I don't want to single anybody out...

I don't want to single any specific model out as it will make our members who own those specific models feel awkward. But generally, newer Lange models have less gold content in their cases in general. This is partially because the movement is getting larger while the case isn't getting any smaller externally, thus, internally the case is getting thinner. Much of this is also intentional - the cases have internal areas drilled or milled out and the milled shavings are saved and recycled for new cases. Some newer models are significantly lighter than their predecessors, but double digit percentages.
In the beginning, Lange was low volume and didn't pay attention to this. But Lange's cases are now higher volume and they must have given their case supplier new specifications?

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Thoughts on buying a new Datograph now?

By: PR&G : December 28th, 2023-03:19

I've placed a deposit at Lange for a different watch, but I can still change my mind. So I was just wondering about your thoughts on buying a new Datograph now. Is the current generation drawing to a close making this a bad idea?

I missed the news that the current generation is coming to a close.

By: drgiggles : December 28th, 2023-03:48

Next year is the 25th anniversary so i suspect that there will probably be some kind of likely limited edition colorway / design, offered, but not clear to me whether they'd discontinue the current line.. Nevertheless, i think it makes sense to wait assum...

It's obvious you don't EXTREMELY LIKE the Datograph, so skip it!

By: patrick_y : December 28th, 2023-04:13

If it's not a must have, don't buy it!

+1

By: Anselm : December 28th, 2023-05:22

Which one did you put your deposit on?

By: PR&G : December 29th, 2023-03:21

I put a deposit on the Zeitwerk platinum.

Deposit on both Zeitwerk and Dato?

By: Darron : December 29th, 2023-16:31

Jlux is right though that a newer generation Dato will have a crazy premium on top of the existing msrp. When I voted with my wallet; I chose the OG Dato! ...

By: PR&G : December 29th, 2023-03:25

I really like the current gen Dato. The changes over gen 1 don't really bother me. The main thing holding me back is wondering about what gen 3 could look like since we are probably so close. However, it's all speculation as to when a new model will show ...

Gotcha. Thanks for explaining!

By: patrick_y : December 29th, 2023-05:15

Only buy any watch if you absolutely have to have it. I realize I have some watches where I bought that I didn't have to have - and now they're unused and just sitting around.

patrick_y nailed it

By: drgiggles : December 29th, 2023-05:31

i wouldn't necessarily view subsequent generations being unequivocally better (these are atavistic ornaments, not smartphones). Even if the movements might get 'better' (longer power reserve, instantaneous date change), they're often paired with design or...

Agreed. Newer isn't always better.

By: patrick_y : December 29th, 2023-17:37

Especially at Lange. Many newer iterations come with less gold in the case (to save costs, they hollow out the case), technical movement changes that increase the power reserve but don't necessarily look better (almost all brands are adapting the movement...

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