Comments:
39mm or 41mm datograph which one to get?
I’m in the market for a datograph and I’m torn between the older 39mm and the current 41mm with power reserve.
Can anyone provide me some in site on wearability and collectibility?
Can anyone provide me some in site on wearability and collectibility?
I prefer the older version in many ways.
Hard statement to make - the newer one is still an AL&S, awesome movement, etc. But the purity of the original wins out for me. The new one really looks like a very different watch with the PR. When I hear or read "Datograph", I never think of the current model. Maybe that is the best way for me to say it.
I also like the original more
nothing wrong with the newer version and one has to say it has a superior movement. However, I just like the original more.
Br,
Dirk
Agree with others. I like the original more, but if possible try them on your wrist.
The newer version may wear better as its mass is spread over more surface area. A longstanding observation/complaint with the original Dato has been that it is a top-heavy watch, especially the platinum iteration.
The older version is much less expensive.
Newer version has movement upgrades.
Newer version you can get the rose gold, black dial much more easily (older version in rose gold, black dial is harder to find).
I wish I was going through this dilemma 
cheers,
John
Had the same dilema 2 months ago
Went for the first version. Despite liking both and knowing the movement in the newer version is better, I made a non typical decision.
The original version was the one that got me into a lange.
Both are great timepieces, I have nostalgic feeling for this timepiece.
A deployant clasp makes the top heavy feeling a lot better
Hope this helps
The original version was the one that got me into a lange.
Both are great timepieces, I have nostalgic feeling for this timepiece.
A deployant clasp makes the top heavy feeling a lot better
Hope this helps
I was also torn between these 2 versions
The first one is Iconic and mostly prefered.
The weight and the positionning on my wrist was too bad to thinking it should be a daily wearer to me.
I tested about 7 times and always failed.
The new version fits better, much better I have to admit but I do not like the new dial.
I talked about Pt versions.
Now the Dufourgraph in gold with black dial should be considered
Or maybe a new version with PR but with a different dial in the future.
Test them on your wrist and you could have part of your answers.
I was not happy with the fit of the first gen
The newer version sits much better on the wrist. Ended up trading my first gen for a grande lange 1 mp, much better fit.
The first generation one. THE icon, with a purer dial, in my opinion. Now, the issue is the comfort on the wrist. It doesn't sit well on the wrist, curiously. [nt]
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It all comes down to your preference, however I can only echo Michael’s response .
The Dato to me is the original 39mm. Mine is gone but not forgotten ...
Nevertheless owned either but tried both, 39mm all the way for me [nt]
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The 41mm wears like a dream and the PR is of great utility on a manual watch
...not to mention the longer power reserve on the 41mm.
...and yet everyone raves about the 39mm
...and yet everyone raves about the 39mm
I am in the minority
But I went for the 41mm. I was in your same position a few years ago, choosing between the 39mm, the 41mm, and (since I was in the neighborhood) the Double Split. I ended up with the 41mm for one simple reason: it is the more wearable of the three for me - I am 6"4 and have a 7 inch wrist.
Below are some thoughts on my I opted for the 41mm (I will focus on wearability as collectability is market-driven and, sadly, I am not a soothsayer):
Technically, the 41mm is an improvement on the 39mm when it comes to movement advances, which is expected after 12 years. Key for me are the 60 hours power reserve and the power reserve indicator.
Aesthetically, this is purely a matter of preference. The 39mm is the original, the icon: the first Lange I fell for. Movement-wise, the Double Split is the monster with a ridiculously finished and designed movement - as close to a city as can be (the triple split is definitely a strong more recent contender). All three are phenomenal and you cannot go wrong with any choice (I feel this to be the case with any Lange watch). I personally prefer the simpler layout of the baton vs roman numerals. I also prefer the 60 hours power reserve (note that I thoroughly enjoy winding it) and, more importantly, the power reserve on the dial. Don't get me wrong, but just like a car, I like to know how much gas/power is available - especially when there is a noticeable deviation in accuracy towards the end of the power reserve.
On the wrist, this is also purely a matter of preference. For me, when I buy a watch, wearability is a crucial factor. After trying on all three and going back and forth, the 41mm with the deployant was the clear favorite. Admittedly, I looked at buying the 39mm multiple times and kept on pushing it off because of the wrist comfort. So when the 41mm was release in Dec. 2011, I was ecstatic. I can confirm what some fellow purists have mentioned above, in that it does not feel as top-heavy as the other 2 and, for me at least, is the more wearable - even though it is 0.2mm thicker than the 39mm. Understandably, I was only considering the platinum version (I prefer the sportiness of the black dial and white metals) so this definitely affects my perception on comfort. I am not in any way saying that the 41mm is not top heavy or does not sit high; the wear is far from perfect as it does sit high and I have a few mark across the (slightly thicker vs. the 39mm) bezel to show for it. When at work, I usually take it off as the weight does become a challenge when desk diving.
It has been 5+ years since I have had the 41mm and I can say that it has essentially been my daily wearer for most of the time - unless I am going swimming, gym/running, or need something more formal, it is on my wrist. To put it in context, I only bought 1 watch since I bought the 41mm as I just don't feel the need to wear much else (for better or worse).
At the end of the day, this is something only you can decide with your heart and mind. The one recommendation I will make though is that regardless of what you ultimately go for, a deployant is something to seriously consider as I have found the heft a challenge when trying to strap it on with a pin buckle. And if you are price sensitive or prefer second-hand, both can be found on the secondary market fairly easily and as far as I have seen, the wizards at Lange can pretty much fix anything.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Walid
It is classic topic...
Like many of us, I believe that the watch to get is the first version.
Now if we look at some pros and cons, we could say:
the 41mm looks a bit more slender
its style is a bit purer due to the removal of the numerals
the overall balance has been kept (counters and big date are increased proportionally)
it is a bit heavier and has some empty areas on the dial
I prefer the first version. I think that the numerals make it more classy. And the thickness/diameter ratio is higher and so it has an unusual personality.
But you can't be wrong with any...
Fx
As a daily wearer......
You'd really have to strongly consider the current version. As much as I like the original, within a week I want to change over to something else as the top heaviness does get to you. With that being said I'm guess many datograph owners wear their watch in a rotation and not as an everyday go to piece. I have mine on 3 or 4 days then switch to something else and won't have it back on my wrist again for another month or two. Like most of us, if you wear yours in a rotation (after the initial honeymoon period is over) then without a doubt get the original. Aside from the dial being cleaner, the first generation historically broke the mold for chronograph's in many ways. The original is a must have if your a collector of that function.
Tony
Tony
You’re referring to the platinum version, I assume.
Rose gold is not at heavy, so I wonder if it’s still very top-heavy or whether it’s much more wearable.
Yes platinum. The rose gold version is not nearly as heavy.........
And a better daily wearer from what I can remember having it on a few times over the years. I will say as a close comparison, the original white gold 1815 chrono is very comfortable to wear. I actually enjoy wearing it more than the Datograph.
Tony
Tony
1815 Chrono seems like the ideal dimensions...but there's just something about the original Dato design that is just so compelling... [nt]
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I just put a (yellow) gold original Dato on an old bracelet...
The overall package is of course heavy, but the weight doesn't bother me at all (wrist is 6"/154mm circumference). It didn't bother me on a strap (with deployant) either.
Thanks for the feedback. I wonder if the weight of the bracelet balances out the weight of the watch head.
YG Dato is ever more rare than RG black dial.
It does, but even on a strap (with deployant), the gold Dato didn't feel too top-heavy. [nt]
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O.R.I.G.I.N.A.L.
No question in my mind. Having spent time with the up/down, and owning the original - there is little to no comparison for me.
The applied roman numerals, balance and harmony of the dial, texture of the dial, wrist presence and historical significance to the horological world all make it the winner in my eyes.
The new version is a wonderful watch, no question there.. but if presented with both, I would opt for the discontinued original version every time.
Best of luck in your decision, and congrats on joining the club
Colton
However...
I readily admit that the new version has all the merits of an improved watch.
- PR is longer, and visible on the dial
- Weight is spread better across the wrist, also slimmer
- 41mm more contemporary, and arguably better for the hefty wristed among us
I chose with my heart and did not regret it. The same reason we opt for a 1st edition printing of a classic novel as opposed to one with multiple forward notes and addendums,
- PR is longer, and visible on the dial
- Weight is spread better across the wrist, also slimmer
- 41mm more contemporary, and arguably better for the hefty wristed among us
I chose with my heart and did not regret it. The same reason we opt for a 1st edition printing of a classic novel as opposed to one with multiple forward notes and addendums,
Always get the piece that feels best on the wrist, if it's not comfortable then it won't be worn.
The up/down is more comfortable for my wrist so it's an easy choice.
I usually prefer larger timepieces
But when it comes to the datograph, it has to be the original 39mm.
Great topic
I am in the same situation and have decided on the newer version.Maybe a Christmas gift to myself
Iqbal
Iqbal