Discussion
P@trick@Belgium initiates a compelling debate, comparing two horological titans: the Patek Philippe 5960P and the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph. This discussion is crucial for collectors weighing the merits of an innovative annual calendar chronograph against a benchmark manual-wind chronograph, delving into movement finishing, pusher feel, and overall wearability.
Ok I know this is a Patek forum so don't be to hard on the Lange, but this weekend I had the opportunity to view to of my grails next to each other and I have to say if the day arrives that I would have to make a choice it wouldn't be easy.
First of all the Patek 5960 had my attention since they added the blue Platinum version, since I'm not the guy that wears classical watches and is mostly hanging around in casual clothes I thought this one could be wearable with jeans and polos 
But .... since Lange anounced the new version of the Datograph at 41mm I started to hesitate, the beautifully finished movement is way more attractive than the 5960 movement IMO, and the overall style of the Lange started to please me more and more.
I know you guys will probably lean forward to the Patek but still I'd like to hear why !!
As a matter of indication the LP of the Lange in Europe is 70K and the Patek is 73K so there is basically not much difference, but maybe the value in a few years will end up different ???
so let's hear what you have to say
The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5960A, introduced in stainless steel, represents a significant offering within the brand's annual calendar chronograph series. This particular reference is notable for being the first annual calendar chronograph from Patek Philippe to be offered in a non-precious metal, making it a distinctive piece in the Complications collection. It combines practical complications with a robust case material, appealing to collectors seeking a blend of utility and horological complexity.
This reference features a 40.5mm stainless steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber CH 28-520 QA 24H. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours and is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The dial is presented in white, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The integrated stainless steel bracelet complements the case material, providing a cohesive aesthetic.
The 5960A in stainless steel holds a specific position for collectors due to its material choice and the integrated bracelet, differentiating it from its precious metal counterparts. Its combination of an annual calendar and chronograph functions, along with the 24-hour indication, makes it a highly functional and mechanically interesting timepiece. The special hand set and case back decoration mentioned for this specific 5960A further emphasize its unique attributes within the production run.
But if you gave me the choice between the first Dato and the Patek, I would have said Dato. I don't like the new Dato... Which lost a lor of its character and charm / strenght, IMO. The Dato is already an icon, and the manual movement is much more pleasant to see than the automatic housed in the 5960. Now, I find two reasons to love the Patek: 1/ It was the first in house automatic movement ( or was is the one of the Nautilus? ), which is an historical argument. 2/ THe monocounter is really some
Don't be apprehensive about the future value here: will be the same. The 5960 is technically very good composed, no doubt, but it is not a chrono as the scaling is wrong. The beat ratio 28.800 is far to high for a traditional watch. Also: annual calendar consumes nearly 30% of the energy for a "long jump", hence the pr indicator. Over these facts a clever cluth, ceramic bearings and some other technical features will not help: it is not a chrono. It looks like a toy on the wrist in blue, but the
The Dato is the benchmark of chronos, and both the new and old versions are spectacular. The new one probably fits better on the wrist, especially in the age of larger watches, and given it's diameter/thickness ratio. I do not agree with statements that the new one has lost something compared to the old--the character is a bit different, but it could be argued to the contrary that it has gained a lot, including longer PR and PR indicator. Though a very nice watch, with due respect to the 5960, t
I guess that is your opinion :-) But even if you are right for me the looks are more important and I do prefer the Patek 5960. I was with Patrick when we saw both and yes, the Lange is nice, very nice. But I would take the 5960. Another option was the 5170 which is my favorite but too classic for Patrick. So yes, the Dato might have a nicer ... better (?) movement but I don't care. A Nissan GTR has probably a better engine than a 911 4s but not in a million years will I pick the Nissan
The Dato is an icon and THE MUST HAVE chrono without any doubt. The level of finishing, the detail of the movement, without any doubt far beyond the Patek, IMHO. I also prefer the original DATO to the new one. The new dial layout misses something between 9 and 12, the original Dato dial layout is IMHO much nicer. And the nicest Data is without any doubt the Pisa edition.
I agree with the post above, that calls the Dategraph a "benchmark" among chronographs. I can think of no chronograph that better wears that moniker. I think both brands represent the pinnacle of watchmaking. I love and respect them both. In this case, the Lange wins my vote. Cheers DB Darien
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