CR[Moderator]
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I'm in the minority about refinishing...
Feb 10, 2019,07:39 AM
Unless it was previously polished (which you can usually tell by looking at the lug chamfers), I personally wouldn't refinish the case, though of course I know most others may disagree (especially if the seller agreed to pay for it). Scratches, dings, and swirls add to the character and charm of a preowned watch. They give the watch its own unique identity. They remind me that the watch was worn, enjoyed, and that it had its own history prior to my owning it. And I like that. I'm sad to erase it. I always say to myself, "If I ever change my mind about all this, I can always send the watch to Lange to make it look factory-fresh again." I also care much less about adding my own blemishes to the watch -- which I think is more likely to happen when someone with a small wrist, like me, wears a larger watch like the Dato -- when the watch already has some battle scars. Coincidentally, I was faced with this situation when I bought my YG Dato. The watch has a very pronounced ding on the bezel. You can see it a bit in my top photo above, around the 58-minute mark above the "G" in "LANGE." The seller offered to have Lange repair it, but I declined. I'm definitely not trying to convince you not to refinish it! By all means, you should, if that's what you want, and Lange will do a fantastic job. I'm just sharing an alternative perspective.
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so ... I tried on the Dato
By: Chromatic Fugue : February 9th, 2019-16:02
As expected, I am wowed by the Datograph: its heft, its wrist presence, its incomparable movement. I have stopped short of buying it in the past because it's a big watch, and I have an unusually thin (6") wrist. Here are photos. Should I buy this if other...
You should.
By: mj23 : February 9th, 2019-16:37
Looks good on you! It’s such an icon. Your OP is also 39mm. 😉
Yes! Get it!
By: LS : February 9th, 2019-16:41
also did you take any pics of the movement that you could post?
alas no
By: Chromatic Fugue : February 9th, 2019-19:34
... I just had my iPhone with me, which couldn't do that movement justice. Trust me, if I buy the watch, I'll waste countless hours shooting the movement with a proper macro lens!
thank you Nicolas ...
By: Chromatic Fugue : February 9th, 2019-19:35
your sound judgment is always appreciated!
Absolutely go for it!
By: andyhud : February 9th, 2019-17:15
It looks great on your wrist and is a real icon. If you can, you should.
I'm in the minority about refinishing...
By: CR : February 10th, 2019-07:39
Unless it was previously polished (which you can usually tell by looking at the lug chamfers), I personally wouldn't refinish the case, though of course I know most others may disagree (especially if the seller agreed to pay for it). Scratches, dings, and...
Try an 1815 Chronograph first.
By: galt : February 9th, 2019-18:31
Same view from the caseback but thinner. You may feel more comfortable with it on your wrist.
great observation
By: Chromatic Fugue : February 9th, 2019-19:50
I came close to buying an 1815 chrono last year; a beautiful model. I have three reasons for preferring the Dato. First, it's available in platinum, and I don't think the 1815 chrono is; I've never owned a platinum watch, and I'm drawn to the sheer heft. ...
Big date driven balance
By: galt : February 10th, 2019-08:17
I suppose one advantage of the Dato is that the big date seems to balance the sunken subdials on the dial.
Go for it such a great looking + iconic piece.
By: Tegis : February 10th, 2019-04:38
Iam also in the small wrist club and yes it looks slightly big from some angles but not uncomfartbly so. If i get the resources to get one in the future i will be a happy man and wear it proudly.
I think it looks great on your wrist...
By: Dave G : February 10th, 2019-04:47
I love the heft of mine. It can be a bit top heavy with just the pin buckle. I considered buying the deployant to balance but the prices are dear. In the end, I wear it often and the feel and look work for me. Dave ...
If You Purchase...
By: Uncle Chico : February 10th, 2019-06:35
I'd love to see some before and after photos. I have a similar opportunity and have heard ALS does an incredible job on restoration.
True icon
By: serg70 : February 10th, 2019-06:44
and my fav chronograph so far WBR Serge
It just fits
By: COUNT DE MONET : February 10th, 2019-08:24
A Dato is per se not a big watch, so people should not think you are showing off.
Datograp
By: Pedro_Ramos : February 10th, 2019-11:58
Great iconic timepiece, hopefully will get mine this year. Get it, you will enjoy it! Thanks for sharing!