In a captivating dilemma, afaleh, a seasoned collector, turned to the WatchProSite community for guidance on a significant world timer acquisition. His post details an intense decision between a rare Vacheron Constantin limited edition, a Patek Philippe 5130G, and an A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone. This article explores the community's insights as afaleh navigates not only horological excellence but also the personal and geopolitical considerations that can influence such a high-stakes purchase.
Man this is going to be a long post. Where do I start?
I guess I should give you gents a brief on the Lange issue I posted about previously, so I had bought many Langes from an AD in Bahrain, when the Odysseus was announced and I was ready to put down the cash I was told I would have to go through a boutique not my usual AD, so I contacted the boutique and their response was “they did know me” and I had to buy a watch to be eligible for a 2 year waiting list. I complained and made a fuss, to their credit they did go out of their way to apologize and explain the reasoning, but insisted I buy a watch still.
At the same time as this drama is occurring, I have been contemplating purchasing a world timer, I had narrowed down the possible targets to three watches, the Patek 5130g on bracelet, the Lange 1 Time Zone, and an absolutely dreamy limited edition Vacheron, number 10 out of 10 worldwide:
Platinum, Vacheron’s finest finishing standard, hand enamel dial, gorgeous 42.5mm case ( I am a large guy and this fits me perfectly)
Priced at 140k.
The Lange 1 and Patek pics for reference, taken from the internet:
I have to make a decision today, Lange boutique has only one available and the Vacheron is on hold for today only. I am racking my brain trying to decide but just can’t choose one, I stayed up until 4 AM unable to sleep with these three watches on my mind, when my wife asked why I haven’t slept I just told her I had too many espressos after dinner, if I made the mistake of informing her that I was contemplating yet another watch purchase she might punch me in the nads.
So I thought I might put down my thoughts here in an attempt to finalize the decision process, I am always keen to hear your thoughts.
Here are the pros and cons of each:
Vacheron pros:
The most beautiful
Very exclusive, unlikely to see another
Perfect size for me
Unique standout design yet remains classical
Handwork on the dial is mind boggling
Vacheron Cons:
Price is higher than others, this purchase would mean I would have to forego three watch purchases
Cities representing time zones not my choice. Not only did VC omit my home country they also choose the capital of an aggressive enemy state to represent the next time zone, an odd decision as that nation seems more interested in weapons of mass destruction and destabilizing the region than fine horology.
I won’t mention city names so as to not offend anyone, nothing against the nation itself, actually love their culture, food, and language. It’s their current government that I have an issue with.
Anyway, the choice of cities on this VC could not be less to my personal preferences. The only thing I would enjoy less than not seeing my capital when looking down at this masterpiece is seeing a capital that send rocket barrages my way next to my time zone. Maybe that’s silly to some but it would bug me
I hope that above comment does not offend or contradict forum rules, just being honest, I am sure geo-politics play a role in choosing cities and in customer selection processes in general. I will gladly edit if so.
I digress...
Patek pros:
Legendary, iconic model. Wonderful to round out the collection
Classic design that is instantly recognizable
Wonderful WG bracelet, I haven’t tried it on but from what I have hear nothing drapes on the wrist quite like a Patek platinum or WG bracelet.
Patek cons:
Size at 40mm is a bit small for me, I usually draw the line at 41 due to my large wrists but the bracelet should add presence.
Available slightly used from 2013
Lange 1 pros:
The most technically advanced
The most interesting dial layout
Lange finishing! Both polished and brushed!!!
Does not attract attention when traveling like a Patek or that stunning Vacheron
Price is very very fair.
Just updated in 2020 with many world firsts for a world time
A big plus for me, this is the first standard world time I have seen that includes my home capital as the time zone indicator. An important element that would make it easier for me to bond emotionally with the watch
Lange cons:
None i can identify.
There you have it, if you made it this far through my ramblings I applaud your resilience.
To sum it all up the Vacheron is the most striking and as close to a piece unique as I am likely to get, but I might have to work to get over a personal grump with the watch. The Lange and Patek both sing to me as well, and the purchase of the Lange would make me eligible for an Odysseus. I have decent history with both Vacheron and Patek but not Lange under their new strategy. This would also help in building purchase history for future desirable pieces.
On the personality front, the Vacheron is the most alien to me, not my usual style and in a good way. The Patek is the most comfortable decision and a safe bet, while the Lange feels like me, this would be usual decision.
Both the Patek and Lange would cost around 50k, allowing me to get the Odysseus and the AP offshore 43 I have been dreaming of plus some cash left over. The Vacheron is super unique though and a true handmade work of art, it might be best to get over the “issue” and obtain something that really does stand out forever.
This is the most difficult watch related decision I ever had to make!
