Impressions after a week with the Datograph Perpetual

Nov 04, 2021,12:00 PM
 

When it comes to watches, the fun is in the hunt.

However, the past week has turned this notion completely around for me.  The obsession has only grown, and I have spent even more time researching about the reference 410.025 than before.





Here are some quick impressions, as well as surprises, about the A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual after a week of ownership.


Dial variations




The basic information I had about the reference was from the excellent write-up at Langepedia.  What was not immediately apparently to me prior to acquisition was that there are apparently three versions of the day wheel: English, German, and French, in ascending order of rarity.  The magnificence of the silvery dial, which dances and varies in accordance to light, must be observed in person to do it justice.


Wearing comfort





The use of platinum grants heft to the watch.  I was concerned prior to acquisition about its day-long wearing comfort, especially when paired with the platinum deployant.  I am glad that my misgivings were misplaced.  The heft actually felt reassuring, and does not compromise wearing comfort.  A reason for this could be the fact that I'm used to wearing heavy watches: my daily beater is a Rolex Sea-Dweller weighing 184gm, while the Datograph Perpetual is a hair lighter at 180gm.


Tactile response





I am used to the buttery-smooth winding sensation Lange is famous for, and amazingly the experience is further enhanced in the Datograph Perpetual.  I attribute this principally to its crown, which is larger compared to the crowns of my 1815 Chronograph and Lange 1 Time Zone.  This is important to me as I always look forward to my nightly ritual of watch-winding, which addresses the short power reserve of 36 hours.  Needless to say, the chronograph pushers are a dream to activate.  I love my Patek 5960 1/A, but the tactile response is simply incomparable when matched against the Lange.


Conclusion





Mesmerizing from both the front and the back, the Datograph Perpetual has completely monopolised my attention and wrist time, to the detriment of my other watches.  This is a complete surprise as I thought I am more or less jaded after having gone through so many different watches. 

I will share more thoughts in time to come, thank you for reading.


More posts: 18151815 ChronographDatographDatograph PerpetualLange 1Lange 1 Time Zone

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Indeed my friend, an extended honeymoon is very likely for the foreseeable future.

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 4th, 2021-14:01
The 5960 is probably miffed with its new roommate!

Nice ! Thanks for sharing your experience

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : November 4th, 2021-12:19
And belated congrats! Great pics too. My white gold bro of your watch says hi Cheers Robin ...  

Great in grey!

 
 By: amanico : November 4th, 2021-12:25

The Lange corporate gray :)

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : November 4th, 2021-14:48
Thanks Nico!

:)

 
 By: amanico : November 4th, 2021-15:26

You have no idea Robin,

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 4th, 2021-14:02
But your post on your 410.038 was one of the "push" factors toward me getting this watch. I am mesmerized by both dial variations.

Haha happy to "enable"

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : November 4th, 2021-14:47
Yes both versions are handsome I agree! Enjoy yours in the best of health my friend Cheers Robin

Indeed my friend, the L95 series is superlative and a game changer.

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 4th, 2021-14:04
It shaped my expectations of standards.

No offense to your 5960 but the start button is an offense, being a Patek 😱

 
 By: COUNT DE MONET : November 4th, 2021-12:27
It is,quite harsh to activate and makes in some watches even a."pong" noise. Your Lange is a momumental watch, a top pp calendar.

Your observation is most astute, dear Count.

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 4th, 2021-14:06
In defence of the Patek, the 5960 is not the fairest comparison. I have to see the difference with a 5970 / 5270.

Thank you for the nice review…you might be an enabler now too, lol…

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : November 4th, 2021-16:24
However the 36hr PR is what’s deterring me from these earlier Langes, like the 1815 Chrono, Dato, ZW etc. The moon phase window is also too small for me, but the watch is mighty and capable, no doubt. Some may say it’s reconnecting with the watch more oft... 

Your observation is spot-on, my friend.

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 4th, 2021-23:45
The 36-hour power reserve is a drawback that hopefully Lange will address in its next iteration. My 1815 Chrono was the 1st generation release, so in a way I am more or less used to this quirk.

It's a stunning watch in almost every visual regard

 
 By: Rosneathian : November 4th, 2021-20:54
The one negative is the moon phase complication, which looks like it's been sacrificed to accommodate other features on the dial.

Indeed, the usual magnifience of a moonphase display is dwarfed here.

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 4th, 2021-23:49
It would be a deal-breaker for those who prioritise this complication. The array of stars is also better represented in the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon.

I love this reference

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : November 4th, 2021-22:00
I just wish I had the wrist to pull it off!

Oh I'm pretty sure you can pull it off my friend!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 4th, 2021-23:50
Do give it a try in person, you might be surprised! I had similar reservations, but was assured after trying the white gold version, which is of the same dimension.

Thank you for your kind words my friend!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 4th, 2021-23:55
I do not dare to call it a king, but it definitely represents the pinnacle of my watch collection journey thus far. Thank you!

Thanks for the the great photos and insight - it is a beautiful watch for sure

 
 By: MichaelC : November 5th, 2021-13:26
I'm glad you mention "tactile response", and this important merit seems to be a Lange hallmark!

Thanks for the kind words Michael!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 5th, 2021-15:21
I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment that tactile response is a Lange hallmark. It is a critical attribute that is paradoxically unnoticeable, except to the wearer. I definitely enjoy the winding!

No match

 
 By: Jurry : November 5th, 2021-17:55
I realize many might disagree, but the Patek is no match for this ALS, its not even close.

Lange, with all its flourishes, seduced me into the path of watch collecting.

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 5th, 2021-23:18
I am thankful to be fortunate enough to be blessed with both, and they provide versatility for different scenarios: The Lange for dressier occasions, and the Patek when I feel sportier.

Superb watches.

 
 By: Davo : November 6th, 2021-02:57
You're a truly lucky man. Enjoy them both. And keep posting those great shots.

Thank you for the kind words Davo!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 6th, 2021-05:37
I'm grateful for having them on my wrist. The pictures will definitely keep coming, hope you guys wouldn't get sick of them!

Thank you for your kind words Aperna!

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 7th, 2021-00:26
There are still a number of mysteries I am discovering about this one, will share more in time!

Beautiful. Well chosen

 
 By: Itsbeenalangeday1 : November 10th, 2021-16:49

Thank you for the kind words my friend....

 
 By: Rhyzen : November 11th, 2021-23:57
.... And I have to say you have a fantastic username!