Comments:
And also I am more of an aperture guy as I prefer instant read calendar date than the sub dials.
Of the AC in this format, my vote goes for the 5205, less cover time than the 5396 and 5726 Nautilus.
I own one and am very happy with the 5205!
Patek 5396G or Lange Saxonia annual calendar
Am looking to buy an annual calendar - will be my first patek or lange. having tried them on a few times, I cant seem to decide - the lange is a nicer watch to look at and has class but then Patek seems to have that elegance...
ignoring the price differential, what would you suggest?
Patek !
The Lange Saxonia is perfect, easily legible, very well finished, has a good size (38,5) and so on...
BUT imho, it lacks of charm. I know that this judgment is not rational but perfection on the paper has nothing to do with excitement on wrist.
Consider the large range of Patek annual calendar : 5205, 5396, 5146.
My favourite versions are the following ones : 5146 G with slate/grey dial, 5205 (any version), and the new rose gold / chocolate dial and the other new white gold / blue dial.
Best.
I own the 5396G and it is one of...
the most stunning Pateks that I have ever had on my wrist...and trust me, I have had them all. This message has been edited by nicacag66 on 2012-05-08 16:45:37
5396
or any annual calendar from Patek. For Lange, buy their chrono with the stunning display back.
Lange ... has got more potential ... if you know what I mean ... :-). Moritz [nt]
No message body
Lange
Would take the Lange Saxonia in WG. Love Pateks, but have never warmed to 5396........don't like the way it sits on the wrist.
Try them both, take a photo and then think about it again
I had a similar experience about six months ago, whereby supply of these two watches were quite limited and I couldn't find them together in one shop. Really need to try them on, take a picture and then compare them, before you make a choice.
Relatively speaking, Lange has an appealing moon phase and a big display of date, which you would find it very readable no matter where you are. As to Patek 5396, it's super classic (a member of the 96 series) and the presentation is close to its sibling 5496, which I like very much but the price difference is rather significant. Also look at their case borders to see whether you find their thickness acceptable to you. For Patek, set the time to 11:05 so that the hands mask the month and day apertures, and check if you find the relative size of the hands and the apertures in a good proportion.
Enjoy this intellectual exercise. 
This message has been edited by cecng on 2012-05-09 18:33:39
Though I respect Lange & Sohne immensely.......
In this case I have to say get the Patek.
When I first saw the L&S AC, I have to admit to not liking it and that is still the case.........Sorry.
But my choice would be different, I have a 5205G (Dark Dial) and love it.
The 5146 is an excellent piece and one that I was fortunate to have owned.
It is also probably the nearest in design to the L&S, with its sub dials.
Regards
Tony
Patek is my choice
when it comes to annual calenders. Patek defined annual calenders, my first love was the 5035 onwards....i prefer the classical designed dial of the 5146, over the window display 5396. the Saxonia relative to other makes will be great, but not to Patek's annual calenders, IHMO.
best,
Horo
check out this !
The new Glashutte Senator Perpetual Calendar in RG offers much more....
PC function in a much cleaner dial / readable layout.
At a lower price as well....
Regards
Apertures vs subdials
I always prefer apertures instead of subdials on an annual or a perpetual calendar watch.
Apertures makes dial less busy (I don't like busy dials) and easy to read, IMHO.
Patek AC gets my vote ...
And also I am more of an aperture guy as I prefer instant read calendar date than the sub dials.
Of the AC in this format, my vote goes for the 5205, less cover time than the 5396 and 5726 Nautilus.
I own one and am very happy with the 5205!