Comments:
Would you swap an H.Moser Perpetual 1 for a Lange Lumen?
Hello Purist brothers,
Today I come with an unusual comparison, more than unusual some will consider this a mis-placed comparison because both pieces have very little in common, but still I am very interested in knowing the opinion of the Purist family because this is a choice that I am facing.
I have recently acquired an H.Moser Perpetual 1 in platinum and anthracite dial; my purchase was made more with the head than with the heart as I got offered a very good deal through a shop that for some reason was de-stocking the piece, so all in I was able to put my hands on it for about x% of its usual retail price -being about xx'000 USD.
To be honest the re-sale value and possibilities of profit were very present in my head when buying it.
Nevertheless, since then it has grown quite a lot on me, I think that the aesthetics is great and I believe that it is adding great value to my collection due to its specificities; I believe I have a special piece here with its flash calendar and simplest perpetual calendar ever!
So what is the problem? well, as I am sure happens to many of you, I have the "what's-next syndrome".
- when a piece strikes me I can spend months documenting, chatting and investigating about it, that "hunt" is -probably- one of the most intense and stomach-rooted moments in this hobby/passion; obviously there is also the profound and longer-lasting joy of wearing under your shirt a timepiece for which you know all the history and aspects, that is a more "equilibrated" satisfaction.
- and then, it just starts with another piece, and most of the times I feel that the new one somehow escalates the previous one.
My what's-next piece is the Lange Lumen; following the process mentioned above I have been chasing it for long now, even left it on the side for moments and finally came back to it.
I am contemplating the possibility of trading-in the Moser for the Lange; I would probably need to add a bit of cash if I want a new Lumen, however for a nice mint I would be pretty square I think.
However this is not an easy decision, as said I believe that the Moser is a special piece currently under-estimated by the market and I really think that the brand will grow an important notoriety in the years to come; I realise that I might one day regret not having kept it.
On the other hand the Lange Lumen has to me a more appealing aestethic, and well..it's Lange! It is true that I own a couple of pieces already from this house, the holy Datograph (no comment needed) and a Grand Lange 1 with Champagne Dial (this one is actually my father's but as we both share our watches I consider it as gotten 
; but the Lumen is so special that I do not think it will be too much (when could that be with Lange??).
What do you personnaly think?
and in terms of "investment" do you see a clear difference between both evolutions?
Cheers,
Alejandro
This message has been edited by small-luxury-world on 2014-03-23 13:10:12
; but the Lumen is so special that I do not think it will be too much (when could that be with Lange??).
What do you personnaly think?
and in terms of "investment" do you see a clear difference between both evolutions?
Cheers,
Alejandro
This message has been edited by small-luxury-world on 2014-03-23 13:10:12
It's always so sad ( but inevitable in the watch world) to make decision solely based on..
Potential investment or not.....what's the point collecting if it's not for your own pleasure?
Save up and buy a flat ,that's in the long run a better investment.
Obviously some sort soft money consideration moves any purchase we make,but watch collecting should be the desire of owning something for yourself,despite the future value,but alas this is not contemplated in the watch world,and it seems to apply JUST in the watch world.
Nobody cares how much money you lose with a new car,an expensive restaurant, a diamond for the lady or a bespoke suit,but with watches........well inevitable to talk about investment ,even amongst seasoned collectors.
Sorry about my rant,nothing personal,really,but just go for the watch you like the best.
Personally I would make the trade even if not a huuuuge fan of the lumen,still the moser1 is a watch I like a lot but in this case......I would opt for the lumen.
Mo
Alejandro, first of all ...
welcome at PuristSPro!
Regarding discount, price and investment I will sent you a PM and had to do edit it.
Back to your question: I would do it, but that is maybe just me and me taste. Also I am not crazy about perpetual calendar´s in general.
Cheers,
Oliver
Regarding discount, price and investment I will sent you a PM and had to do edit it.
Back to your question: I would do it, but that is maybe just me and me taste. Also I am not crazy about perpetual calendar´s in general.
Cheers,
Oliver
First of all, welcome on board!
And my answer is YES!
Why?
Because I'm not a Perpetual Calendar guy. I find the Lange Lumen very breathtaking while the Moser is much more classic.
You have to answer two questions:
- do you think that there is no risk to be one day "bored" by the more daring and bold design of the Lumen?
- what about the complication? There is no specific complication with the Lumen except the big date display while there is a PC with the Moser. Are you fascinated by this complication or not?
but in my case, there is no doubt: the Lumen.
More here:
alang.watchprosite.com
Fx
Why?
Because I'm not a Perpetual Calendar guy. I find the Lange Lumen very breathtaking while the Moser is much more classic.
You have to answer two questions:
- do you think that there is no risk to be one day "bored" by the more daring and bold design of the Lumen?
- what about the complication? There is no specific complication with the Lumen except the big date display while there is a PC with the Moser. Are you fascinated by this complication or not?
but in my case, there is no doubt: the Lumen.
More here:
alang.watchprosite.com
Fx
Both wonderful watches,
and there is no cleaner display of a perpetual calendar than the Moser. I am a big fan of perpetual calendars, and this complication is a must-have for me.
But then there is Lange, and there is the Lange 1 Lumen. I do go back and forth in regard to the value of this watch relative to its high price. But I don't go back and forth in regard to the semi-transparent dial that Lange introduced first on the Zeitwerk Luminous and now on the L1 Lumen--I love this "complication."
I would go for the Lange. You will love the watch on your wrist. It will probably be one of your long-term "keepers," and it does not seem the Moser fits in this category for you. The Lumen has been in very high demand since it was introduced, it is never a bad opportunity to get a limited-edition Lange, and this is one of the best.
Go with your heart, though it is certainly possible your heart is in two places, and it is not a bad idea to get feedback here. Seems the opinions so far here are unanimous--go with the Lumen.
(And I think it will be easier in the future to find another Moser, if it turns out you have made a mistake.)
Agree with Mo's comments...
And as much as I like the Moser, the Lumen would be my choice.
Cheers
Andeew
Proof that the decision is a personal one...
First up, welcome here Alejandro. Hopefully we will see a lot more of you around here in the future.
With watches we are entitled to be schizophrenic. Looking into the future as a cold headed investor: the Lange ticks all the boxes. Looking into the watch box as a one-eyed Indie fan (leaving aside the personal definition of 'Indie'!): the Moser wins out. Good luck with that dilemma!
Cheers,
pplater.
I think, therefore I am....a one-eyed Indie.....
in this case I will stay with the H.Moser...Definitely!
Then, what's best? One fish in the pan or a thousand in the ocean
Cheers
Francois from Down Under
Lumen for me
I am a huge fan of perpetuals and in particular I do like this Moser in other variations. But Lange is Lange. The Lange 1 is iconic and I like the Lumen's design characteristics even though I do not like the numbers on the Hours/Minutes dial. This is a captivating watch.
I cannot speak about value and investment because each person's needs and tolerances are different. I care about the money side because wallet is not a bottomless pit but my view is that TODAY if you find the trade-in terms acceptable, then it is the Lumen for me
Whenever a decision is required ….
….. i think one of the best question to ask yourself,
would be : the reverse thinking.
if you own this lange and someone would like to trade his Moser with you,
would you do it ??
the fun about collecting watches, at some point,
the wheeling and dealing will come up in various occasions,
this is what they call it : good worries.
I own the exact version of Moser P1
And like you, I have the dato, too. I'm also interested in the Lumen myself, and If I need to get the Lumen, I probably need to sell some of my watches, too.
However, I won't trade my P1 for the Lumen. Why?
1. I prefer the Zeitwerk Phantom over Lumen.
2. P1 is one of the kind watch.
A huge NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO from me
I had plenty of opportunities to buy this Lumen, offered by both boutique and grey dealers. and I also happened to be amongst the first owner of a Perpetual One in the world, and since 2010, I have never regretted the Moser P1. besides winning the GPHG award in 2006 for best complicated Mens watch category and overall second for Watch of the Year, to winner of the Goldene Unruh, it has Indie credentials in the form of Andreas Strehler who perfected it.
on the technical front, if yours is the double hairpsring version...its a absolute keeper, since Moser no longer make it as a "standard feature" in all their watches.
on the other hand...lets examine the Lumen. I like it enough, but NOT for the premium it demands by Lange, which is very sad for me being a Lange lover.(for the record, I have 2 Mosers and at least 12 Langes). Its a piece of glass. Lange already does perlage and finishing on the dial side of all their movements anyway, so i dont see why they need to charge such huge premiums. I can understand if some lesser brand do it, because they now need more finishing done to movvement, so they might charge alot more...but Lange????!!! therefore as a matter of principle, I am opposed to the huge premium charged for it. otherwise, the Lumen is a very attractive watch in itself.
best, Horo
Call me blonde, but I really can't see how the....
two can be compared. The H.Moser is unique, simple, elegant and beautiful. Its mouvement is exquisitely designed and finished. On the other hand, the Lumen is "robocopish" and not illuminating my heart nor soul. As much as I love the Lange 1 Moon Phase Platinum, this Lumen, to me, is a "let down" and uber commerzial. Definitely not one I would even consider. Just my thoughts, of course.
Cheers
Francois from Down Under
Bravo!!!...
The word we have all been looking for, and for a long time, to describe the attractive but soul-less watch (and it comes to us from a Swisstralian!) - "Robocopish".
Love it!
Cheers,
pplater.
Well, coming from The Guardian of the.........
Taj Mahal...... I take this as a grand compliment Pplater
Cheers
FransOZ
Thanks everyone!...you have messed even...
Thanks everyone!...you have messed even more my head! lol 
I think I will need to get them both...need to give it a few thoughts still and most of all, see the Lange 1 in the flesh.
I find very smart the "reverse" approach of "tic-toc", despite not being sure of what to do here I think that if I had the Lange Lumen I would not be entertaining thoughts of swapping it for a Perpetual 1...
Dear "moc", I agree that a purchase decision cannot be taking solely based on forecasted value evolution, however I think that for any purchase above a certain amount you need to keep in mind the potential re-sale value, specialy for younger watch collectors? I am starting my 30's and part of satisfaction could be the thought that I have in my collection a timepiece that can actually gain value in the -say 10/20- years to come? I have that feeling with my FP Journe Octa Calendrier Black MOP edition and it's great.
Could that (value appreciation) be the common link between these 2 watches? the Lange is a limited edition, and the Moser is slowly increasing its market-share and has a technological strengh.
This forum is so cool.
Best,
Alejandro
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 06:57:59 -0700
I think I will need to get them both...need to give it a few thoughts still and most of all, see the Lange 1 in the flesh.
I find very smart the "reverse" approach of "tic-toc", despite not being sure of what to do here I think that if I had the Lange Lumen I would not be entertaining thoughts of swapping it for a Perpetual 1...
Dear "moc", I agree that a purchase decision cannot be taking solely based on forecasted value evolution, however I think that for any purchase above a certain amount you need to keep in mind the potential re-sale value, specialy for younger watch collectors? I am starting my 30's and part of satisfaction could be the thought that I have in my collection a timepiece that can actually gain value in the -say 10/20- years to come? I have that feeling with my FP Journe Octa Calendrier Black MOP edition and it's great.
Could that (value appreciation) be the common link between these 2 watches? the Lange is a limited edition, and the Moser is slowly increasing its market-share and has a technological strengh.
This forum is so cool.
Best,
Alejandro
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 06:57:59 -0700