A. Lange & Söhne

A few weeks ago I asked for some thoughts on the two watches mentioned in the header.  I was specifically looking for a new daily wearer for the office. I was first attracted to the 1815 Annual Calendar, finding it combined two elements I really liked, the arabics and calendar function.  

Photo - ablogtowatch

When I stopped at the NYC Boutique I really liked the look of the watch, but it didn’t resonate as strongly as I was expecting.  The date was hard to read, although better than the JLC MUT perpetual I was replacing.  The 40mm size was also substantial for me.  While it fit well on my wrist, I felt the combination of its size and arabics made it a bit more casual than I wanted.  It would make second watch, but not my main daily wearer.  

I also liked the Lange 1 Moon Phase in PT.  I have always found the watch striking, but I never really pursued one.  The watch was super attractive, particularly the the sheen of PT and the prominence of the blue moon phase.  I also liked the smooth winding and how the case fit my wrist.  I wasn’t sure of the offset dial, though, so I took another trip.  On this visit, I also had a chance to look at the black dial Lange 1 MP as well as a yellow gold Langematik Perpetual.  While I liked both the rhodium and black dial, I was more drawn to the black.  I actually favored it over the rhodium version, but I knew I wanted a white dial for a daily wearer.  I also took a look at the Langematik Perpetual.  I found the dial striking, but the yellow case and price made it a non-starter.  After some internal debate, I spoke with AD about Lane 1 MP in PT.

photo - monochrome

I had second thoughts, though, not being 100% sure it was the right choice.  I really like having a calendar watch, so I started doing some research.  With my ADs assistance and stretching the original budget, I ended up with slightly used Langematik Perpetual.  It wasn’t an easy process, though.  He initially found a unworn version, but it turned out to be much older than both us expected.  The watch looked mint and had the button pusher, but I really preferred the brighter dial of the newer version.  He continued looking and ultimately found my watch below.

The watch is not as mint as the first one and shows more superficial scratches than I am used to seeing.  There is actually one deeper scratch that bothers me, but I know I can learn to live with it.  The watch runs well, has a deployant, and is a complete package.  I know it was the right choice.  The sheen of the case and brighter dial make me smile.  While it wears so differently than my old JLC perpetual, it is comfortable and just feels planted on my wrist.  Fortunately for me, the market doesn’t seem to favor the 38.5mm case size.  

To sum this up, this whole search started by me having to service my 3 year old JLC, and deciding to try something new.  I am very happy on how it turned out.  I still attracted to the 1815 Annual Calendar.  I also have new appreciation of the Lange 1 and all of its variants.  I can easily see myself adding a black dial Lange 1 MP or a blue dial Daymatic in the near future (if I am willing to part with something).  I also want say thank you for all of the helpful comments and opinions along the way.  

 

More posts: 1815Lange 1LangematikLangematik Perpetual

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