CR[Moderator]
3310
Welcome to the world of Lange!
Jan 03, 2021,10:10 AM
Here's my 2 cents in response to your questions.
1. Personally, I've always found all of Patek's Nautilus/Aquanaut models to be unattractive -- never felt any aesthetic connection to them -- so I'd say, "Yes, it's worth replacing the 5711g with a Dato or 1815 Chrono."
2. You really have to try these watches on in person, which I know can be challenging during a pandemic! Walid said in his reply that he found the original Dato to be uncomfortable after long periods of wear. Some others have had the same experience, while others haven't. I've worn the original Dato (though a gold one, not PT) both on a bracelet and a strap for long periods of time and didn't experience any discomfort on my small wrist (6"/154mm). I also have a much larger, heavier Lange (platinum Zeitwerk Striking Time) that is similarly comfortable. Note that I wear all of these on deployants, which I greatly prefer to tang buckles. [As an aside, the same can be said of the huge Rolex 116660 and126660 DSSD models: Many people find the Deepsea uncomfortable to the point of being unwearable, but many others (myself included) don't experience any particular discomfort.] Going beyond comfort, if you wind your watch every morning, then the Dato's power reserve is a non-issue -- and winding that watch is a true pleasure, something you'll want to do every day. I'm not knocking any of the 1815 Chrono models (of any generation) -- they're very nice watches with nice movements -- but I do experience an undeniable connection to an icon with the original Dato because it was such a game-changer for the brand. In addition, the feel of operating any of the chrono pushers on any Lange chrono is a joy.
I also wanted to point out that newer is not necessarily better (or worse) when it comes to these different Lange models, because there were no systemic problems with any of these movements that we (as end users) experienced. I know you're not suggesting that newer=better, but I just wanted to mention that in case, for example, you find yourself attracted to some of the first-generation 1815 Chronos as you do your research but might think it's definitely better to get the newer version.
Good luck and please keep us posted!