halgedahl
1333
Dear ZSHSZ, How delightful to hear that my assessment of these three magnificent timepieces happens to coincide with your own! You are so kind to have taken
the time to fill out the story for me, especially with such dear and personal details as the sale of your that first Dato in support of your father. Before I allowed myself to become caught in this horological whirlpool I had no appreciation for the depth of emotion that attaches to the purchase of these works of art. But now I know, and in fact it was just such a connection that started me down this road (to mix metaphors).
For years I had kept my Grandfather's gold pocket watch in drawers and lockboxes. But when I retired, and had time to think of something other than the violin, it preyed on me that I was keeping such a beautiful thing shut away from sight. It didn't have an important movement, but it was a beautiful piece of history, nonetheless.
A local jeweler (who I'd no idea was a collector!) offered me a decent sum for the watch, chain and fob, and I had, then, to think of what sort of timepiece would both honor the past and yet be modern enough that I would enjoy wearing it every day—remembering the man who had made so many things possible for me..
I was so naive! Yes, I did make a reasoned decision to purchase a modern regulator. But at that time I could not imagine spending a few thousands of dollars on a watch for myself, and what I had realized from the sale of the pocket watch was just over a thousand dollars. Thus, I bought what I could "afford," rather than waiting to learn more, and allowing my tastes and understanding to grow.
Suffice it to say that in the five years since I have come a long way. And it's time to sell most of the less consequential watches I've collected and pool my resources to invest in a few—a very few—pieces that will move me whenever I look at them, those few (rather like your future Patek?) that are "perfect" in their way, and that, in addition to being really fine mechanically, are aesthetically—as you put it so well—"me." I'm moved to say that we may have quite similar tastes, and that I've made a new friend in this process—which doesn't happen every day, even in the convivial atmosphere of WatchProSite. So warm greetings from a cooler-than-normal Iowa May. Best of luck in the hunt for your choice. And enjoy the week ahead. Fred H.
Dear all, hope your week went well, and all who can enjoy the the freedom of the outdoors have a great time.
I’m at crossroads in pulling the trigger on one of the following three references, but as usual I’m interested in how you feel about them and which one would you choose. Out of the three I owned the Datograph and the Vacheron perpetual and for different r...
Very attractive Dato!
I own a Dato but it is not as attractive as the one you picture, have never seen that version. It would be my choice, love the blue! I also chose a Lange 1815 over that version Patek 5170.
I have a strong preference for the Dato
Made even better that it is not the Up/Down variant.
You know them very well, since you owned them, but among these 3, I would hesitate between the Datograph and the Vacheron.
The Datograph because it is an icon and one of the finest modern Chrono. The Vacheron Malte PC Chrono because it is such a piece of poetry. A bit bold, though, but so charming. If I had to pick only one... I would go for the Dato, but the Vacheron is a cl...
I would go for the 5170 this time 😉
A bit underrated and extremely versatile if you pick a few different strap options. IMO, the "easiest" to wear. The movement is still a work of art. The Dato is the coolest, but you already know it 😜 Enjoy the decision process!
Out of the 3 pics shown...
My preference is the dato - the architecture of the movement still blows me away and for me the date is the icon for Lange. Especially this version is my preferred version. I would have a hard time deciding between the dato and the black dialled 5170g-010...
The VC..
I like as it has a hunter case back and the lemania movement is top notch and very nicely finished.
Thank you to give us the opportunity to dream a bit as if I would pull the trigger myself...
This is quite a difficult exercise but let’s proceed: - the VC Malte PC is a Watch I love for it’s a complication I love and this is a very serious and beautiful option. If it would be the platinum version with its amazing grained platinum dial I would mo...
Thank you friends, all very valuable responses.
I did not expect this much love for the Datograph, all dough I knew it’s a crowd favorite. My hearth is thorn between this references, but all the points expressed here will definitely count in the decision.
I hesitate to comment as I have never owned a watch of this calibre, nor will I, ever (it is a bit late for my ship to come in). However, one of the advantages of this site is the
sincerity of its members. Those of us with more modest collections still have long-considered opinions about design and execution that may occasionally offer rarely considered perspectives. Thus, my take on what I find an interesting dilemma. What, indeed...
So kind of you, Anthony! I hadn't had time to respond until today. This is your old Sicilian buddy, born in Rochester, who has admired your fine collection and
supportive comments in the past. Now I see you have "discovered" Grand Seiko, and I've failed to "welcome you to the fold!" Well I couldn't agree more with your choice(s) thus far, and look forward to following your progress on that front. Perhaps you wil...
I salute you, and thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts about this thee superb watches.
Reading your post, you actually reinforced my feelings and also brilliantly explained each piece in detail and made me discover aspects that I haven’t seen while I owned them. I didn’t wanted to give give reasons why I would like to reacquire the first tw...
Dear ZSHSZ, How delightful to hear that my assessment of these three magnificent timepieces happens to coincide with your own! You are so kind to have taken
the time to fill out the story for me, especially with such dear and personal details as the sale of your that first Dato in support of your father. Before I allowed myself to become caught in this horological whirlpool I had no appreciation for the depth...
Vacheron for the win
This Datograph has a special place in horological history, no doubt. And the view from the back is breathtaking. The 5170 also has a special place in PP history, but I prefer what came before (5070) and what came after (5172). Finally, the Malte platinum ...
I clearly see your point, and fully agree.
That VC is quite special for all reasons you mentioned, but the simplicity of that 5170 is just irresistible;-))) Thank you for your input, very valuable!!!
