A. Lange & Söhne

It has been already debated, I believe, but let's come back to this topic. I was ( and still am ) in the search of the perfect Rattrapante Chrono, and began to think about what would be the best. The RM 004 is a bit Out Of Reach, so are the PP 5004 and th...  

the GO Rattrapante in PT? Its definitely smaller than the double split and while not in the same league as the ALS, perhaps at the price point, it is a good alternative? And still German

You're absolutely right, the GO is defintely to consider: The only small thing is the la&yout of the dial. I really have to think about it, and to see it again and again, in the flesh and on the wrist. But when it comes to the movement, the G.O rattrapant...  

I have been offered it time and again, in fact the only piece that is bound for Japan. I still am uncertain as to pull the trigger or not. I love the way this GO does a flyback, i'm sure you have seen it too , the "springing" at the end! Love it! Hope you... 

I'm really wondering, my friend. Are we completely Lange Biased? I mean, do we have to consider this G.O as a Lange, and then do we have to have the same exigences? THe main problem for me is the dial, on this G.O. I would have been pleased to see a more ... 

A GO is way behind Lange, especially in their engravings. I will be honest, but I definitely am Lange biased! LoL Well, one cannot have everything in life, and until the day that Lange releases a 12 hour counter chrono, i don't forsee myself getting any. ... 

GO is pretty close to Lange cheers

It is a good option and do think that it is in the same league cheers

Size is not that big of a problem for me on the Double Split, it's the weight. The massive PT case just weighs a ton. I'm waiting for them to make a SS one or even a titanium DS! Thanks, Nicolas!

Why not, Allen? It may be an excellent idea. But in this case, Lange should perhaps also re design the dial, don't you think? Heeeey, it may be very interesting. Best, Nicolas

the wearability/aesthetics of a watch is more important to me than its technical sophistication, because ultimately it has to sit on our wrists. the datograph is just manageable for me for its height, but am compensated with the depth of the movement. it ... 

A watch is not worht it if you can strap it on your wrist... In my case, this is not that I can't put the DS on the wrist, I find it a bit too huge, too thick... Compared to the Dato, but the Dato was the first, so I may also be a bit biased... Best, Nico... 

It is of course very personal and subjective, but to me, the art of watch-making is to make it more complicated and smaller. In this regard, I value Patek much more than Lange. A good watch must be wearable. Between Datograph and Double Split, my clear pe... 

...in general. I too appreciate more of a complicated watch when its size is small. In this regard, I can't agree more that 5959 is the winner, though I have not had opportunity to see and handle it in person. However, I must say 5004 is not very comforta... 

glad to see you here, too. I had the opportunity to see two 5959 with different dials in person in Basel, it is no doubt a great great watch, both technically and aesthetically. Interestingly, 5004, being thick and small (relativeness), attracts me more. ... 

I mean manual wound, and in house... The King is to me, the 5959 PP, but a bit smaller and the other problem is that it will cost you 2 eyes, and 2 harms... I hope to see a VC in a near Future, which will achieve these 2 criterias. Or, why not, a JLC to c... 

and wear it to judge if it is the one that you want. However I was under the impression that the platinum version was sold out. A truly beautiful watch cheers

Here, in Paris, there is one. The beast is quite rare and hard to find, but everything is possible. Best, Nicolas

No way I'd get rid of the dato for the DS.I tried it twice just for the fun of it(never crossed my mind to consider it).Its too thick and too big for anyone on this planet !but most of all too heavy!!!!!Oh dear thats a downside of Pt watches.My Grande L1 ... 

Which is right now, in 2009, Lange would released a kind od improved version of the Dato, with a ... Rattrapante, for instance... It would have been great. On the other side, some friends of mine have really big wrists, and when they tried the Dato, it wa... 

A 40mm Dato will make such a huge success of sales for Lange .Many many times we ve heard this on the forum,dozens of people would be ready to go for it if it was bigger(me as well!!!!).Mo

These two were at the top of my agenda at one time. I went back and forth between the two so many times and eventually ended up with neither.If I had to choose between the two now, it would be the Dato. However, my favorite Lange chrono is still the 1815.... 

I'm a bit biased, here, as the Dato was one of these Early Lange which drove me to the Lange Madness... Once bitten...You know what happens. For me, and to be clear, this is only my personal vision, I think that Lange was very inspired till 2003/ 2004, an... 

And I must agree with your conclusion. I prefer the size of the DS, but I think the Dato is more wearable. I also think the Dato looks better proportioned and the DS. Also, personally, I find the movement of the DS a bit too busy compared to the Dato (obv... 

I believe that the particular Double Date of the Dato belongs to the Lange D.N.A. Would it be different, the Dato wouldn't be the Dato, IMO. For the story, I bought my Dato from a guy who couldn't stand this Date. When you look at the dial of the Dato, yo... 

In this case I'll must vote for Double Split The movement is just ecstatic + having the big wrist I'll say better is bigger or bigger is better ... although I'm man and the double split is double the flyback LOL but as you always say man must go after his... 

Obviously, YES, in your case! I'm happy to see someone defending this Beast of Watch. Don't get me wrong, my point was only aesthetic , not mechanical, as, like you, I amdire the DS a lot. Best, my friend. Nicolas

And i much appreciate these comparison reports of yours! As if i don't like any of your posts! But no, they are just perfect mon ami, and even though i could never afford them, it is great that you have considered them and have done them justice through y... 

For your comparison post of the RL and RL PLM... you will have a killing platinum Lange Duo, my friend. Thanks a lot for your kind words, Best. Nicolas

with most of your points. I must admit that wearing the DS is not that pleasant (at AD at least). However, it has the inhouse spiral and the more complex escapement. One very nice (limited edition) rattrapante that comes to mind is the GP with the Venus m...  

The dial of this GP? Thanks in advance. Nicolas

g...  

A real beauty, indeed. Thanks for the pic. Best, Nicolas

How thoughtful of you to compare these two beasts for us. The movement in the DS is awesome, to say the least. I have not seen anything like it. But you are right, the case and sze are very large, and in platinum it is very heavy, which maybe does not fee... 

I would love to find a " Rattrapante " to close the Chrono Thema... I wanted to make a selection of what represents, to my eyes, the nicest Chronos: The Dato, the Duo Metre, and the Vacheron Constantin " Les Historiques " a bit above the PP 5070, but this... 

Hello Guys! The diameter of the movements are identical, 30,6 mm. The movement of the DS is thicker though, ca 2 mm. Maybe it is possible to order the DS movement in a (slightly thicker) Dato case!? Just a thought... /Rob.

That's what I hoped for the 10th Anniversary of the Dato. With an additionnal complication as a rattrapante, for example. They did the Perpetual Dato, they could have done the Rattrapante Dato, with a 41 mm case. But it wouldn't be good to have 2 rattrapa... 

Thanks Nicolas for yet another excellent post. I, too, much prefer Dato to DS, though I truly admire the technical beauty and marvel of DS -- Long Live Lange! Besides the dial layout and case dimension, I actually also think the Dato's movement is better ... 

A legendary movement, among a very few others, when we speak about Chronos. Like some Longines 30 CH or 13 ZN: 13 ZN: The Dato movement is difficlut to beat, indeed. Best, Nicolas...  

...the 30CH and 13ZN, especially 13ZN, very special and dear to my heart. Glad we share the same taste.

We indeed have similar tastes in watches, my friend. Best, Nicolas

As for the comparison, I have not spent enough time with either to form an opinion. I certainly understand the symmetry arguments in favor of the Dato, but I am not certain I concur that symmetry is a deciding factor. What strikes me about the Double Spli... 

I would rather have compared them on the " Harmony " ground... They both have their pros and cons, but at the end, as you said, you can't go wrong with any of them. Bes,t and thanks for your very valuable input. Nicolas

I completely agree that the DG (38mm) is a tad undersized and the DS (43mm) is a tad oversized, which is one of the reasons why I have elected to "split" the difference and go with a DGP (41mm). Craig

How do you live the fact to " double " a complication? Of course, your De Bethune and the DGP are 2 very different watches, but they share the same complication. Just curious... Best, Nicolas

Great photos and writing. Thank you. I would pick Dato as well, for probably a different reason - too big for my wrist! Best, Ken

I'll take the DS!! Great comparison.

For once, a fan of the DS! Damian is not alone anymore! Best, my friend. Nicolas

I've wanted that watch since it was born. Now is certainly an amazing time to obtain one too.

agree wholeheartedly with your assessment Nicolas...the dato is hands down the more balanced, better proportioned watch even though I find it a tad small for my taste.....curious what May 5 will bring from ALS! Chris H

And can't wait to see this new piece! As for the Dato, I was in the same case. I dreamt to get a nice Rattrapante, and was on to consider selling my Dato to buy the DS. But when I triend the DS, I gave up this idea. Best, Nicolas

It was a wonderful comparison article...same issues went through my mind as well but i have to disagree with your conclusion..heh heh...DS for me. If you put the Dato and the DS side by side on your wrist....the DS gives me the "palpitations" having said ...  

It is always worth to listen to your heart! Wow, a Duo DS / Dato in pink gold would really be terrific! Best, my friend. Nicolas PS: Your pica re not bad at all!

But the Lange Datograph is growing on me at a frighteningly fast rate. Thank you for this review! This message has been edited by KCLQMULKU on 2009-05-01 05:46:27

But excellent for the mood! Best, Nicolas

Your photos as always are fantastic in their clarity.

due to the size of the Dato and the superior movement of the DS, I would take the DS. Aris

We all have excellent reasons to love one or the other... Finally. Best, Nicolas

You will understand and appreciate the beauty of the DS.