jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
[Moderator]
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Lange Datograph vs MB Villeret Chronographe email grand feu
Hi all
I just got back my Datograph from watch spa (I posted more photos on Lange forum). Here're some smartphone pictures to compare them side by side 
Both are buttery smooth to wind. Pushers are also super smooth and have a very "high end feel" on both (key difference being one has a flyback function and one is a monopusher).
The Datograph is still more hefty due to its platinum case but not by alot to the MB Villeret in white gold (probably becos of the MB's hunter back and larger case).
Dial design wise, the MB Villeret's enamel dial is more special I feel but the Datograph is very handsome looking (the MB looks more casual and avant grande).
Movement - both are to die for! I love them both! Sorry for the poor pics on the smartphone - I could take the datograph easier due to the anti reflective coating. The MB Villeret is very tricky to photograph due to the hunter case back covering half the light path!
Conclusion:I love them both!
Also some family shots of my haute horology collection - I consider my MB Villeret right up there with my Breguet, PP, VC and Lange
Some eye candies to share for the weekend. Enjoy!
cheers, robin
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Lange Datograph vs MB Villeret Chronographe email grand feu
Hi all I just got back my Datograph from watch spa (I posted more photos on Lange forum). Here're some smartphone pictures to compare them side by side Both are buttery smooth to wind. Pushers are also super smooth and have a very "high end feel" on both ...
The Villeret is a pure beauty (like the Datograph obviously).
And i prefer the black version like yours. Fx ...
MB Villerets are very nice indeed
But their previous collections have the problem of very nice movements are harder to accept case sizes and dial designs (before their vintage chrono series including the beautiful pulsographe). Of course some would argue about the price point too but that...
A great pleasure to see this black dialed Villeret!
Now, you need a JLCDuometre à Chronograph in white gold, black dial ,to complete your already awesome collection! Best, Robin. Nicolas
Thank you Nicholas!
And yes I do realize my collection lacks a JLC! I will start reading posts from your forum from now on :) Cheers Robin
A very nice family portrait Robin
Wow, a very handsome family you have there! Any interest in vintage?
Advancing to vintage :)
Thank you Dean for your kind words. Yes I will learn more about vintage. Starting to get interested in vintage pocket watches from VC or Lange. Cheers Robin
Two signature representatives of two watchmaking schools...
the German and the Swiss one. Each with its own characteristics executed to a high, very high standard. Thanks for showing this fascinating comparison! Magnus
Thanks Magnus
Yes we have the top 2 chronograph manufacture from Germany and Switzerland pitted against each other in my photos! I love their finishing on both! Cheers Robin
The black enamel dial is to die for....
... I have seen it in person and even under loupe, it was extremely well made. Surely, Dato is as beautiful in the movement aesthetic department. Size-wise, I prefer Dato to Villeret, but this really is "draw".... Wonderful collection you have there. Ken
Thank you Ken
Yes the black enamel dial of the Montblanc villeret is really a pretty sight. I stare at it more than the dial of all my other watches (the breguet is a close 2nd with the blued hands and indices and guilloche dial). There is something about enamel dials....
I never tire seeing these two side by side
and I would say that Montblanc is doing well because whenever I see a Villeret Chronograph, it is always being compared to Lange or Patek... I also love the "family album" As always, thanks for sharing your beauties Mike
Thanks Mike! I also don't tire...
Of seeing any traditional chronograph movements with horizontal coupling side by side, not just from Lange, MB Villeret but also Patek, VC, Breguet or even those that are not so well finished but beautifully laid out and designed. Yes I may be the minorit...
Thanks for sharing your collection with us all
And in terms of the Lange vs. Villeret, I myself prefer the finishing of the Villeret over the Lange because I feel the Lange finishing looks too "busy" while the Villeret movement looks like it has harmony and flows better. Of course the finishing of the...
Thanks Anthony. my colleagues agree with you
I like them both but interestingly, my colleagues who are not into watches say the same thing as you - that the Lange movement is overly complex looking (though impressive) whereas the MB Villeret has a neater and sleeker movement. But... honestly I like ...
Two impressive watches, in one impressive post...
" Also some family shots of my haute horology collection - I consider my MB Villeret right up there with my Breguet, PP, VC and Lange " Quoting you up there... I want to say, that I would consider MB Villeret even higher than Breguet, PP, VC, and Lange. L...
thanks for the details on Lange's balance wheel and spring
Thanks Patrick. Now I appreciate my MB Villeret even more! It's really such a traditional way to manufacture watch movement parts. ... very rarely seen today. Cheers Robin
German silver
I forgot to mention. Seeing the Lange datograph and MB villeret minerva movement side by side... 1 more point I missed is that both movement have plates made from German Silver. Lange's german silver is untreated whereas the MB Villeret's rhodium plated g...
Excellent comparison ...
... and much appreciated, Robin. It is really only what you have two watches of this 'caliber' side-by-side that you can appreciate the differences and strengths. And it is great when brand names do not get in the way of the appreciation of the products. ...
Thank you Andrew
It actually took me a long time to accept Montblanc as a haute horology brand at that price point. This forum helped me alot to appreciate the product based on its merits instead of being overly analytical on value, branding etc. No doubt the MB Villeret ...