A. Lange & Söhne Datograph vs. Double Split
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A. Lange & Söhne Datograph vs. Double Split

By amanico · Apr 27, 2009 · 63 replies
amanico
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
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Amanico's comprehensive comparison of the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph and Double Split remains a foundational discussion for collectors evaluating these two iconic chronographs. His detailed analysis, supported by excellent photography, delves into the nuances of movement sophistication, case dimensions, and dial aesthetics. This article continues to be highly relevant for understanding the design philosophy and technical prowess behind Lange's most celebrated chronographs.


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 the 5959.

Some are based on the 7750 with a module for the Rattrapante, like the IWC Portugaise, or the very nice cushion shaped GP, but these are Automatic movements, and the origin of the Movement is not that exciting, nor the finish ( it is maybe for that reason that these all have a solid case back? )...

So I started to lurk at the Double Split, hoping to find with this watch THE perfect Rattrapante Chrono, and also thinking to sell my Datograph to fund it.

So a Match between these 2 monsters was unavoidable.

The strong point of the Double Split is the movement.







You may spend hours looking, admiring this gorgeous movement!

The finish is outstanding, to reach an Artisitic level.

Compared to the Datograph, this movement is even more sophisticated in its complications, with a Double Split function ( seconds...but also minutes ), while the Dato is " only " a Flyback.

The Datograph movement:







The Datograph movement beats at 18 000 Vibrations per Hour, when the Double Split beats at 21 600, which is not, IMO, significative.

So, in terms of mechanical sophistications, the Double Split is on the top of the Datograph.

A bit like if it was a Super Datograph, without Date.

But a Watch is not only a movement, but also a Case and a Dial...

And here, the things are more complicated.

About the Case, the dimensions say all:

43 mm big, and 15, 3 mm Thick for the Double Split.

39mm big, and 12,8 mm thick for the Datograph.

So, a difference of 4 mm and 2,5mm for the case of the Double split!

And it is obvious.

The Datograph has, IMO, more homogeneity than the Double Split.

Its case, and the lugs are perfectly dimensionned, even if the bezel is a bit, but just a bit too thick.





With the Double Split, the things are very different.

I personnaly find the case too big, and too thick, like if it was a body builded Datograph, with an exageration of all the defaults.

I mean that by this enhanced size, the watch looses its natural balance, its harmony.

The lugs are much bigger in live than a few mm more in theory, and their draw is not as appealing it is for the lugs of the Datograph..

Same problem with the bezel...

Here are 2 pics which speak better than words:





So, the Datograph wins if we compare both cases.

As for the dial, now :

The design of the Datograph dial is reaching the perfection, in terms of balance, symmetry and strengh.

The 2 round silver dials at 4 and 8 make a perfect triangle with the big date located just under 12.







Even the writings " Datograph Flyback " seem to be at their right place.

The layout of the dial is an exemple of harmony indeed.

With the Double Split, when having in mind the dial of the Datograph, it is a bit more complicated.

The finish of the dial is as stunning as bthe one of the Datograph, but the layout seems less nice, less harmonious and balanced.





Take off the Big Date, put a Power Reserve indicator and an Applied XII instead, and you won't get the same outcome!

The loss of the big date comes with the loss of the balance and symmetry, IMO.

Even the writings seem to be located too low!





A pity, because the ballet of the double split seconds and minute hads is really magic!

On the wrist, the confirmation is here.

While the Datograph is pure joy and happyness, the Double Split is too big, at least for my normally sized wrist.

I think that to enjoy wearing this watch , you need a quite big wrist!

So, the outcome of this horological match?

No surprises, my friends.

I stay with my Datograph, in fact, this is maybe due to the fact that I dreamt of a Double Split Datograph, maybe a bit bigger, but with the same thickness, and the big date to not loose the symmetry of the dial.

Best, hoping that you'll enjoy this small comparative view, and that you will share with us all your thoughts about it!

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-04-27 23:24:18 This message has been edited by Dje on 2009-05-04 06:38:09

About the Richard Mille Split-Seconds Chronograph Ref. RM004

Richard Mille RM004 Split-Seconds Chronograph

The RM004 represents Richard Mille's split-seconds chronograph offering, distinguished by its manual-winding movement and skeletonized dial construction. Produced from 2003 to 2010, this reference demonstrates the brand's approach to high-complication timepieces within a compact case format.

The 38mm titanium case houses the manual-winding RM004 caliber, providing a 55-hour power reserve. The skeletonized dial reveals the movement architecture beneath a sapphire crystal. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the watch is fitted with a rubber strap. The fixed bezel maintains the case's streamlined profile.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking Richard Mille's take on the split-seconds complication in a relatively understated package. The titanium construction and skeletonized dial execution align with contemporary preferences for technical displays and lightweight materials. The seven-year production run establishes the RM004 as a core reference within the brand's chronograph offerings.

Specifications

Caliber
RM004
Case
Titanium
Diameter
38 mm
Dial
Skeletonized
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AR
ArthurSG
Apr 27, 2009

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

AL
Allen
Apr 28, 2009

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!

A.
a.ler
Apr 28, 2009

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 would been perfect if it's a tad thinner on the wrist.

GR
Grisar
Apr 28, 2009

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 personal favorite is Dato. Double is kind of show, for me, too much. 5004 is, however, so nice and decent. Not even to mention 5959!

MO
moc
Apr 28, 2009

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 is already on the limit weight wise,but the DS is unwearable.Maybe with the right stand it would make a wonderful table clock.Not a wristwatch IMO and i wonder what are the sales of it and what Lange thinks of this creation.Thats why we always t

FE
fernando
Apr 28, 2009

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. Best Fernando

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