A. Lange & Söhne

Alright, I’m going to do one of those dreaded this-or-that threads. I’m really hung up on the decision of which to choose. One of these two will be my next watch. I just can’t decide. On one hand, the ALS 1815 chrono is one of the pinnacle manual chronogr...  

If only I could hit the lottery! ...  

...the 'all blue' makes it a bit monochrome for me. Very little contrast.

I can barely see the hands! ...  

...I wish they made it in yellow (real) gold : ) ...  

Not a fan of this version.

In my (not altogether uncommon or unfounded) opinion Patek isn't what it used to be and their product has suffered as a result. The Lange is the better watch (despite the problems I've heard with the brand which exist in many places but that fact does not... 

My 5170 is 2014 release and it is, by far, my all time favorite watch. I know a lot of people prefer the 5070, but the case of the 5170 is more my style. I do agree some recent releases are playing to the masses.

the end

From my experience, the styling between Lange and Patek on chronographs differ enough that you will naturally gravitate towards one over the other. For myself, I had long been in awe of the Datograph movement and decided it was time to add one to the coll... 

That’s why I’m having such a tough time deciding. My local AD is owned by 1916 and so my SA is requesting they send the ALS so I can try it on. We’ll see.

of the care and consideration one needs when setting and resetting the annual calendar. If you have a lot of watches on rotation, that could be a hassle. Sometimes more functions isn't always better

This is exactly why I’ve been reluctant to add a calendar complication in the past. It would live on the winder, vs in the safe, when not being worn. That gives me pause.

Patek lags behind many brands in terms of the usability of their calendars. If I were in the market for a calendar, I would be looking for Lange and Moser... In your situation, I would be looking for a Lange calendar and a Patek chrono, not the other way ... 

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As for what would be my personal choice, it would be the 1815 Chrono without the slightest hesitation because from a purely horological standpoint it’s really on another level. But, from what I read of your post, it might be that the 5960 would make more ... 

There’s almost 2mm of thickness between them, and the thicker watch doesn’t give you much in terms of visual enjoyment of that thickness. As a personal choice it would be the Lange for me. It just looks more coherent. It’s also objectively a better qualit... 

I really value a comfortable wearing experience nowadays. As such, most of my recent purchases I focus on specs. However, I’ve read the 5960 wears very well for how thick it is.

I'm going to join other members here in commending both watches but recommending the Lange 1815 Chronograph. However, to quattro-spirit's point, it does depend on the look you're seeking: they present two quite different vibes. Subjectively, this Patek is... 

Thanks for the insight.

I have an 1815 chrono already and the black dial version is the watch I think about adding to my collection the most lately.

Seems like Lange is the preferred choice here by a wide margin. No doubt, it is purer, but I am leaning towards the Patek. I worn it a lot more compared to the Lange, as it fits my casual lifestyle. Good luck. Have you not considered the blue dial in PT? ...  

The PT version is cool (especially with the gray sub dial), but the sportier feeling of the blue dial version speaks to me more. The reason I’ve been so back and forth on this decision is that I feel the PP is a more versatile/casual option (which suits m... 

That being said I would always go with the 5960 which is simply my favorite modern PP. Maybe any of PP's 5170 would be a better comparison to the ALS.

I already own a 5170 though.

But I personally would buy pre-owned Dato 1st gen, though over the new Chrono.

But it’s too thick/too heavy from what I’ve read. Design wise it’s one of the best looking watches on the market. Another one I wish I could try on.

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Well into 6 figures to get a Patek that begins to feel like it’s approaching the same level of quality as a Lange. Definitely the 1815 here.

But I’ll go for the P version. 1815 chrono too similar to the 5170g. Besides the 5960 is an AC chrono, a pretty unique complication. If you must have the 1815 then consider selling the 5170g. Best G

And 5960p and sell 5170g.

Interesting! Why?

I vote for the boutique edition of the Lange 1815 chronograph though because of its legibility and dynamic blue hues. Form and function in one package! As folks noted, the white gold black dial version is nice too, but I don’t like how the hands disappear...  

1815 is understated cohesive poetry. 5960 has too much going on and some brash design elements. 1815 please But true question is 5170g vs 1815, which despite the monstruous edge in mvmt for the als - I think I prefer the 5170g for simply being in the top ... 

To begin with I would like to say that both of these watches are great, but let’s be a bit harsh😀 1) PP - inconvenient calendar - thick - design not for everyone - robustness of the movement is quite questionable - expensive 2) ALS - no applied indices, a...  

My favorites in my collection are the PP 5960P-001 and the Lange Datograph 1st Gen In case I would need to take a decision between both it would be the Datograph as imho it's the best wristwatch on earth. In case I would need to decide between the 1815 Ch...