A. Lange & Söhne

Hello everyone.  I am hoping some of may be able to help me decide.  I am currently a proud owner of a Lange MP PT.  I also have a Patek 5146P that does not get much wrist time.  I am in the market for either the Datograph PT or the double spit.  Unfortunately, I can not afford the double spit outright.  If I get the datograph, then I get to keep the 5146.  If I get the double split, then I have to sell the 5146p!  I am interested to see if you think the double split the extra $50k or so.  Would you rather have the dato and the patek 5146 or just the double split? 

IMO, of course.

But the Dato is a fantastic Cult Watch , one of these brilliant watches made by Lange in 1999.

Therefore, the size is correct, and the dial very powerful and well balanced, a true Lange.

This is not that I under rate the Double Split, and that it doesn't deserve some attention, but the DS is much bigger, thicker, and has a more busy dial.

At the end, I'd opt for the 1st which came, the Dato, for its history, its esthetic, and its dimensions.

Hope this will be of some help!

Nicolas

with a watch. Keep the PP and go for one of the most interesting watches - the Datograph.

I am also a big fan of the Doublesplitt, especially the movement, but in your position I would go for the Dato. Maybe a Doublesplitt comes next .... LOL

Cheers
oliver

I am talking from experience here. I have traded my way up to the mountain and the guilt will kill you. Do not trade in your PP, you will regret it. You are blinded by the fact that the DS is "more" of a watch but when the honeymoon is over it's really over. The Dato is a fantastic piece that holds it's own, you really can't go wrong. If you constantly have two events that you have to time and will use the double split feature than go ahead and get the DS. Otherwise you will just be telling your drinking buddies what your watch does. I own the Dato perpetual but it cost me my RG Dato, trust me the regret will get to you if you trade the PP.

Kindest Regards,

Sam

And you will get a fantastic duo with your Patek.

The Datograph is a more balanced watch than the DS IMHO.

The DS has a fantastic caliber but I'm less convinced by the dial. Moreover, it's a huge watch. I really think a Datograph is an easier watch to wear on a daily basis.

Fr.Xaver

I´d say get a Datograph over the DoubleSplit!

It is tough to explain why I think the way I do.

I mean, both the Datograph and DoubleSplit are iconic watches, both are
fantastic chronographs (one the most beautiful "simple" chronograph, the
other the only double rattrapante wristwatch on this planet) both are well
build by the Manufaktur that builds the best watches in small serial
production in the world. Both are true Teutonic in character (monochrome in
appearance, very heavy due to the PT case, and all these cold features are
compensated by a great company with loving people responsible for our
addiction).

But, both these watches arent perfect: the Datograph does miss a PR
indicator and the DoubleSplit, well my DoubleSplit, needs a date.

The DoubleSplit is, for me, to big to be using it as a 24/7 watch. The
Datograph is perfect!!!!!! 39mm in diameter and 12.8mm in height.

The DoubleSplit is a heavy watch, which I like, but the Dato gives me more
goosebumps as you wont/dont expect it to weigh that much (169 grams with a
PT 18mm deployant clasp) as it is, relative to what is considered normal
these days, a small watch.

And there is this movement issue. Well two issues. First, and most important
to me, the Datograph beats at 18000 bph whereas the DoubleSplit beats at
21600. That might seem like an unimportant difference but I like the lower
rate much and much more then the latter.

Second issue is that I have "problems" with the position of the second
column wheel on the DoubleSplit. It is positioned right above the
balance/hairspring assembly. I pity that, but understand it had to find a
position somewhere in the watch. If you take a good look at the Datograph
movement you can see a 3/4 plate in its design. Not so with the DoubleSplit.

And there is a third issue .... I would LOVE Lange to introduce the inhouse
hairspring and balance to the Datograph line of watches. The DoubleSplit
uses these inhouse "goodies" which are fantastic

BUT

If you have played with the DoubleSplit for a few moments then the above
might mean nothing to you as it is a PURE DRUG.

I had the chance to play with it on a couple of occassions since its
introduction in 2004 and it is GREAT! It is a subject of my dreams for more
then 4 years now.

Let me summerize the above: I wont exchange my Dato for a DoubleSplit, not
even if my AD offered me to do this exchange without me having to pay for
the difference in MSRP. But if I had the means I would add a DoubleSplit to
my watchbox without a second thought.

Have fun picking your next watch. DoubleSplit or Datograph - there isnt a
bad choice between these two. I´d sell the PP to fund the purchase of a
DoubleSplit if you prefer that Lange icon over the other.

I am sure the above must have been a great help to you

LOL

Warmest regards

Edwin

all these wonderfully convincing responses about the Dato, I am woefully regretting not pulling the trigger on one when I had the chance to at a good price.I had a similar dilemma once when I was contemplating between the two.I love the dial of the Dato with the big date but at the time I was used to wearing larger watches and it felt relatively small.The double split looked great on the wrist but it's very heavy and I wondered about the practicality of it and I also would have preferred a date.Maybe I wasn't convinced enough about either one at the time and went on to something else.However, with the benefit of hindsight, the Dato IMO would have been the one to go for.

Cheers

Fernando

This message has been edited by fernando on 2008-09-03 20:49:29

it is extremely difficult to get my eyes off the movement after I acquired it. It's poison!

Thanks for everyone taking the time to respond.  I know how iconic the Dato is...no doubt it is one of the finest watches currently available.  This would be a no brainer if the Dato was a mere millimeter or so bigger!  I think the Dato has a more balanced and attractive dial as the DS is a bit on the bland side...but I really do prefer the larger size.  I think I will go in and try them once again on the wrist - will keep you posted on my decision.  Thanks everyone.

The size of the Dato is the only thing that hold me back. Don't get me wrong, the Lange Dato is one of the most beautiful watches at this time. But when I had it on my wrist I missed something. 

BUT I really wanted to go for a Lange this time and had to find something in the size I liked. 

My last watches were all chronographs so I decided to go for a non chrono; the Lange Timezone in pt, slightly bigger but not too much. Can be a daily wearer. I really love it!

Have a good time deciding, it is half the fun!

Regards,

Hans

 

 

There is this PISA Datograph in PT (LE of 10 pieces).

It is the same size as the "regular" Datograph but its dial is Rhodinated.
Normally lighter colored dials seem to wear bigger.

I dont know of one that is for sale now but IF you like the Dato but want it
to be slightly bigger then this might be a nice compromise? You will,
however, get the second-best Datograph ever as you will miss out on the
characteristic black dial with silver subdials ;-D

Edwin

would be my only concern. It's a bit small for my taste. I'm hoping a larger Dato comes out.

I would agree if it comes with a larger caliber...



Fr.Xavier

GET DOUBLESPLIT... like somebody said, it's dificult to explain ....   it's like a drug...

I love the Dato too and am sure will get it some day... (especially when right dial/case combination comes along).

In all honest truth...get either one and you know you won't go wrong!

cheers!

 

sh

Keep the Patek and don't buy the DS.  I had one and was lucky to sell it at not too bad a loss..  The complication is useless and it's too easy a watch to ding and cut $20K in value.  Keep the Patek.

then I pity the watch manufacturers!

I cant see much use, in daily life, for a Minute Repeater, a carillion,
sonnerie (grand nor petite) or a tourbillon.

Perpetuals? Who needs them; I can remember the current month and know the
numbers of days in it.

Foudroyante?

Divewatches that are waterproof to 1000 meters of depth?

What about a seconds hand?

Minute hand?

...

Come one - you dont buy a Patek Perpetual because you cant remember the
current date, do you?

Same thing for a DoubleSplit: I wont buy it to record my sons laptimes when
he is running, even though the DoubleSplit is perfectly suitable to do it
with its split-minute hand.

No ... I dont think reason is a criterium that we base our purchase
desicions on.

Or am I the only one?

;-D

Have a great weekend all,

Edwin

And even more..

If we go farer in this arguement, we should say that mechanical watches are useless, as Quartz Watches are much more accurate!

A plead for the useless mechanical watches! LOL

Thanks for this answer, my friend...

I'm totally with you on this one!

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-09-06 00:04:05

Edwin,

My apologies if my comments on the DS offended your sensibilities.  I agree with much of what you said (happen to think a tourbillion is an example of a useless complication that is gorgeous to watch, and therefore worth purchasing as a complication -- such as the PLM).  Other complications also have aesthetic appeal to me.  The gentlemen's questions sought opinions, so there is nothing wrong with mine.  I happen to think he should pass on the DS.  The only saving grace for me about the double split was that if you set the hands just right as Lange shows it in their ads it is cool to look at for about five seconds, but be careful putting on a seatbelt or walking by a doorknob, cause it sits real hight on the wrist.  One could also gaze at the back and see a sort of gothic depth of machinery, like a castle or something, but you can't wear the watch backwards very easily.  I just never used the complication and was somewhat burnt by purchasing the watch when it first came out, and it has only fallen in value since then due to lack of demand or interest from those that can afford it.

Adam

 

But you wrote

""Keep the Patek and don't buy the DS. I had one and was lucky to sell
it at not too bad a loss.. The complication is useless and it's too easy a
watch to ding and cut $20K in value. Keep the Patek.

Two things arent true JUST for a Lange watch, but for all watches generally
speaking: most, if not all, complications are useless from a practical point
of view and all but a few watches will decrease in value once you strap them
onto your wrist.

You know I love Lange and their watches so I might be a little bit sensitive
when Lange is "questioned" but in this case I really think what you wrote
might be true but it not only applies to Lange. It even applies to Patek!
Only a handfull of watches/models do appreciate overtime.

I grant you that the DoubleSplit with its 43mm diameter and, what is it,
15mm thickness (?), is rather big but isnt a Patek 5070 relatively big too?
I have hit my Lange-1 when reaching for the seatbelt too so that isnt an
issue that affects JUST the DoubleSplit. It might have a higher chance of
getting hit due to its size but every watch will occassionally show signs of
wear.

We can argue about a lot of things but lets not do that as it was NEVER my
intention to generate this response. I should have choosen my words more
precisely or more delicately. Sorry!

I do however agree with you that, despite it is next to useless, a
tourbillon is a fantastic complication to look at. As much as the
DoubleSplit complication is fun to play with! A perpetual, and a "flash"
perpetual in particular, is fun to look at. I´d feel like a million bucks if
I had a Perpetual watch and witnessed it go from Feb 28/29 to March 1. A
minute repeater, seeing the hammers produce their delicate sound is
fantastic. And what about a foudroyante hand vigurously making its
revolutions.
All very useless complications, yet many of us, me included most certainly,
cant stop looking at these watches, wont stop dreaming about them and
certainly will keep buying them if budget allows.

Best regards,

Edwin

Thanks for our thoughtful response.