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+1 -- I learnt that with most Langes, especially those with dials that are designed...
... to change appearance under different lighting conditions (such as Lange's guilloche dials and these lumen models), I cannot judge how I feel about them from the photos alone. And of course we all have different tastes about these, which is one of the nice things about these Forums.
I first realized this with the various Lange 1 guilloche dial models. Photos couldn't accurately convey the (positive) feeling I got from seeing how these guilloche dials would change their appearance under different lighting conditions. I also had a much more positive reaction to the old Lange 1 luminous models (101.029 and 115.029) that were sold around 2003-2008 after seeing them in person but initially not liking the photos.
When the Zeitwerk Lumen ("Phantom") was first released, I had a pretty strong negative reaction both to the photos and to seeing it in person. I found myself wanting to see much more of the mechanism through the dial than just the date discs (which are the only visible components that one can see through that model's transparent dial). The dial also looked unbalanced near the top because I found the power reserve indicator -- a small, non-luminous hand -- to be obnoxiously cluttered and hard to read due to cacophony of date discs that are directly underneath it. Seeing that power reserve indicator above the nexus of date discs, all condensed in that small upper area of the dial, doesn't work for me.
That negative reaction to the ZW Phantom, the first lumen model, initially turned me off to the entire lumen series, so I didn't pay much attention to the Grand Lange 1 Lumen when it was introduced as the second of the lumens. Then I later saw the Grand Lange 1 Moonphase Lumen in person when that third lumen model was introduced, and I immediately had a much more positive reaction to that particular model. Aesthetically, I found the balance of the dial's appearance to be really pleasing -- which is no easy task with these semi-transparent dials -- and I was happy to see more internal components visible through the dial.
So the new Dato Up/Down Lumen is one I'm pretty excited to see in person sometime, especially to see how it looks under normal indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.
One thing to remember is that Lange's luminous components (these dials, luminous hands/markers, etc.) lose their charge after only a few minutes, even after exposure to very bright light. They glow only very briefly. So in "real life" -- normal daily use -- you hardly ever (basically never) see the watch glowing brightly. Last night I saw a play and wore the G L1 MP Lumen. I sat in the front row, and there were bright lights very near me on the floor that were part of the set (it was a "black box" theater so no traditional stage). These lights would vary in intensity throughout the play. During the less interesting parts of the play, I was playing with the Lumen, trying to charge the dial from the exposed bulbs by my feet and then seeing how long the charge would last. The bottom line is that the date ("25") was pretty much invisible (totally dark) to me throughout the entire play -- little or no glow. And yes, I think the people sitting near me wondered what the hell I was doing and why I wanted to know what time it was so very badly.
More posts:
Ok, so its the Datograph up&down LUMEN...
Its semitransparent dial allows charging of luminous indices and complete visibility during night. This is technically more advanced than it first appears, as the luminous material is hidden beneath dial elements. Here an expert from the press info: "The ...
Agreed with everything you said.
Aside from a nice PR stunt for ALS and a quick sell out of 200 pcs, nothing else of substance.
I meant substance as in 'nothing groundbreaking new'/
The Dato is a marvel, which I love deeply.
I can only afford this one...😬
I love to have just One mechanical chronograph in my collection some day....always waiting for which one, maybe the 1815 or preown 5170 is for me. My wrist may not be able to handle the Dato but regardless the reviews or comments, it will find the 200 fan...
It looks interesting although..............
from the photo's the watch is probably my least favorite looking Lumen so far. The Grand Moonphase is still the nicest one to my eye. In any event, this Lumen would have been much more interesting done on the original Datograph since that watch has been d...
I like it
The new Dato looks a bit too plane. This Lumen makes the dial far more interesting. It was predictable, but this does not make the watch itself boring. I am sure they sell out very quickly.
Initial impression from photos...
I quite like it... but would it be the watch I would go for in that price range? Unfortunately unlikely.... so in the end perhaps I don’t like it THAT much.... but it looks cool and is a very beautifully executed piece... Thanks for sharing photos!
Not a fan
I must say, I was a biggest fan of Lange for years and now slowly losing my affinity towards this brand. I have to admit, I guess this is how I have been feeling towards most richemont brands recently...
Truth be told; they hardly ever made a slip up.
This is perhaps the first one, and slip up would be too strong probably. At least they make something technical out of it. Compared to, for instance, Patek Phillip who simply made a platinum Nautilus with diamonds in a large size...🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ ...
I think this is the most astute comment. We just expect so much from Lange that it's a let down.
I still like it if I can isolate the watch on its own and forget the lead up to the let down.
I quote: “exiting design statement”
This is not a design statement. The Lange 1 was. The Zeitwerk was. The Triple Split was. This is milking it (nothing wrong with that).
Actually that's a fair point.
What's interesting is that for some reason, when Patek does something like that it just doesn't bother me as i simply ignore. Maybe it's because of the more you have an affection towards the brand more the let down some times lol
Surprised everyone is so harsh with this one
I quite like it, especially in daylight. Lange does not really do 'greyscale' dials, and the smoked sapphire is a far more legible option than clear sapphire (cough holy trinity...). Think of it as Lange's approach to a skeletonized watch.
Omg
Is that a Richmond decision? There are so many different variations of the signature chronograph calibre. We have all the gold and dial colour combinations on 1815 chrono year by year, and now a lumen Dato. Kill the goose ...
The Iconic datograph balance
Is spoilt because with the lumen dial, the ten cross disc is visible.. so the perfect triangle got distorted..
With the lumen series, you can see the internal fight within Lange between classic conservatism and fresh modernity
This is the end result and I like it more than I dislike it. I have abandoned hope of seeing Lange release a Zeitwerk-level innovation in design and sophistication. I think we are in a period of low-risk taking for Lange and the Datograph lumen is better ...
+1 -- I learnt that with most Langes, especially those with dials that are designed...
... to change appearance under different lighting conditions (such as Lange's guilloche dials and these lumen models), I cannot judge how I feel about them from the photos alone. And of course we all have different tastes about these, which is one of the ...
Cheapens the look of the watch IMO.
The Datograph is all about haute hologerie in the context of austere Teutonic design. ...a well-designed and executed micro machine that exudes solidity and precision. Add a bunch of lume and in the dark it looks like a Kickstarter special. Why would I wa...
Yay! Another watch I don't have to buy...
I'll stick with the normal Lange, thank you very much! This watch will appeal to those night-clubbers who are into high horology and the disco, but don't worry, I won't be fighting for this piece!
Balanced Opinion: While not all will like this specific piece; it's still important to remember that Lange is truly still among the best of the best...
Lange's movement finishing is better than just about anyone else. Every piece is double-assembled. Yes, Lange did have a little fiasco with early produced 1815 watches that didn't have their proper movement finishing on the hidden internals; but despite t...
We knew it was coming, but it’s still somewhat disappointing.
It really lacks imagination, to me it’s something of a lazy efffort. I posted elsewhere that “this is the offspring of an illicit affair between my Datograph and some skanky Luminox”.
It doesn't look as interesting as the previous 3 Lumens somehow..
Somehow I don't find the look as attractive as the previous models
That's expected, sadly. It's often bait and switch and/or a marketing tactic.
Typically, when you contact such a dealer to inquire if it's in stock (and we know the answer to THAT is "no"), they'll either try to sell you something else -- or at the very least they'll collect your contact information.
So I had the opportunity to see it in the flesh..
I am a huge Lange fan- I am devoted to the brand and choose them over everyone else. The Datograph Lumen in my opinion is the legendary watch’s crazy twin brother! It looks like a Lange and is built to the company’s ridiculously high standard but doesn’t ...
Not much thought seems to have gone in..
Pity to see Lange creating a rather ugly variation of the iconic Datograph. Playing with the lumen seems a pointless exercise. Hope they get back to being "lange"
I've seen this watch last week for real....
... at the Dresden Boutique. It was not so crazy as I expected but nevertheless it's not my Cup of coffe. Small fun fact: The store Manager told me that the LE was sold out in 10 minutes. stere
Too many stark opinions
And think you will all be proven wrong. I experienced the watch personally today and it is spectacular, I’ve always love lume in watches, think Panerai, and this one is the best. We all settle for a watch that is only useful for 50% of our life? Patek esp...
