vitalsigns
6703
Tough call
By all reports, that particular VC is stunning, with its crisp enamel dial and in-house VC automatic movement that is reputed to be extremely nicely finished. The RL is stunning too...certainly more hefty and it's a manual wind piece. The RL's movement is finished to the extreme and it has Lange's free-sprung, adjustable mass balance and proprietary hairspring. The RL is also designed to be a highly-accurate timekeeper whereas the VC is probably just a standard (but good) timekeeper. A tough question.
Do you prefer automatic vs. manual wind? Which movement appeals to you more intellectually?
Do you prefer the classic/vintage feel of the enamel dial or the somewhat more modern but still classic look of the RL dial?
Does the size matter to you?
The price difference is not insignificant. Is that important to you?
Is the limited edition nature of the VC important to you? My understanding is that the VC is not limited per se (except to the extent of the red "12" hour marker...the others will have a black "12" hour marker) but due to the enamel dial it will certainly be a limited production piece. Note that the RL is a limited production piece as well.
In five or ten years, which piece do you think will have stood the test of time and maintained a welcome niche within your collection?
Good luck. Would love to see pictures of whichever you get.
John
VC Chronometre Royal 86122 vs Richard Lange 232.032
