A. Lange & Söhne

I was in Berlin over the last few days and managed to find my way into a number of watch shops. I was surprised that so many "hard to get pieces" were available across both Lange and Patek. Still, it gave me the opportunity to try on a number of watches, and I have to say that I have fallen for the Datograph in rose gold, reference 403.032. It is such a beautiful watch. I normally tend to buy direct from an AD, but have noticed that there is quite a lot of price difference between the new and the pre-owned. I have a number of other watches, but this would be my first Lange. I am looking for advice as I am inclined to look pre-owned. I was offered the watch new at EUR 35k.

First, is there a reliable pre-owned market or should i wait for the piece at auction? (please email me if there is any commercial advice here) How would you recommend buying this piece pre-owned? (again, please email)

Second, anybody out there who owns the rose gold Datograph, I would love to hear your experience of the watch.

This message has been edited by Joe R on 2009-06-15 03:53:30 This message has been edited by Joe R on 2009-06-15 03:54:30

I have a Pt and it has become my favourite watch. I absolutely love it.

I wish you luck in your acquisition, it's a great watch.

I've got a pre-owned platinum just two weeks ago at Euro 24.5k. The watch has no scratch and at 99% condition.

What you could consider is to source your Datograph from a reputable shop that trades pre-owned time pieces. You should demand for full history and documentation like original invoice and date of purchase etc before you go any further to decide the purchase. Take your time to examine the watch in full detail to assess the condition of the case, mechanism and the dial.

My point of view for a pre-owned Datograph platinum in close-to-excellent condition should not exceed Euro 28k.

Hope this helps.

dda

Hi Joe:

At the beginning of this year, I sat down at my AD and looked at both the PT & RG Datograph watches.

I fell in love with the RG.  I went in anticipating getting the PT version.  The RG is a stunning watch it and is a very warm watch.  There are people here who swear by the PT version and I respect them for their choice.  I visited the store in NYC many times to see my watch.  Every time I went back, I was more secure in my decision.

I have had the watch for approximately 3 months.  It is something that I never thought that I would have and I feel very fortunate.  It brings much happiness into my life and accompanies me on all my journeys.

The Datograph is a work of art and in my opinion the finest chronograph in the world.

Let us know when you get yours.

Regards - Mark

This message has been edited by markieesq on 2009-06-16 09:31:15

and you can find them on the grey or secondary market at a substantial discount from list price. A good benchmark is 40-50% off retail. At those prices some Lange models, like the Datograph for instance, represent terrific value for money, given the quality of the watches.

Buying pre-owned makes sense, if and only if, you know what you are buying and you buy from a trusted seller. Drop me a PM if you want a recommendation for some places you can look.

- SJX
This message has been edited by SJX on 2009-06-16 21:51:06

Hello SJX,

I think Lange should deserve better in the resale market. The more that I looking at my Datograph the more that I pay respect to those craftmans who put hours behind the timepiece. Comparing to the leading brand(s) with better resale value, the Langes make others look industrial without soul. I hope that someday this market finally wakes up and gives Lange its fair share of respect.

dda

Is it because the numbers produced are much higher? I thought production was quite limited?

 

But I agree. I collect chronographs and have fallen in love with it too.

people in general take for granted something that is relatively always available, no matter how high the bar of excellence for that particular product, be it a watch, car etc. Another gut feel is that the brand has been around only a few years, coming back to life 1994 thus negating any chance for them to do a marketing ploy on the heritage/history angle, an angle used to perfection by other watch houses who do have that. For what it's worth, I believe that given the passage of time, more and more will realize how great this brand is. I can't wait.