sham1
8994
A win win situation!
Aug 06, 2019,11:28 AM
Sometimes we are faced with an interesting dilemma where either outcome is not such a bad thing. Every time I consider a chronograph and no matter which ones I do try be it the MontBlanc Heritage, the discontinued Patek Philippe 5170G or P , I find it hard to ignore the A Lange & Sohne 1815 especially the white gold black dial version. At this point, it is worthwhile mentioning that I do not generally like watches with black dials but there is something about the black dial on the 1815 chronograph that simply sweeps me off my feet. Perhaps it is the contrast with the white gold or perhaps it is the pulsometer scale but everything seems so legible. Let's not even talk about the legendary L951.5 movement which I dare anyone to say is unattractive. This is for me is THE chronograph to own and it even represents excellent value for money compared to the 5170G. I like the Patek for its slimness and its lighter weight but the Lange seems to triumph in most other areas.
The watch that always stops me from pulling the trigger on the 1815 chronograph is actually not even a chronograph but the revered Gronefeld 1941 Remontoire. Yes, some of you will argue that I am not comparing like with like but I always ask myself this question before buying a watch - what else can I get for the same amount of money(a usual question for one with a budget and nope, a Porsche Cayman would lose hands down!
) I love the Gronefeld and have my sights on a steel model, one of the twenty five to be made. The dial is relatively simple compared to the 1815 chronograph but there is nothing wrong with that. Maybe it is the movement of the Gronefeld that makes me gasp every time I see one or perhaps, I just prefer the lightness of stainless steel compared to the weight of the Lange. Both watches are eerily the same diameter at 39.5mm and the Gronefeld has the slimmer profile. The lugs are quite special in my opinion and although one can order a bespoke dial on one's Remontoire, I would be quite happy with the silver dial. Maybe it is the fact that I have met Tim and Bart Gronefeld on a number of occasions and I actually feel that the privilege would be mine to own one of their watches one day.
Would you arrive at the same decision as I would?! Thank you for reading!
It has taken two years for this watch to arrive in Malaysia and I managed to try it on tonight.
Too big or just right?
This is the rose gold model that I had managed to try on but stainless steel would be my preferred metal with the same dial
Difficult to resist
The most attractive manual chronograph movement?! I think so.
The Gronefeld - a sight to behold.