a number of good offers for it,... 

I'm THERE right now and would love to read about your journey

These conversations took place over countless helpings of pancakes, bacon, eggs and sausages. (Since named “The Cholesterol Interviews”) We both liked each other’s watches. It’s a personal choice and in the end mine went towards the simpler execution, low... 

I would prefer the 2nd generation for the improved movement. But my personal choice would be the black dialed one. Best Thomas

It has a Young and refreshing look. I love it

Tough decision but Boutique wins for me.

Blue steel hands do it for me.