Patek Philippe

ivanclai
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small dial second hand classier

I prefer small dial second hand on dress watch, it gives it a classic antique feel.  Sweeping second hand is good for sportier settings, especially good when the dial is big.  Unfortunately I cannot compare my A Lang 1815 to the PP 5196 because the 1815 is the discontinued model at 36mm case diameter, the new one is 40mm, that is an apple to apple comparison. 

Briefly comparing the 2 watches I have (sorry for the amateur pics): thickness is A Lang slightly thinner, it also has a clear case back with the famous 3/4 plate while the PP has a solid pop in case back.  PP is 37mm but looks much bigger than the 36mm 1815 as the 1815 has a comparatively thicker bezel (2~3mm), hence a smaller dial in contract, PP also has longer lugs.  Finishing, I would say A Lang might be a tad better, the tinting on the sapphire crystal face is so good that you can hardly tell it is there.  The markers and the silver coating on the dial is really even and fine.  Having said that, PP has the gold applied markers which I appreciate just as much.

The weight of the 1815 together with the solid chunky bezel gives it a feel of sturdiness.  You can feel the thickness of the case is higher in 1815 generally (even the buckle is quite a bit heavier, you get more money for your gold!).  It is also due to the fact that 1815 has the whole case filled up by the calibre while PP only has a small calibre and a big case, you can feel it a bit by tapping the pop in case back.

Design wise, the 1815 is a pocket watch driven design, so you can see the resemblance right away.  The 5196 is a typical PP dress watch design (no need to say more), can dress up or down with nice and warm opaline dial that makes the watch pleasing to the eyes.  The only complaint on it is the reflection on the crystal surface, the lack of coating is one thing, the slightly domes shape of the crystal aggrevates the effect.  Manual winding the watch, the click on the 1815 is smaller and both feel very solid.  PP has a thin and big crown, 1815 has a long and smaller crown, I found that just as easy to wind as each other.

All in all, I think I will wear the 5196 more but if the 1815 is the new model at 40mm, it will be a different story.