Patek Philippe Ref. 5990 vs. A. Lange & Söhne Datograph: A Collector's Dilemma

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In the world of luxury watch collecting, the decision to trade one horological icon for another is never taken lightly. Sea_brownie's dilemma, weighing the highly sought-after Patek Philippe Ref. 5990 against a limited-production A. Lange & Söhne Datograph with a diamond bezel, sparks a fascinating discussion on value, aesthetics, and market hype. This article delves into the community's insights, offering perspectives that remain relevant for collectors navigating similar choices today.

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Hi guys - I’m considering swapping out my Patek 5990 for the ALS below. (With diamond bezel)

Interested in the comments / Ideas or should I keep the 5990 as maybe it’s the new watch fever that’s getting to me...

The als seems more value but the hype on the 5990 can’t be discarded.

Wife says can’t have both - ps about the same price.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5990, despite its current hype and value retention, is considered by some to be too bulky for a Nautilus, losing the original reference's slenderness.
The consensus among many contributors is a strong aversion to diamonds on the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph, viewing them as an aesthetic mismatch for the brand's design philosophy and potentially detrimental to long-term satisfaction and value.
Despite the general dislike for the diamond bezel, one collector noted that the bezel is more subtle in person than expected and offers a different frame, while also being scratch-resistant.
Several collectors suggest that if the Patek Philippe Ref. 5990 is no longer worn, it might be time for a change, regardless of its market value or 'hype'.
The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph is generally considered the 'more interesting watch' or 'objectively better watch' when compared to the Patek Philippe Ref. 5990, assuming the diamond bezel is not a deterrent.
One contributor humorously suggests that if the diamond Datograph is chosen, the price difference from a non-diamond version could be used to buy a diamond ring for the wife, building 'credit history' for future watch purchases.

The Discussion

WatchEater

Oct 21, 2020

The diamonds are a complete deal killer IMO. Pretty bad aesthetic fit for what Lange is going for? YMMV. If they don't bother you then I think the Lange is an objectively better watch.

George Gently

Oct 21, 2020

I'm not so into diamonds, but if that's your thing, go for the Lange. It's the more interesting watch. Regards, George

benzng

Oct 21, 2020

and the popular answer was to change your wife so you can keep both . kidding aside I don't like the 5990 but it seems to be a popular (hard to get ) model now. If you don't wear the 5990 anymore then maybe time to change it?

VinnieD

Oct 21, 2020

I am not a big fan of that reference (too bulky to my taste - it completely lost the plot vs. the original slenderness of the Nautilus). The ALS is stunning! As diamonds go, baguette is the way to go for men!

Ray1126

Oct 21, 2020

However, I do not like the 5990 very much, and I would choose the dato, but not with the diamonds. Personally I think the diamonds kill everything. Why not change it to the normal dato up/down and have some money into the pocket? Just don't let your wife know.

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Oct 21, 2020

They are both great watch and the 5990 give you also the option to wear with bracelet. Not sure if bracelet vs strap is important for you...

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Patek Philippe Ref. 5990 vs. A. Lange & Söhne Datograph: A Collector's Dilemma

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