A. Lange & Söhne

February 28th is right around the corner; watch lovers know what that means - perpetual calendars will self adjust and annual calendars won't self adjust. The chronograph is also a fun complication that is a perennial favorite by many watch lovers, thus it is only fitting for the chronograph and the practical perpetual calendar to be combined into one lovable timepiece.

Among classic watches available today; what is your favorite watch that has both a perpetual calendar and a chronograph?

The usual suspects are (feel free to add your own as long as it is a currently available model)...

Which one do you like?

Why do you like it so much?

Which one do you think is more technically sophisticated?

What attribute do you usually value the most?

I do know that I posted this in the A. Lange & Sohne forum and thus might be biased.

Photo credit; brand's own photos.

Which one do you like?

I ironically like the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Chronograph perpetual calendar. This timepiece really speaks to me and is one of my favorite pieces from Vacheron Constantin!

Why do you like it so much?

I really like the moonphase on this watch; the moonphase carving is executed with a very rustic yet precise detail. Furthermore, the melancholic expression on the moon is particularly fitting. This moonphase truly gives a personality to this watch, and its recognizable face makes it appealing to me and makes me like this watch more as a person than just a watch.

Which one do you think is more technically sophisticated?

I think the Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual is by far the most technically sophisticated. In general, the Datograph is perhaps the best chronograph on the market, and the Datograph Perpetual is no exception.

What attribute do you usually value the most?

I value movement finishing, dial design, and case aesthetic designs the most. None of these watches are lacking in the movement finishing, although I've heard that Lange's finishing is among the best. I truly love the case and the dial of the Patek Philippe 5970, and in general I consider myself very much a "Patek Philippe Person" (I'm coining this new phrase, I hope it becomes as popular as "Maranello Man" and "Bentley Boy"), I love the case of the Patek Philippe 5970 with its concave bezel and tiered lugs. But, the Vacheron Constantin moonphase really throws me over the edge.

... but it's a nice alternative!

Blancpain 4286. Beautiful picture previously posted by fellow Purist, Kong, in the BP forum.

I always liked the bezel on the Blancpain 4286, the double convex bezel makes a concave portion which is relatively unique in the industry.

Nice watch and great choice!

IMHO the best in this category is the PP 5970.  Certainly the most attractive dial and case, and most iconic of these choices.  Movement probably one step down from the Dato/perpetual, but overall a nicer watch.  

But I've got to say, I find that Vacheron Constantin dial to be very beautiful; especially with the engraved moonphase.  I suppose that if this Vacheron Constantin watch did not have this particular carved moonphase, I would like it far less. 

The Patek Philippe definitely has the nicest case out of all three; the concave bezel and the fluted lugs are fantastic.  Patek Philippe 5970 owners should avoid polishing their cases because this will destroy the fine fluted lugs and you won't see the tiered lugs after a substantial polishing. 

The Dato/Perpetual is really thick.  It is probably the thickest of the three, and the moonphase is very small.  But the movement is wonderful on this piece. 

but frankly because it doesnt have a 12 hour counter, nor does any chrono perp cal watch there is on the market just yet, none of them pass my test!

But those are some good watches to own, if only i had the money!

Thanks for the post!

Stephen

I completely agree with you, there is a high probability that I would be measuring something with a greater than 30 minute total elapsed time.

I'm slowly getting but unwillingly becoming more accustomed to the fact that I have to live with a 30 minute chronograph on these high-end watches.

Even the Patek Philippe 5070P doesn't have a 12-hour counter. But that's okay, the big size, the blue, the platinum, and the beautiful case design makes up for this small inconvenience.

The watches I truly desire from A. Lange & Sohne are; the Richard Lange Pour Le Merite and the 1815 Moonphase in honey gold (or the previous version in platinum).

is my current favourite... 

 

-minimal 'excess' information

-'ALMOST' flawless performance (The instant jump does NOT happen PRECISELY at midnight...)

-beautiful case design

-right heft

Ok, reliability could leave a bit to be desired but this would have to be one of my all time favourite...

Fr.Xavier


This message has been edited by foversta on 2010-02-13 13:03:31

Thanks for sharing your beautiful watch with us!

but I'm a bit biased. Anyway, it has, without doubt, the best movement, finish, overall quality and as far as the aesthetics, it depends to everyone's taste. It has the right proportions and the right weight (in platinum). It might not have the 'resale' value of the Patek (I think Vacheron is doing worse than Lange), but who cares!
Aris



This message has been edited by aridim1 on 2010-02-13 13:42:02

Thank you Aris for sharing these fabulous photos of this fabulous watch!

A beautiful work of art.

I would choose the Dato Perp -- however I will have to settle for the Dato and fantasize about the perp. 

No message body This message has been edited by patrick_y on 2010-03-01 19:27:24

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