Collection
ianny seeks community input on a significant annual calendar purchase, weighing the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Annual Calendar against Patek Philippe's 5205 and 5146 references. This discussion provides valuable insights into the aesthetic and technical considerations collectors face when choosing between these high-horology annual calendars, offering a comparative perspective on two of the industry's most respected brands.
The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 reference 206.032, introduced in 1999, is a notable example of the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking principles. This model is part of the 1815 collection, which pays homage to the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange and emphasizes classic design elements such as Arabic numerals and blued hands, drawing inspiration from historical Lange pocket watches. It represents a more understated and purist aesthetic compared to some of the brand's more complex offerings, focusing on fundamental horological excellence.
This particular reference features an 18k rose gold case measuring 36mm in diameter and 7.5mm in thickness. It houses the manually wound L941.1 caliber, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front, protecting a solid silver dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.
The 1815 206.032 appeals to collectors who appreciate classical proportions and a focus on fundamental watchmaking without excessive complications. Its smaller case size reflects a more traditional approach to men's wristwatches, making it a desirable piece for those seeking a discreet yet highly refined timepiece. The combination of rose gold and a silver dial offers a warm and legible presentation, consistent with the collection's historical inspirations.
I have had a PP5396R and I personally prefer its dial to both PP5205 and PP5146, why? Well in my opinion the dial of the 5146 is not well balanced, the subdials at 9 something and 2 something are too close to the centre and the little date at 6 is odd....that is my own opinion, I like the hands and case though. On the 5205 I find the dauphine hands (which I generally don't care much for anyway) are not in proportion with the rest of the dial, too big or fat or something, also I don't like the po
and never will. The Saxonia Annual Calendar is nice - nothing more, nothing less. I just miss some spice and it leaves me cold at the end. The PP 5205G with grey dial sings loud to me. I liked it from the first day when it was introduced in 2010 and not only because of the very special lugs ... Don´t have a wrist shot, but when I tried it the first time I was more than tempted :-) Would recommend to try the version with grey dial, before taking further decisions. Oliver
The Pateks are a bit simpler in construction: only wheels based. The Lange uses also bars or pins in theire movement. As a rule: the simpler the better? You decide as both will be pretty reliable. Second technical advise: the Lange has much, much more potential. From the looks point of view: the RG Lange IS THE CHOICE, if coloured metal is o.k. for you. If WG: a bit bland, yes, but still a nice, small and thin watch. Here the 5146 is a contender as also relatively thin and small. All 5205 are mo
I own a 5205G and I think it is the most beautiful Annual Calendar from Patek. The Saxonia Annual Calendar has for me several assets: - a very readable big date which is after all what we read the most on the calendar - a balanced dial - the sax-o-mat movement! So i will not help you here... listen to your heart! Fx
Hi Ianny, Personally I think it is tough call choosing between the Lange Saxonia AC and the Patek 5146. I have both, in white gold; some wrist shots are below. The Lange is an exceptionally legible watch in WG which is something I value a lot for certain occasions. The movement is nearly identical to that of the Langematik Perpetual, but the price is considerably less! I personally prefer the design to that of the Perpetual which I find too busy for my taste. That being said, I agree with the cr
For me the Lange far surpasses the PP. To begin with it has a large date, which is a significant added complication. Its presentation is clean and classic. Indeed I prefer the crispness of its layouts to the more complicated perpetual. It's micro rotor movement is hugely over engineered and wondrous. As for the two Pateks they don't speak as loudly to me on their aesthetics and lack both the addition of a large date and the sophistication of the Lange movement. For what its worth, Philippe Dufou
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