Horological Meandering

SJX
[Purist]
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An interview with the owner of the four Lange Datographs

A few weeks ago I posted photos of a gentleman’s collection of Lange chronographs (click here to see the thread). The post has since received over 1000 hits, which surely must be a record for one with only two pictures and barely any text.

Su JiaXian (SJX) : How and when did this collection of Datographs begin?

Pisa Datograph, Datograph rose gold, Double Split platinum, Datograph rose gold again, Datograph platinum

Owner : This collection began when I became enamoured with chronographs and it went full bore when I finally took delivery of my first one, a rose gold with black dial, despite my original order being the platinum version with black dial. Not being a red metal person, I didn't fully enjoy the watch as much as I thought I would until I started using it more and more. It was much smaller than what I expected especially since I got it right after taking delivery of a Patek Philippe 5070G.

Only as time went by did I find myself gravitating towards the Dato more than the other chronographs in my collection. When the AD got in a platinum version, I thought might as well get it so I can have an alternative when itching to use the Dato but not wearing anything suitable for the brown strap and red metal.

As time went by, I saw the new rose gold with silver dial became available but didn't give it much attention since was happy with the two Datos already. Surely, I said to myself, no one in their right mind would get two of the same watches with just different case. I thought Dato would look good with a white or silver dial. I made the big mistake of trying it on and the rest was history...

Fast forward to a year or so later, I learned there was a Pisa version which took the best of both worlds - platinum case with silver dial. I had to get it and through the kindness of a gentleman friend and fellow Purist, got it to complete the collection. Oh, found the time to throw in a Double Split along the way. 

[Pisa Datograph was a limited edition of 10 pieces made for Pisa Orologeria, a store in Milan.]

SJX : Why the Datograph?

Owner: The Dato because I felt more of a connection with the watch than with all other chronos in its league, Patek 5070 included. Hence my turning down of rose gold 5070 several times already.

Datograph gives me the feeling of a German sedan. Modern, perfect, made by machine, no pretence to be something else it is not. Just a mad rush and an achievement of perfection which I really feel when strapping either of the 4.

SJX : Which is your favourite of the four? And why?

Owner: All of them are different. I like the rose gold-black dial a lot since it is sentimental to me. I remember when I took delivery of it. I was having dinner with my wife at a local cafe in a hotel. Food was great, delivery of the watch to coincide with the good feelings of the time. Despite red metal watches not being too conducive to general wearing in my neck of the woods, I have worn out the strap on the first one and replaced with CF [Camille Fournet] band just to try it out. 

I like the platinum black dial a lot as it gives me a shot of adrenalin when I put it on, like a power suit, akin to the rumblings of a souped-up German sedan or a Ducati for that matter.

The rose gold silver dial is my artistic piece. I wear it when am feeling sentimental, the yang to my yin I guess.

The Pisa is also a favourite since the memories and ongoing relationship with the former owner of the watch is very dear to me.  The actual pickup of the watch was done so in the company of friends who as time passes are starting to be closer to me, as the passage of time is. 

I would love to get the Tourbograph but was not ready when it was first launched. However, I am quite happy with our current state of collection and would most probably wind down my collection when I pick up a few incoming AHCI pieces. I feel the bookend of this part of my life is coming. But funny thing is that if the yellow gold Datograph came out, I might get that as my first yellow gold piece.

[Rumours of a yellow gold Datograph have abounded since photographs of the watches on the wrists of Lange executives were posted on various forums early this year.]

Time for me to veer away from my acquisition phase of collecting and move on to enjoy these pieces doing other things with friends whom I have had the good fortune to gather en route this horological journey. Thankfully, this is the only piece that I have multiple variants of same watch - I think.

SJX : Well the irony of that is that you have multiples of the Datograph, yet you didn’t get some of the other Lange chronographs?

Owner: I know, isn’t it funny? I think the Tourbograph represented a huge leap in terms of price as well as complication. Then, I only had a few split chronographs, perpetual chronographs, chronograph-tourbillons but none with the magnitude of a Tourbograph. Now, if am offered it, I might consider it but I do feel at the end of my collecting phase and am ready to move on to another part of the hobby.

Click here  for Part II of the interview

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