A. Lange & Söhne

P robably a topic disucussed in the corners when everybody is busy sex piling. Second market value of out dear beloved brand A. Lange & Söhne have seen rise and fall. Recent Lange market strategy, global crisis, war and maybe a return to a more 'passion d...  

Just enjoy it. .

I really want to build a relationship with the brand, I’ve been to the store in Berlin six times in the last six months. The sales director there is super knowledgeable and really loves watches. Unfortunately I can’t get myself to pull the trigger knowing... 

would u mind sharing your Chrono24 dealer's name? thanks either way. Please do this by private message rather than on the Forum. Thanks!

Suggests the number of Lange hitting the market is higher than in the past. I often walk through gray dealers about once a week and there have been many showcases full of L&S from simple models to complications. This is not limited to Lange, a lot of larg... 

There are more and more reports from collectors, that Lange would charge absurd service costs for watches that have not been to service for a too long time or have been opend by an independant watchmaker. And regular service cost have already sky-rocketed... 

and I'd never buy a preowned Lange unless it was recently serviced by Lange itself and the seller could provide clear evidence of same. I'm sure we're not the only ones, and if widespread enough, this could be having a depressive effect on Lange's preowne... 

This was the 5th 1815 I’ve owned, one being up/down. I was very interested to own a handful and over time decide which gold color and case size I liked best. All have been bought pre owned . But 5th (and final time I might add) that I lost a few thousand ... 

In principle, it's not that important to me whether market prices fall or rise. However, I think it's a shame that these wonderful watches don't get the attention that I think they deserve. I think that the price screw has been over-inflated. This puts ma... 

… just test Reality in adding a couple of serious offers from C24 on your observation list. I have around 10 Langes on this list for months and the only changes over months are a couple of price decreases but no sales!

This isn’t just Lange, based on dealers I’ve spoken with this year. Most brands have taken a bath from a pricing standpoint, as compared to during COVID for example. Even Rolex is affected. But there is one constant: If you love your watch, wear it, enjoy... 

As I predicted two year ago, secondhand dealers control the prices! They pushed Rolex, because there was money to make, but in the same time they got left with all the dress watches unsold. Then they hyped the dress watch market so they can sell the accum... 

Shame

As customer of former ADs, you are treated as newcomer with absolute no history to the brand. I have never experienced a brand with such an high level of arrogance.

The comment regarding the high service costs referred to some reports in which Lange charged high prices for a repair for various reasons

I have read more reports of charging very high repair costs by Lange, compared to your experience. And don’t forget: you sent your watches to Service after some intense debates around this topic in a German forum which is known that Lange follows the conv... 

But I never reported about it as everything was fine and as expected. We will just find reports in case it was not as expected. But hey, I know you are on a mission right know 😉 That's fine with me

Not a single case.

Lesson for all: never buy a preowned Lange. Unless there is a Wempe to service your watch. Now I fully know why the market and collectors are cold on Lange.

and in general you don't have to. I decided to send two watches to Lange just recently. Last service 12 and 14 years ago. Normal service, all fine. I'm focusing more on the rule not on the (very disappointing) exceptions. Makes life easier.

...and have not purchased for many reasons. But if I hear that it will be discontinued, I would go to an AD and make them an offer at less than MSRP. All they can do is say 'No.'

Certain watches, namely SS Daytonas, nautilus and aquanaut, are still selling well over retail. Some smaller brands, like FPJ, also seem to be holding their secondary prices. And there are a few others also. But most watches are now cheaper on the seconda... 

… as many brands incl ALS continued their path during the pandemic to establish own mono-brand boutiques and kicking ADs out. Having said this you have to establish multiple relations by purchasing multiple watches at each place instead seeing one busines... 

Instead of buying a bunch of watches I don’t want to get the one the I do, I’d rather go secondary and just get exactly what I want.

But I guess some brands are already reviewing their strategies. I'm curious what might come next