A. Lange & Söhne

I think that you need to ask yourself, what am I trying to get out of my new watch? 

Is it technical innovation I'm after? Then yes, the FP Journe is more technically impressive overall IMHO, although the always moving moon disc of the L1 is also a key feature why I love the watch so much.

Am I looking for an understated watch, or one that has people wondering "What is this guy wearing??" ? The first, the L1, the last, the FP Journe.

Do I explicitly want something that is very rare to encounter in the wild? FP Journe.

Do I want a busy dial with lots of stuff? Yes > FP Journe, No > L1.

Do I like to tinker with my watch a lot? Or do I want a 'set and forget' watch? As I've read, the FP Journe can be somewhat of a hassle to get both balances in sync. The L1 is a relatively easy piece to set and just enjoy.

Am I a control freak? Then the occasional 'out of sync balances' could become an annoying factor..

Do I care about power reserve? L1 (72 hrs) > FP Journe (40hrs).

As for myself, I really think the FP Journe's technique is an awesome piece of work, but the busy looking dial really puts me off, I think the L1 MP has a more classy and organised look. Also, the notch in the FP Journe on top of the bezel really puts me off...

My vote is for the L1, purely because I love the L1 MP, and there isn't much in the same price range that comes close for me, but that is purely based on how the watch appeals to me.

Which watches are you thinking of swapping?

Will have to go through your questionnaire a few times and see where I end up...

I'm considering swapping a JLC Duometre Quantieme a Lunaire 40.5mm and a GP WWTC FTC in SS. Both treasured watches of mine bought during different phases of my watch infactuation but at the same time two of the least worn the last 12 months. Really sad to see the JLC go because it's such a special and beautiful watch, especially the jumping 1/6 second, but unfortunately it just does not wear well on my wrist... at 40.5mm I though it would be perfect but wears like a much bigger watch. The GP is also a great all round day-to-day watch with a useful complication but I've definitely shifted towards more classic watches in terms of size and design so this one is a bit big and a bit busy.

Do you think it's a bad swap to make?

Are you considering both newest versions of the watches?  The Journe with a 24 hour display provides a great contrast to the right regular time side. The crown at 4 is where you synch the seconds. It is a wonderful feature to eliminate the problem described.  I like the fact that you can have a dual time zone watch or a day night display feature.   Are you looking at the latest release Lange1 moonphase?  Or the original?  That comes down to personal taste preference, however, there is a large price difference between the two Langes. 

Does the difference between white metal and RG have a meaning for you ?  Why did you not consider the platinum Journe?  

In the end, both are fantastic brands and great watches.  How each feels on the wrist is another important piece of the process.  Winding crown placements are another factor.  Journe is totally unique. 

Enjoy your decision making process

Best,

Joe

Thanks to you as well for taking the time to send me your thoughts and reflections.

The models I'm looking at are both older versions, i.e. for the Lange 1 it's the model with the moon phase inside the seconds sub-dial and for the FPJ it's the symmetrical type with two regular time sub-dials and the brass movement. Obviously these pieces are second hand and that's why I'm not getting the new ones. I actually think I like these better than the new ones anyways... New Lange moonphase has a beautiful moon disc but size is larger than the classic. I have an Octa Calendrier 38mm in PT so this FPJ would a offer a different and expression altogether.

To add to the dilemma I was just shown a 2nd hand Lange 1 PT with black dial....

N

 

I think the most important question that you need to ask yourself is, "Do technical details and innovations outweigh how a watch speaks to me?". When I see you mention your support for the FPJ is (partly) based on owning an important piece of history, you have to consider if you'll keep this thought for a longer period. Perhaps you can look in the past for more of these thoughts you've had, and if and how they've changed over time. I do understand what you're saying, and I too have made decisions on getting good deals and thinking about owning things that are scarce or desirable for other reasons that feel irrational. Sometimes these have been good decisions, sometimes not so.. Although, no regrets

Another important thing is, it's not a commitment for life, as your taste also changes over time. There obviously is a reason why you want to swap the watches, but I hope that you thought otherwise when buying? I mean, you must have loved them enough to buy them.

I don't think it's a bad swap to make. Whilst the GP isn't exactly my cup of tea, I love the JLC, but as you say, if it doesn't feel right, it's not meant to be. Then any swap for a watch that does feel right, is a good swap. (letting out any absurd trades..)

You do might want to think about losing all the complications the JLC has for a single moon phase complication the L1 offers. Are you specifically attracted to the 'cleaner' look? You mention you're shifting towards more classic, but JLC and L1 are a world apart in terms of 'cleanliness' in my opinion. The gap between the JLC and the FPJ is IMHO a tad smaller, as well as in the dial as in the  of the complications the watches offer. The FPJ has far less as the JLC, but one that makes up for nearly all if not all.

It's really a tough call, as these decisions are truly subjective, and you can't really argue about which watch is 'better' or 'nicer' in this league as far as I'm concerned, it's all down to how you feel.

The guy with the FPJ is struggling a bit to sell and the ALS had some nasty dents next to the crown which I'm not convinced could be repaired,

So, I sold the two watches and decided to wait until I fall in love again