A. Lange & Söhne

My 40th birthday is soon coming up. Terrible, terrible... I know...

My favorite watch since I first saw it when it was released, is the Richard Lange. For me it has always been the Perfect Watch, the Grail. The only watch I could consider to celebrate a special moment. So, I find myself slowly moving closer to make a dream come true and finally strap one on my wrist!

The platinum RL is much more expensive than the yellow and rose gold versions, so it is out of my budget. I have seen the RL in the metal at the AD and I will of course do that again before buying, to see wich one speaks to me the most, yellow or rose. But I really would like to take the opportunity to ask you guys for your opinion in this matter.

What do you think? How do you feel about this? Which version is the way to go? Which color of gold do you think best suits the RL? This very special model in the Lange collection does have a vintage and classic appeal, does that influence the choice of colour and if so how? The yellow has brushed sides of the case, the rose has polished sides. Thoughts about that? 

Really looking forward to your thoughts and ideas!
I hope everyone is enjoying these days of Christmas celebrations, in good health and in the company of your loved ones!

Best regards,

Rob.   This message has been edited by epistula.electronica on 2009-12-25 17:41:34

To my eyes, it is by far the most beautiful on the wrist.

But the RG version is my fav one.

The case is big and the bezel quite thick, I prefer YG in a more "delicate" context.

Fr.Xavier

.....I own the RL in PLT but if i had to choose between the yellow or rose gold I would go with the rose gold for sure.

Hope you get your wish very soon.

You’re about to make yours come true

I celebrated my 40 anniversary last July with a beautiful US$ 125 fountain pen that, unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity of using

IMO the Richard Lange is the most fascinating, beautiful, classy dress watch in current production. There’s absolutely no way of going wrong with it. I had the opportunity of seing and handling a couple of Lange 1 last year, but not the RL. Though, I think the Rose Gold would be my choice – I love its “warmth” of this variation of gold and, also important, it seems that the gorgeous blue seconds hand matches the rose gold case better.

Don’t forget to post pictures here as soon as you get it!

Congratulations for this fantastic upcoming purchase

Marcelo

This message has been edited by marcelo on 2009-12-26 06:18:18

Hey Rob!

It's so great that you even consider this most prestigious and i would also agree grail piece!

Even if the Pt is out of your range, the RL in any of the versions is perfect!

I personally would ask you to go for the RG version, because even though i dislike gold, if forced to the ONLY gold i would go for is RG, due to it's elegance and warmth. Plus it is the only case in Lange to be full polished.

Here's a shot of my RL that hopefully would tempt you further in your quest for this masterpiece!

 

Please decided carefully, and don't forget to share photos with us once you get it!

Tschuss

Stephen

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Ah, dear Stephen, what can possibly compete with this one, your very own photo???

Best Ever - that I have seen! The two-level dial ..

Oh, oh - accuracy - I pick it up and wear it every so often, but keep it wound every day, as with all my other watches.

Then I leave it crown up, when not wearing it.

Within the last 3 - 4 weeks, zero zero zero deviation, not even half a second.

Sure sure sure - great luck, and because these things are important to me! After all II am a fanatic for precision and accuracy - but the RL in any case is an RL in any case.

A case is a case is a case; but a watch is a watch is a watch.

And, as someone famous said, a good cigar is a smoke!

The RL PLM is picking up half a second, or a second, or another per day - but I am still trying out positions - and am again wearing it right now.

What should I do - go out and shoot myself?

No, take off the PLM and wear the RL - also in platinum, but I just happen to like it this way.



Amery

Very much appreciate your kind words and comments!

My own RL, though very good in many ways, is gaining quite a bit , about +3 secs per day, and this does not bring a smile to my face as it used to.

But oh well, i will keep it this way until the next overhaul when all things are done!

My RL PLM on the other hand is at a constant +1 sec, which is utterly amazing, and i hope it stays this way!

All the best for the new year mein Freund!

Tschuss

Stephen 

The watch with the dead-zero accuracy - as of now - is the RL, worn, and left in its crown-up position when not worn, today or overnight.

But at the very beginning of my ownership it gained, with +3 per day for a couple of weeks.

That was about six months ago.

The RL PLM, as with yours, now shows +1, +2 secs per day.according to the position when it is laid to rest, and always as ever wound up every day.

Are we living in parallel worlds? Possibly!

but No, we live in different parts of this world, and under different climatic and even geographical conditions. Also human conditions.

+5 would disturb me, +10 will get me very upset - and more than 10 - immensely, even in the forwards direction - - - so back to the watchmaker - or the watchmakers! They must learn and take the time - yes their own time - to Regulate.

So much for this Tired Old Agrument (TOA?) that, nowadays, time-keeping accuracy no longer plays a role, because we have a,b,c and x,y,z at our fingertips.

Well, frankly I don't.

I don't own a cellular phone, and am seriously considering disconnecting my telephone altogether - it doesn't sound like a normal bell-ringing phone, but some electronic tweeter. I am sure that I can find a bell-simulating ringer, but why not just turn the whole damn thing off.

If any of you think that I am living in the Fifties or a couple of decades earlier, then you are not far off-target!

...........

No problem whatsoever, but great pleasure, with A. Lange und Söhne! Do what they may, I like the brand, and I like these two the most - the RL and the RL PML - which are dedicated to the spirit of prrecision of scientific timekeeping - and not as Answers to Questions that were never Asked.

Just to make that clear.

And of course the very best to you, Stephen.

Amery

But with the danger that some other RG watches may take a dive in their appeal - compared to this one.

amerix

RG on a black or brown strap both look great! 

Platinum does suit the idea and concept behind this watch.  This is a scientist's observatoire watch and platinum is particularly fitting. 

However, honestly, you can't go wrong either way. 

Platinum and science indeed does have huge links behind it.

Afterall, Platinum is a life-saving metal, and in used to produce in one way or another more than 50% of manufactured goods! Did you know that the glue used in 3M Post it notes needs Platinum to be produced? What a versatile element!

Cheers

Stephen

Platinum is indeed a very important metal. Just about every large moving vehicle has platinum parts in it; from automobiles to airplanes.

But the one thing that I'm most surprised about is the fact that they use it in facial creams now! A Swiss firm has been using platinum in its facial cosmetics products for the past year!

you should apply platinum on your wrist
not in your face : - )

Best

Rob

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... I agonized over the choice of metal for a while (PT was out of my range then) and I think the YG goes best with the observation watch style of the RL. I was fortunate to see them all in the metal at an AD and I hope you have that opportunity too! Still happy with that choice although it is my only colored metal watch.

Best

Andreas

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If the platinum version is in your mind, and that because it is pricey, you prefer to go on a Gold Version, you may regret this " 2d choice ".

Because you will still think of the Platinum version.

That is a risk I personally lived with watches which come as a 2d choice.

That being said, I have to admit that the R.L in gold is an awesome piece, espeically in R.G.

This RG version associates Warmth to a nice Vintage look.

RG for me, definitely.

Best,

Nicolas

Hi,

I bought my RG Richard Lange earlier this year and have enjoyed every minute wearing it.  The RG color is the perfect character for this watch.  The polished case sides are also a plus in my opinion.

That's my choice. Good luck with your decision.

I am very grateful for all your answers, opinions and thoughts about my little dilemma.

Andreas! Thank you very much for your post and the photo of your YG RL. Most of the posts tend to go for the RG version, so your post was extra important for me! I agree when you say that the YG fits the observation watch style of the RL. And what I am after with this piece is the classic vintage "oldtimer" feeling. I am leaning towards the YG.

Nicolas! Yes, normally I tend to go for white metal watches. You obviously sensed that! White metal really works well for a discreet daily wearer. But I believe this special piece calls for a different feeling. 

Very difficult! All three versions are wonderful in their own way. It is a big decision to make. The watch will be for life, so the purchase has to be 100% right. I will probably have to think about it some more. And of course pay the AD a visit soon!

Thanks again everybody,

Rob. 
This message has been edited by epistula.electronica on 2009-12-27 05:13:34

In my opinion Lange's red gold has a vintage, warm tonality that I like very much. It would be my choice again.

for this close up photography.
The photo really shows, as Marcelo stated above, how well the blued steel match the rose gold!
As I stated earlier what I am looking for is that vintage feeling.
I guess a visit to the AD will settle things.
It is always surprising how important it is to see the watch you are intersted in, in real life.
Thanks again

Best,

Rob.

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Hi,

I love th RL too, and wish to be able to afford a platinum version someday.

Each time I've tried one the pink gold one I've found it superb, but I doubt I would wear much a pink gold watch of this size?

I've never tried hte yellow gold but the picture by Donizetti is superb!

Cheers

Dje

Hi Rob

To me, the RG stands out instantly and a beauty to look at. The PT takes a little while to warm up to me. But having the luxury to spend enough time at the ADs over many occasions, I prefer the RL in PT over other metals as it is to me offers a longer lasting feel a Plat gives over the RG version. The only reason a RL is not in my collection (yet) is it's size. It's a tad too 'big' on my wrist, but I'm still thinking about it much this year since none of the new Lange pieces sang to me, only the 'evergreen' RL does by far. hahaha

just my 2 cents,

Mech.

...so my vote goes to that version of the Richard Lange.  It's a stupendous watch in any metal.  I've long said it is my favorite "simple" three-hand watch.  I love it.  Good luck with your choice.  Happy 40th to you when the time comes!

Cheers,

Daos

... hobby of ours...
We find these little mechanical things so interesting.
They move round and round and round at a predetermined rate
and we imagine that that means that something called time passes by
When in reality all that actually happens is that
the planets move in a certain way in relation to each other
and that our bodies replace cells until one day that no longer happens
Anyway "time" passes fast...

Thanks

Best

Rob