A. Lange & Söhne

thomasssam
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Why do we choose the watches we do?

In another Thread "Lange Lovers in Australia?" I asked the question whether an L&S dealer is coming to Australia.

Whilst responding to a post, it got me thinking yet again about what a watch means to people.

The reason for my asking for an AD is more for the availability to peruse the cabinets and get hands on with these horological masterpieces. Personally I can't see L&S coming over here any time soon, as I don't think the Australian market can accomodate this brand yet.

Why, well personally I haven't seen that many nice watches out there on the streets. I work in the banking industry and over the last few years I've been in many a meeting or cafe mixing it up with some of the so called big hitters. And as any half-baked watch fan would confirm, one of the first thing to check out is what's on everyones wrist.

In my experience it's a bloody disgrace. Anything from $100 Lorus to the run of the mill Omegas. New money with their PANs. Classic watch styles generally only hit the Seiko. Don't even get me started on Brietlings.

I dunno, maybe its the wanna be snobbery in me, but I also think that watches should have a story of why it was adorned.... because lets be honest. Every watch tells a story regardless of who's wearing it. Sometimes the stories just don't add up. Some watches just don't match the owners, most of them just wear the owner. 

My L&S story....

I am a Rolex guy, not an old fart Del Boy wannabe with a Gold DayDate (all though I must say this is a watch that I am now growing ever so fond of as each year ticks by!). I love my 16613 (2003 Sub, Blue, SS/Gold), I personally feel it gives that fine balance between a bit of bling, with an everyday wear. I was fortunate enough to get this watch for my declaring of undying love and to my other half and shelling out oodles of cash on her ring... so she kindly returned the favour and offered a watch for the acceptance of my proposal (God love equality!)

At that time, my budget and knowledge of the watch market pointed me in one clear direction - Rolex Marketing 1, other half 0

Anyway, I still love my Sub 16613 to this day. Ever more so because of the positive attention it brings.

My Lange on the other hand... seems wasted here in Australia. I went to such great legths to secure my watch, calling all the dealers in the UK whilst their for a few months last year.

My 1815 Moonphase, obviously available in limited numbers and only being released direct from manufacture as soon as they rolled off production on a strick allocation basis. Only one dealer in the UK could confirm they would receive one, but couldn't guarantee it's arrival to the UK before I left. They were dealing direct with HQ and still no confirmations could me made.

Now, I'm not upset by L&S stating that they don't have a ready supply of watches ready in the back room ready to walk out the door. This just made me want one even more... almost like the holy grail!!

So I took matters into my own hands and started contacting L&S direct. And I was stunned to receive emails from Jacques Thomas (L&S Brand Manager Western Europe) and Julie Pomel (Richemont). Both were very helpful, Julie in particular went well out of what I believed to be her call of duty, to located and secure my desired timepiece in Paris.

The whole transaction she was on hand to deal with any concerns or queries I had. It was an absolutel pleasure. The watch was secured on my Birthday, and finally arrived via courier to me in the UK the very day before I left for Australia.

I wear my watch with pride... a part of me wants recongnition. When people do ask, about the watch or the brand. A part of me wonders if it's worth my time explaining... another makes me feel all nice inside.

I also since my first dip into the Rolex market, aquired 3 other Black 16610s, and an unworn 2008 V Seadweller (NOT DeepSea)

Just tell me your psyche of watches.. good or bad