A. Lange & Söhne Datograph 1st Gen Questions
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A. Lange & Söhne Datograph 1st Gen Questions

By yming · Oct 15, 2024 · 26 replies
yming
WPS member · A. Lange & Söhne forum
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Yming's exploration of the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph's wearability, particularly the first-generation model, offers a crucial perspective for collectors considering this iconic chronograph. By directly comparing it to the Patek Philippe Ref. 5970, yming highlights the subtle yet significant design nuances, such as lug positioning and case thickness, that impact wrist comfort. This deep dive into the ergonomics of a highly coveted timepiece provides invaluable insights for potential owners, moving beyond mere aesthetics to practical wearability.

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Recently I tried a Dato on a rugged calf leather strap..
I must say I like the look a lot!


This triggered me to question why I always found the Dato too thick.. after all, it has the same thickness as the 5970, and I find the 5970 very wearable for my wrist size.. maybe my wrist can handle it after all, and I can finally get a Lange chrono?

Today I managed to spend more time with the Dato, and I think the top heaviness is caused by the lugs.. it is positioned too high on the wrist, as per the pic below.



Here is a comparison of the Dato vs the 5970 - note the difference in where the lugs are positioned (as a result the 5970 has a higher bezel)


Opinions from 1st Gen Dato owners on wearability and comfort would be much appreciated.. 

About the A. Lange and Söhne Up/Down Ref. 405.035

The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon reference 405.035 combines a flyback chronograph with a perpetual calendar and a tourbillon, representing a highly complex offering within the brand's Datograph family. This particular reference is distinguished by its platinum case and black dial, providing a cohesive and understated aesthetic for its intricate mechanical capabilities. It stands as a significant example of Lange's approach to integrating multiple grand complications into a single timepiece.

The watch features a 41mm platinum case, housing the manufacture caliber L951.6. This manual-winding movement is visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, showcasing its intricate finishing and construction. The power reserve for this movement is 60 hours, and the watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a comprehensive complication set from A. Lange & Söhne, offering both practical functions and high horology craftsmanship. Its combination of a flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar, and tourbillon places it among the most technically ambitious watches in the brand's contemporary catalog. The platinum case and black dial variant is a classic combination for such a complex instrument.

Specifications

Caliber
L951.6
Case
Platinum
Diameter
41 mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire crystal

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
SM
smironov
Oct 15, 2024
I wear mine on a steel Shinola bracelet

And it looks and feels great. The bracelet somehow fixes the top-heaviness of the watch.

YM
yming
Oct 15, 2024
Thanks for the idea..

But may I ask how was it when you had it on a leather strap?

SM
smironov
Oct 15, 2024
Strap was great as well

I just like the look on a bracelet. Try it with light gray suede strap, I think this combo looks great.

JP
jpd
Oct 15, 2024
I wear it on a strap

Changed it from a deployant buckle to a pin buckle and whilst it's not a light watch, I do not feel it moving around or being wiggly. Might be because my 16.5cm wrist is very flat where the watch sits. Had a Patek 5960 prior to the Dato and must say that the Dato wears more comfy for me.

YM
yming
Oct 15, 2024
Thanks for this feedback..

KI
Kid
Oct 15, 2024

From my personal experience and specific for my wrist, there are 2 aspects that made the Datograph top heavy compared to the similar sized 5970 1.) The caseback makes the watch sits higher on the wrist (hence your observation on the lugs being raised higher than 5970) 2.) The actual physical weight of the watch, which is about 10-15% heavier compared to 5970 with the same material A combination of this, I feel that Datograph has higher center of gravity when worn The concave bezel of 5970, makes

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