A. Lange & Söhne

So, I decided to stay with the 1815 chrono instead of trading it for the Lange 1 blk. dial, and Ive got to say I am really happy with my decision.  Here are some pics of my 1815 chrono that I couldnt let go of...

I want to thank everyone on the Lange forum for all of your wonderful insight.  Some of the best moves in life are the ones we never make.

Sincerely,

Scott

You will not regret it.
1815 Chrono is a Beauty
*CL

It sure looked awesome on your wrist at the gathering we met for the 1st time.

Cheers,
Anthony

. . . even though the L1 is the more practical watch to own; at this level of watch appreciation, practicality is a discounted consideration.  Scott would never be able to replace what the 1815 chrono represents without backtracking and ultimately spending even more.    A wise choice, and one that he'll not regret, I'm sure . . . Art

... I know that you came "this close" to selling the watch, so I'm glad you reconsidered. I also came close to selling my platinum Lange 1 for an 1815 Chrono but I also reconsidered. I now have two incredible Langes that will be sharing watch time. The 1815 is a beautiful piece that deserves to be in any worthwhile collection.

No message body

It probably depends on whom you're asking. I had a Dato and didn't like it because of the complexity of the dial and the fact that I didn't think the big date was necessary on the Chrono. I sold it and recently bought an 1815 Chrono. I much prefer the arabics to the romans and the "clean" legible design of the dial. And it still has that movement...  Of course, there's a matter of price, but back to the question...  Is the Dato an upgrade or a matter of taste and preference?

What does everyone here think, is the Datograph an upgrade from the 1815?  Yea or Nay?

I've always viewed the 1815 as a Datograph sans big date.  And cause of this view, I guess I would consider them on the same playing field.

If Lange made the 1815 Chrono in platinum and were priced the same as a platinum Datograph, which one would you guys choose?

I'd opt for the Datograph cause I love big date.

Cheers,
Anthony

I feel that they are both different design sharing a same movement.
I was very close in getting a 1815 CHR but didn't due to several factors.
Dato , to me, is the first and it is purer. It's Big Date is a unique Lange signature and I truly love it.
It's size is perfect for me compare to 1815 CHR, which wear a bit big on my wrist due to its wide bezel design.
Also, one thing that really bother me about 1815 CHR is its small crown. The winding experience of DATO is heavenly.
BUT....if 1815 CHR is the first chrono that Lange release instead of Dato, I may choose it over Dato.
I like thing to be as 'pure' as possible. 1815 CHR looks like a beautiful after thought.
LovelyLovely*CL

In terms of price and price alone, the Datograph is an upgrade. However, from a design and aesthetics perspective I believe it is in the eye of the beholder! When I was trying to decide which of the two to purchase I finally decided upon the 1815 chrono for the reasons others have stated and the fact that it just worked better for me. I did not consider it a downgrade despite the price differential. I guess a Dato is an upgrade only if you want it to be otherwise it is only a matter of splitting hairs on two excellent watches!

...for your wonderful compliments.  The more and more I wear this piece I begin to wonder what I was ever thinking putting it up for sale.  As for the above conversation, regarding whether the Datograph would be considered an upgrade to the 1815 chrono, I believe it is in the eye of the beholder.  Some may feel that the Dato price range is just above their comfort level and side with the 1815 chrono on a pure price point basis.  However, I did try on both watches with the opportunity to purchase the piece that I felt fit me the best ,and well you know that story ends. 

My reasons for this choice follow in suit with the other posters. Things such as dimensions, dial color and layout, legibility, and no big date function. In my humble opinion these are two different but similar pieces (taking a page out of Yogi Berra's book of quotes).  I think you all have stated the differences and similarities better than I ever could. To sum it up the Dato may be considered an upgrade in terms of the precious metal, iconic status, and price.  However, I do not think it should be considered an overall better watch, for the very reason that it caries the same movement (sans date), and is finished with the same Lange perfection as the Dato. 

Sincerely,

Scott