The first in the lineage of many followers. The large date, the off center dial. Elents that are now mainstream. They were the first to do it at that level of execution.
Datograph inspired PP, later others, to develop in-house manual chronographs. It is still unsurpassed in that category in my opinion, especially considering the finishing.
Zeitwerk doesn't really have an analog. It is just extremely hard to make something like it. Vagabondage is very cool, but mechanically doesn't even come close.
So how does one compare the popular appeal of Lange one with the extremely impressive but niche zeitwerk? I don't have an answer. But when you are niche the barrier to entering that annals of history is much higher.
I do agree with you that what happens to Lange in the next 20-30 years will end up being of huge significance. We are "purists", but separating the brand and the product is an exercise in futility.