Comments:
Patek 5204P vs. Lange 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual - comparable??
After acquiring the 1815 Rattrapante, I just had the once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity the compare it directly with it`s pendant: The Patek 5204P. The clash 
Both the Platinum Versions, these versions are the ones I like most of each watch. The most impressive aspect of the Patek is it´s size, height and legibility considering the massive complexity. The Lange is just more massive in every case. BUT the Lange is still a very wearable watch even on my small wrist. And it´s very legible too. I like the busy-ness of the dial in such a complex watch. A big advantage on the Lange: The moon phase is much nicer than on the Patek. You can even see the milky way in the stars...
The movements are equally beautiful, each in it´s own way.
Comparing the complexity and features, one must admit that the Patek is even more complex: it has an instantaneous minute counter - the Lange doesn`t (in this watch; the Double Split and the Datograph have). Furthermore the Patek has an isolator-mechanism for the rattrapante-second - the Lange doesn´t (only the Double Split has the double isolator). For practical use, this is not relevant, but the complexity of the Patek 5204 is just a bit higher (as the price is).
In the whole experience, the Lange is just more impressive than the Patek! Both have the "wow"-factor, but for me the Lange has it more - simply stunning!
Despite, both watches are even kind of discreet in the white metal; can easily be worn without looking up too much...
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to see them both!!
Of course, both are nice and either one is more than good enough....same post, 5 month's ago? A review of the Clash, who wins now? [nt]
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Who wins is your decision...
... and I dont think it changes in 5 months, does it? Post was in Lange section, thought it might interest the Patek readers too...
Emotionally, I feel for Lange, but logically Patek wins in this scenario...
especially when I know I will lose ~50% from new when I need to sell or trade.
Maybe someday Lange will gain more recognition from a broader base of fans and will be sought after by majority, it will be a different story.
Also, from my observation here in this platform, you will have most readers in Patek > Rolex >> Lange.
Therefore, maybe this kind of comparison post can be in HoMe or the mods can create a new category eg. Watches 1-2-1, 1:1, Head to Head etc,
No real winner, just personal preference.
Rgds
Raymond
Maybe someday Lange will gain more recognition from a broader base of fans and will be sought after by majority, it will be a different story.
Also, from my observation here in this platform, you will have most readers in Patek > Rolex >> Lange.
Therefore, maybe this kind of comparison post can be in HoMe or the mods can create a new category eg. Watches 1-2-1, 1:1, Head to Head etc,
No real winner, just personal preference.
Rgds
Raymond
It's a little bit like trying to choose between his mother and father 🤔. Really a matter of taste for me
Best wishes
Alkiro
Alkiro
Borh are awesome! It is easier to read the month and day on the 5204P, but I think I would prefer the 1815 Rattrapante [nt]
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This is actually a lot simpler than it looks :-)
The Lange for me triumphs in the following areas:
1. The moonphase looks a lot better than the unconventional upside down moonphase of the Patek.
2. I love the Arabic numerals on the Lange compared to the less exciting baton markers on the Patek.
3. The Lange has a useful power reserve feature which the Patek does not. I say useful because both watches are manual winding perpetual calendars so it is vital that the watch has been wound sufficiently to ensure that the perpetual calendar does not require resetting.
The Patek in my view triumphs over the Lange in the following areas:
1. The Patek is a more wearable 40mm compared to the Lange's larger diameter (sorry I do not have the precise figure)
2. The Patek is also not as thick and a lot lighter than the Lange making it more comfortable to wear.
3. The Patek will hold its value much better than the Lange and this is important at this price range.
One might accuse me of being a practical person but for me personally, a watch becomes redundant as a contender when it becomes too large (arguably subjective), too thick or too heavy to wear for a prolonged period of time. A watch is supposed to be a part of the wearer, to blend in with the owner's lifestyle and to be an extension of a person's being. For these reasons, I would opt for the Patek 5204. And I would have said the same thing if this post had appeared in the Lange forum!
.051mm thicker and 1.9mm larger in diameter.
You could argue that the Lange is more balanced with a wider platform. But unquestionably, you are right, for the foreseeable future, that the Patek is a better investment, if that is what you are looking for. Ultimately it comes down to what you like in a mega-complicated watch; and whether you like Swiss styling or Germanic styling.
In addition Mike,
correct me if I am wrong here, but the Lange has the ability to make one feel like a sex god!!
True that! True that! :-)
Probably because wearing one all day long is like lifting weights!!
Irresponsibly enough...
When I acquired my 5204P-010 I never considered the Lange. Shame on me as it is a beautiful piece with an interesting alternative take on the matter. I suppose I'm an unabashed Patek fanboy though and through...but I still proudly love my 5204P 😀
And well done....
for being a Patek fanboy! I am one too and yes the Lange has a beautiful movement and lovely dial but I still think you made the correct choice!
Both are beautiful and in both of them the maisons express their own skills at the best.
However, if you buy Patek you are buying the most prestigious maison, all its amazing history and as the other Purists said Patek will hold its value better. The positive fact of the Lange is that due to the lower production it is, in my opinion, better refined and detailed. The difference between Patek's and Lange's moonphase confirms that. It could seem a detail but I think that at this price range Patek really should put more attention on the craftmanship of its moonphase (not only in the 5204P but in all its Perpetual watches) because people, who buy such pieces are often passionate collector and they could be quite disappointed in seeing such a big difference with the Lange. Best
In your view does the moonphase difference extend beyond right/wrong side up? I don't know the Lange well enough to have a view [nt]
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Yes, I think that the main difference is at the level of craftsmanship.
Lange is much more detailed. Best
Patek is far superior
in terms of technical prowess
Lange falls quite far behind as :
- the movement has a rather unsightly spring
- the Balance wheel is not visible
- power reserve is too short (42hrs) and thus makes the pr indicator pretty much useless (ie u have to wind it every day in any case)
- the levers are all pretty thick and abit crude
Having said that, I prefer the aesthetics of the Lange's dial
Agonising decision..
I am currently agonising between these two heavyweights, except I prefer the 5204 with the white dial. Simply put, my heart tells me Lange, my head tells me Patek. Aesthetically, I find the Patek falls short. I dislike the superluminova markers and off centre subdials. I have to admit though, I am impressed that PP managed to fit such a complication in a 40mm case, although it doesn't feel as proportional as the Lange.
I am very fortunate to own a white dial (more like light cream) 5204P. Reference 010, which is quite different from 001 on close inspection. Both obviously discontinued.
For what it's worth - and I quite like the current production black face - I've never looked back on my choice. I couldn't be happier. It is truly stunning; the movement is something to behold. Good luck with your decision. You can't go too wrong 😉
So close (complication) and so different in real
Thanks a lot for sharing these shots and your thoughts.
Very complicated pieces from such brands is something we just can take time to admire.
Enjoy your beautiful Lange
Best, Mark