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Sandgroper shares his bold decision to trade a Patek Philippe Ref. 5396R for an A. Lange & Söhne Datograph, offering a candid comparison between these two horological giants. This article delves into the personal motivations behind such a significant trade, highlighting the emotional and practical aspects of luxury watch ownership. Readers will gain insight into the nuanced preferences that drive collectors' choices, beyond brand prestige.
And the Lange & Sohne been this....
Well, I have just done that and I must say I AM OVER THE MOON. The Datograph! what a piece of horology, what a perfection in the details and in its way of working, I mean everything which should be smooth is and everything which should be firm is changing the time is firm and precise, pushing the pushers is like butter, the winding is soft and almost sensual. The dial is so neat and clean through the crystal, I don't know what king of crystal it is but the "see throu" is different and the mouvement......well, not only the finish but the layout, what an accomplishment, in my eyes anyway.
Now please don't take me wrong, the Patek is a beautiful watch, I love the combination of the rose gold and the dial with its blued hand and railtrack, I wouldn't have purchase it otherwise, however it never had enough wrist time because I never felt so comfortable always scared to scratch or damage the edge of the bezel, I felt that edge was too much of a magnet for scratches. I don't know, but that's how I felt with this watch. Strange to say but it almost is like a beautiful object that you place somewhere and look at but you would dare moving too often for fear of damaging it.
What are your thoughts on the two.
Kind regards
Francois
I'm not a fan of the sector dial. If it was the plain dial, it would be a harder decision to make.
sector dial which attracted me to that particular PP AC as I don't like the replacement with plain dial! "Les gouts et les couleurs" very individual. Kind regards Francois
Tastes differ from a person to another, i am a fan of this particular PP (in white gold though) and the rail track adds a lot of character to it, and although it's a Patek Philippe annual calendar handsome piece of horology i'd do the same move like you did and get the Datograph, i was ready to pull the trigger on one a few years ago then went for the flyback 1815 chrono instead, while it's also a watch that i am still enamored with since i got it, the Dato remains in my to buy list for sure, bo
Yes the "sector dial" AC is a beautiful watch, for me in rose gold, but..hey..taste! However, the Datograph is much, much more special, it is almost, well, almost "unique" different in almost any aspect to any watch I have ever worn, (not that there were some many, mind you!:) this is an engineering prowess mixing art and horology in a sublime combination which makes your inner feelings come to the surface and feed from the nectar of its aura. Well, you know what I mean:) Kind regards. Francois
How are you? I already knew that you would approve as you do not like annual calendars, actually I don't know why, personally I think annual calendar are very nice, especially the PP 5396R (sector dial) but having already a perpetual calendar from JLC "Master Perpetual" what is the point of an AC? The Datograph! What else can I say? It is "la creme de la creme des chronographes" punkt schluss, un point c'est tout, that's it! Well, that is my opinion for now. Talk soon! A bientot l'ami et merci.
I do uderstand the appeal for a Date, a Day Date, a Triple Date, a Perpetual Calmendar, but the " in between " AC, I don't like this idea. With the Dato you just enter the fabulous family off fine Chronographs. There are not that many which can compete ith a Dato... Just the Duometre, and the Patek Rattrapante, while I would classify the Patek 5070 and the Vacheron Malte or Lrs Historiques as belonging to the family of cool Chronographs. Best, and yes, the weather here is just fantastic! Nicolas
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