A. Lange & Söhne

Hello,







Images from ALS

Hi,

My thoughts are that the Lange 1 has the outsized date which to me is a true Lange iconic aspect of their designs. I wouldn't want 2 Lange watches yet have no date on either.

Also as far as movement side vs dial side of a watch, the likelihood is that shortcomings on the dial side will annoy you more than shortcomings on the movement side.

I have a datograph and a Lange 1 and while obviously the movements are superb, I spend 95% of the time looking at the dial side of the watches.
Regards
Michael

i agree - one cannot have two Lange's without at least one having the iconic outsize date is. i think the movement is less of an issue and if we are speaking strictly dials, id choose the L1 over the 1815.

Because funds are limited, I'd suggest you seriously consider preowned (vs. new). You can buy a preowned Lange 1 (sans moonphase) PLUS a preowned 1815 Up/Down for about the same price as a new Lange 1. In addition, being open to the preowned market would also allow you to consider older 1815 Up/Down models that don't have the stepped bezel, as well as Lange 1 moonphase models that don't have the new day/night disc. You may find the older moonphase discs to be more attractive. You wouldn't be alone in that regard. In the end, you might end up getting a Lange 1 (with or without moonphase) and an 1815 (regular or Up/Down) and perhaps selling the Saxonia Thin. I'd also echo Michael's sentiment about spending 95% of my time looking at the dial (vs. the movement) -- not to underestimate that. Let us know how your thinking progresses!

The L1 i am interested in is with the new L121.1 movement. i have a thing for instantaneous date change! i might be open to buy one second-hand but i haven't a clue where to look. Also, I'm not interested in owning both watches.

And I tend to prefer the former Lange One compared to the new ones. It is due for me to the movement lay-out. New one is more logic but the previous one was more beautiful. And since I don't really care about the instantaneous jumping date...
Fx

... and serve to break up the monotony of the 3/4 plate. Those "floating islands" also highlight additional finishing elements, at their edges. In addition -- and most importantly -- the two sub-bridges provide a type of "balanced visual asymmetry" to the movement that is consistent with the balanced visual asymmetry of the Lange 1 dial -- which is the key aesthetic appeal of that iconic dial. So for me, the aesthetic appeal of the old L1 movement outweighs the technical differences of the new one. And I actually like that the date changes gradually on the old movement because it's fun to watch that process on the few occasions when I get to see it.

The new L1 movement looks sterile in comparison. While i do like the technical features but that movement is too boring. Thanks for your post!

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Both are nice watches - each with their own points to note. Here's a movement-nerdy take on both:

Lange 1:
Has freesprung balance. Hence, no balance timing screws for poising which some may miss as they find it more traditional and aesthetically pleasing. The swan neck is not a "regulator", but is for beat adjustment which is also a more modern take of things. I personally wished it was a more classic, regulator design like the old L1...
Compared to the traditional Lange 1, as you know it has instantaneous jumping date now thanks to the new movement. Actually, the new movement also has a few other quirks - for one, the geartrain is aligned at a different angle to the old L1, and thus a more efficient system with less gears is achieved. By placing the balance wheel next to the crown (I can't think of any other watch having this!), it allows convenient placement of the seconds hand on the dial side directly driven (old L1 needed extra gearing). This means that the 3/4 plate is now simplified in design and doesnt need the little "islands" the old L1 had (take as a positive or negative - some prefer the older aesthetic). This simpler design I imagine gave the needed space to implement the instantaneous date.
Aesthetically, I think the L1 is always an icon and that any Lange collection needs one with a bigdate.

1815 u/d:
This is one of those 1815 models which does not have cut off numerals thanks to the dial layout which is nice. Aesthetically it is nicely balanced - albeit as many pointed out is too reminiscent to the chrono dial.
Movement has more interesting visual appeal with much of the winding gears visible. Personally however, I am not fond of the Click - If its exposed like that, it could've been more ornately finished like how its done on the saxonia 35mm as a "sharp beak". Such a setup that the u/d does now is less visually interesting, but won't wear out as quickly since no sharp contacts.
As with similar Langes, the ratchet gears have polished teeth (albeit subtly) which is a nice finishing touch that not many other brands do.
It also has the traditional regulator swan-neck and poised screwed balance - which I find very visually appealing and more traditional.

Both watches as I recall, have an interesting quirk whereby when power reserve runs out, the seconds hand will stop exactly at 60! This mechanism exists piggyback off the fact both have a power reserve mechanism in place already.

My personal biased vote goes to the Lange 1 due to the iconic layout and outside date.

Regards,
skyeriding

You have given me a lot to think of- i very much appreciate your detailed response my friend! i too have a preference for a traditional screwed balance over the free sprung but thats not a deal breaker. Personally though, the movement on the 1815 U/D looks very busy compared to the Saxonia Thin which in my opinion has the best looking 3/4 plate. 

Since we are at it, here's a wonderful article that reviews the basic Lange calibre (found on old 1815s, and the current 35mm Saxonias): Click here

I have owned both the Lange 1 and Up and Down and both were in my ownership for less than 2 months! The Lange 1 had a technical issue with its date change and had to be returned to Lang after a week. Both watches have a 72 hour power reserve but the Lange 1 uses 2 barrels to the Up and Down's single barrel. I think the rationale of using one barrel was to keep the watch slim which is certainly is. Unfortunately, with only barrel, I had to turn the crown in excess of 150 times to fully wind the watch which to me is ridiculous. In addition, if you wind both the Lange 1 and Up and Down, you will notice that the winding mechanism is smoother on the Lange 1 than the Up and Down. This is important if you decide to buy the Up and Down as you will be winding it a lot!!! Aesthetically, I prefer the Up and Down, not just on the movement side but the dial is beautifully balanced. It also kept amazing time (a one second daily deviation). I believe you should actually consider the two following watches - the 1815 38.5mm watch which is great (I owned that too but it did not sit so well on a small wrist) or save up for a 1815 chronograph in black. That to me is the best watch currently in Lange's range. Yes, I understand it might take a while to save up (I am in a similar situation as you are) but that 1815 chrono will make you smile beyond comprehension
And I fully subscribe to your wanting to buy new. It is a special feeling that is difficult to explain when one buys a new watch.
All the best Moe!

I went to the AD yesterday to strap both on and compare them side to side. First, i realized that i fully am attracted to the 1815. The case is interesting, the dial is so balanced, old school, detailed and those Arabic numerals are delicious! The Lange 1 is gorgeous but felt sterile.. very sober.. too sober? i find the Saonia Thin 37mm much more interesting and well executed. i know i "NEED" to have a big date but the 1815 is uniquely Lange as well, has all the historic DNA and feels like a bridge piece between the company's past and resurrection.
Also, when it came to winding, the L1 wasn't as smooth as i thought - very similar to my Saxonia Thin. As for the 1815, there were two pieces, a white and rose gold. The white gold had a very resistant winding but the rose gold was buttery smooth!
As for the 1815 Chronograph, I'm thinking if i go with the 1815 up down then maybe i should aim for a datograph? has a big date, chronograph, power reserve, its iconic and the movement is incredibly beautiful!
Lots to consider!

I have seen your wrist and the datograph is larger and a lot thicker than the 1815 chronograph not to mention it is heavier too. I will not even mention the price difference !!
But then again, you mention you 'need' a big date so if you need one, you need one
See what a great buy your Saxonia thin was that even more complex watches in the Lange range have a tough time competing with it!!
Enjoy your predicament

but i think its the quintessential Lange! not getting one anytime soon but its incredible and i think it looks good on my wrist. And yes! the Saxonia thin is phenomenal!

The Dato actually fits and actually looks pretty good on you. I did notice that it has been strapped on tightly and very close to the end of your wrist.

I started with a simple time-only 1815, and within a year, I was dreaming of another Lange. 

Fate allowed me to get a L1, which I cherish dearly.  The L1 is an iconic watch, plus the layout is quite visually interesting, so I would recommend an L1 without any hesitation

I keep on going back and forth between the Up/Down and the L1. what are your thoughts on the new blue dial L1?

....  I would go for the Lange 1.  The dial simply grows on you, and until you have a Lange with an outsize date, you will be kept wondering about its appeal.

An alternative would be the Lange 1 Time Zone, with its classic Lange 1 layout with added layers of complexity to both the dial and movement.  It may be 41.9mm, but wears fine on smaller wrists.  Do try it at the next trip to your AD.

I think the L1 Time Zone is an incredible watch - especially in beautiful honey gold- but its a tad busy for my taste.

I tend to prefer the Lange One. Because it is an icon and a bit more original on the wrist than the 1815 u&d.

But I would suggest you to buy a second hand piece as mentioned above.

Fx

I've never bought second hand and always have this for that the watch might be a fake or theres something wrong.