Joepny
1970
I'm working up a lather analyzing the Datograph and 5960A Black
So my slutty wandering eyes have been oogling the ALS Datograph and the PP 5960A black dial for the past weeks/days. I've not been able to control myself. HELP ME!!!
Pic from Sotheby's, all heavy Platinum goodness
Pic from Watch Collecting Lifestyle
The Datograph is arguably one of the finest manual luxury chronographs. Fully invented by the manufacture in the late 1990s and released in 1999, the 1st generation Datograph has a front row seat in the hall of horological history. It was produced for 12 years. Also on more practical terms, my favorite due to its proportions=39mm x 12.8mm. People generally applaud two main things about the Datograph: its movement and its finish. I have to say that the sight of a Pt Datograph in a boutique street window display with natural sunlight beaming onto it is an amazing experience. I still remember seeing it first in San Francisco in the 2000s, walking around the retail district. At the time, there was a thought in my mind that I should aspire to own it one day. That thought has made a home in my head for a long time now.
Even better is the Pt Datograph on the Lange bracelet. All that glorious metal! A less formal feel, somewhat sporty chic. I believe from sources SJX and our own CR that the there were different versions of the Pt bracelets and it was discontinued also with the end of the 1st generation. Some 1st gen Datographs were born with the bracelet and they have unique Lange reference numbers. ALS also allowed clients to purchase the bracelet separately.
Original picture, that I have mocked up with colorful shapes, from Time Tapestry/Raphael Too
I know others have delved into the Datograph's dial before about the Lange geometric symmetry at work. I like to show it again. Alongside the movement, I think it is something that impresses me the most. You know there was deep thought put into designing this dial.
(1) The two triangles: (A) upward triangle between the big date window and the 2 registers; (B) downward triangle between the 3 Roman numeral hour markers
(2) The balanced squares of the minute markers at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock.
(3) The 3 font sizes on the outer scale spread almost evenly around the 3 zones
(4) The rectangular shape of the pushers and the crown.
If I have to nitpick about the 1st gen Datograph, it's the usual suspects:
(1) low power reserve
(2) lume on the primary hands but not on the hour/minutes markers. strange mix, do all of one.
(3) standard 30-minutes counter, so cannot time longer events
Okay, now we pivot to a different type of chronograph from the great Genevan manufacture. Released in 2017 and quickly ended from production run this year, the black dial 5960A. I've seen the two opaline white dial versions (the standard one and the cool LCFC one, thanks Keks!) but I have not seen the black dial in the metal. I like the black dial, it's a general preference thing.
There may be a few who say that Patek is a stuffy old company that makes boring watches. I beg to differ with this 5960A. Automatic movement, flyback chronograph with Annual calendar function. Size is slightly bigger at 40.5mm x 13.5mm. But a great feat of engineering nonetheless to keep those proportions in relative harmony for what should be considered a grand complication. The best part is that it is in the perfect everyday metal: stainless steel. How many manufacturers can produce a watch like this?
Now the dial of the 5960A doesn't work in geometrical harmony like the Lange Datograph. The design is very pleasing though because you get a high-end sporty chic look.
(1) the red chronograph hands give it a great splash of color contrast besides being practical
(2) the big mono-counter instrument that can time events up to 12 hours via 3 zones and 2 hands
(3) the square lume markers on the outer minute track
(4) the shape of the main hour & minute hands that complement the shape of the hour markers
If I have to nitpick, it would be:
(1) I do not see the practicality of the day/night indicator hole; I think it messes up the mono-counter(2) I would prefer the annual calendar windows to be wider instead of the white sloping frame
(3) the power reserve indicator is not very elegant. I know there was really nowhere else to squeeze it in.
Pic from Watch Collecting Lifestyle
So here is the question to you all. Which one to get if you could only get one? Ignore the fundamental differences between prices and metals Pt vs. SS and manual vs. automatic and whether you like vs. dislike wearing bracelets. The top two pictures. The all platinum Datograph. Or the all steel 5960A.
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I'm working up a lather analyzing the Datograph and 5960A Black
So my slutty wandering eyes have been oogling the ALS Datograph and the PP 5960A black dial for the past weeks/days. I've not been able to control myself. HELP ME!!! Pic from Sotheby's, all heavy Platinum goodness Pic from Watch Collecting Lifestyle The D...
The all steel 5960A
I like it a lot and I keep seeing it everywhere on this site. Mike
Two very different beasts. One is a champion in the fine chrono category, the other is a king of cool. I would say both.
But if only one, then the Datograph, which is one of the kings of fine chronographs.
Haha, typical from our precious friend Nico. He is right in his description of the two of course
But I will make my case for the 5960a because you will wear it a lot more, since it is more practical and more comfortable on the wrist. It’s a paradox that we put most money in to thefinest pieces of our collection and they tend to be more delicate and f...
You are a BAD BAD man, Nico! 😁🤣😈
Well, I will get both when you do too. That could be our gentleman’s agreement?
Obvious answer for the ones who know me... 5960A
Reasons : top cool (I don't say that the Dato isn't but 5960 cooler I would say ), 5960 much lighter and comfortable on the wrist at least for me, and... 5960 automatic movement which is a strong + for the sad reasons you know... My 2 cents... Mike
For me.....
.....easy...Datograph. Its in a different league. But I am not a fan of the 5960......
Unfair? Also.....
......the sampling bias is a big positive for the 5960. There are many buyers who (for a number of reasons) cannot go beyond what is currently for sale in the manufacturers' lists. So, comparing a vintage Dayto with a new Patek will bias those who only bu...
Dato fans are not watching the Champions League today???
Datograph - 9 5960A - 6 Thanks!
Vote for 5960
Despite all the praise, the Dato has never appealed to me, whereas I'm very fond of all of the 5960s and recently ordered this one. Park
The Datograph without any hesitation
I consider the finishes better and I even say that the two calibers don't play the same league on this field. When it comes to the technical features, the Patek is way ahead. It is first an automatic movement with a higher frequency. But there is soething...
Dato for me.... its half time between Barca and Chelsea now!
Plus, the important game is tomorrow!
An even better question is which team is the Datograph of the footballing world and which is the 5960A?
Ok, perhaps a dumb question. Datograph - 11 5960A - 7 Thanks!
Both are superb for different reasons...
If you make me a steel Dato 1st gen with bracelet looking like the one on your top picture I would try my best to acquire one. Unfortunately on a platinum bracelet it would not be worn much by me as it would be too heavy... no matter how cool it looks. It...
Dato
A yet unnamed reason here: It has the instantaneous jumping chrono minute. The 5960 has a sweeping minute.
Ah true. the technical comparison plays both ways. it is not altogether fair.
Datograph - 13 5960A - 7 Thanks!
Datograph, the smoothest pushers i've tried so far
I've never tried the 5960, i did with 5170. I hope Patek's watchmakers have improved it
I've owned the Lemania 1873/Omega variant, so anything is improvement from the harshest of those pushers
Datograph - 15 5960A - 7 Thanks!
+1 to datograph! 😄
But, I just know that the datograph is illuminati confirmed! 😱 Jk Best Jev
I am biased due to my recent purchase of a 5960A but.... I wouldn't get either of the two today. I vote for the 5960G. [Is that allowed?]
I really like my 5960A but would have greatly prefered the white gold version.
You're disqualified too, please go join Raymond in the cold! :p
Actually, I like the 5960G from 2017 too. I love the navy blue dial color and the more elaborate pushers and that beautiful tan calf strap. But I am not a fan of the softness of WG metal especially highly polished WG. It is the one thing I regret about my...
May I change my vote?
I suppose the Datograph is awesome but it is fundamentally just a super fancy 30 minute chronograph. I would never buy a chronograph that has such limited functionality. The first time I needed to time a meeting/event longer than 30 minutes I'd stop weari...
I also find the day/night indicator odd. Initially I thought it was AM/PM but no.
The indicator is not very helpful when trying to decide if I can safely change the calendar settings. It would have been great if they had 3 colors [day, night, and do not mess with the calendar.] The current arrangement does not solve any problem or real...
between 9 o'clock thru 3 o'clock avoid manually setting the time?
That is how the two perpetual calendars that I've owned has worked.
5960 is for me a more wearable daily watch all things considered (bracelet, metal etc).
And that black dial in the metal is very appealing. BUT I own a Dato (Up/Down).....and so the Dato gets my vote.
Hands down the Dato...
the finish, the movement, the symmetrical dial in a 39mm case is just sublime. I am an enormous Patek fan, but nothing compares with the Dato at this price point.
I'm lucky to own both... my vote goes to dato because it revived the art of high-end manual chronograph.
Therefore I consider the 1st gen dato to be horologically more important. It also means more to Lange than 5960 to Patek. 5960 is one cool watch tho. Ken
Yes you are lucky! Nicolas must have poisoned you! 😅😂
Please post pics of your 2 beauties together. Datograph - 20 5960A - 8 Thanks!
Will gladly do so
Am on the road till Sunday. Will post some photos of those two together then. In a way, they compliment each other in my humble collection. Traditional vs new, manual vs automatic, Lange vs Patek. Am constantly thinking about how I can dress down the dato...
Ken, don’t know if you saw Padj wearing his Dato on an Everest strap made for the Daytona
Apparently it fits. The Everest learher racing strap in white would make the Dato very sporty chic.
Here are pictures of the 5960 and Dato as promised.
Glad you made me look up the archive. The everest strap choice is one cool surprise. ...
Awesome!
thanks! you should post a separate thread so everyone can see them. The 5960A definitely shines brighter with the red hands and the steel bracelet - great combination. The Dato is very sober and refined. -joe
Wide margin for sure with the PPro sampling!
thanks for voting! Datograph - 21 5960A - 8
Another vote for the Datograph.
It wins hands-down once you flip the watch over. What a movement! And I'm saying this despite being a 5960A (white dial) owner.
You are the 30th vote because Raymond got disqualified! 🤣 thanks for voting!
PPro Dato lovers are out in full force! Datograph - 22 5960A - 8
Datograph
For me it comes down to two significant aspects, the movement is just so gorgeous and Secondly it’s Platinum! A clear choice for me. Now if the PP was platinum, it’s still the Dato due to the Movt. Cheers!
thanks Tim!
Datograph - 23 5960A - 8 The 5960P with black dial is very dressy. I recall a couple of PPro members have posted pics of theirs.
It is clear The Church of PuristSPro has spoken and the Dato all the way!
Thanks for your vote Nino! Datograph - 24 5960A - 8
Great Post - 5960A then a ALS down road
I had same dilemma but was looking at 1815 chrono in white with pulsation scale. I ultimately decided the 5960A due to its limited availability. I expect the PP will go up in value and cost me more down road (I hope so now) and the ALS to stay more consta...
