SMS2
1011
New PanoGraph arrived as scheduled
As promised my new RG PanoGraph arrived Friday AM.
Before getting into detail my first reaction upon opening the box was...STUNNING!!!!!!
As I mentioned in my prvious post I had not had the pleasure of seeing one in the flesh prior to the arrival of mine. I can not express strongly enough how impressed I am with its beauty, design, fit and finish, not to mention its most impressive movement.
Sorry that I have no photos but will do my best to describe its beauty and funtion as well as a few comparisons to some of my other watches.
The case is a beautiful rose gold measuring 39.4 mm compared to my PG Lange 1 at 38.5 mm. However its thickness is 13.3 mm where the Lange 1 is 10 mm. This gives the Panograph a little more heft and perhaps allows it to be a little more casual than the Lange 1, while still remaining elegant for dress as well.
The Bezel's 2nd level and case back are high polished , while the bezel's top level and the case side is a brushed finished, the brushed finish on the case side is similiar to most of the Lange 1's except the PG whose case carries the high polish finish all around.
While I've heard from some that the case quality may sometimes have imperfections that a Lange or Patek would not have, this is certainly not the case with mine. With a 10x loop I can see no imperfections or blemishes with the case at all. In comparing it with my Patek 5055, Lange 1, and FP Journe Octa, and JLC Master Grande Memovox, all in the same RG I found that Lange 1 case is perhaps just a slight bit more refined in its fit and finish, but just barely if at all. And it certainly is equal to the Patek, JLC, and FP Journe, which is quite a compliment.
The silver/champagne dial is most stunning. The off set dial with RG applied polished hour markers is wonderful. The double GG on the end of the chrono second hand is certainly a nice touch. The Large date is identical to that of the FP Journe rather the Lange 1.
The most unusal feature of the flyback chronograph is the 30 minute chron register which is unlike any other chrono I have seen.
It is a half moon register with three hands of different lengths that relate to the three different rows of minute tracks. As the longer hand which notes the 0-10 minutes disappears the middle length hand appears that relates to the middle row of minutes measuring the 10-20 minute track. The same applies to the third hand for the 20-30 minute track. Only one hand is visable at any one time with the others patiently awaiting their turn behind the dial.
This coupled with the movement is why I chose the PanpGraph over the Panoreserve.
The chrono pushers are as smooth as any chrongraph that I own or have had the pleasure to handle. The pressure required to opperate them is nominal, what a pleasure.
Now the real beauty of the watch, the GO Caliber 61 movement. This is perhaps the most remarkable and stunning part of the watch. One that is a real pleasure when one comments on the watch. To be able to say "you aint seen nothing yet", only to take the watch off and reveal the real magic that lies beneath.
Every bit as beautiful as the Lange 1, but without the 3/4 bridge you are able to enjoy a full view of the multi layered movement. The elegant Glashutte polished and angled bridges and engraved Swan-neck regulator to the blued screws and gold chatons. The open column wheel is truly a wonder and a treat to see it engage and disengage the chrono with each gentle touch of the pushers. The hallmarks on the case back bezel are beautiful, crisp and clear, coupled with the mirrored polished finish adds a wonderful dimension to the case back.
The case being slightly larger then the Lange 1, coupled with a slightly thinner case back bezel , the exhibition back is slightly larger allowing a more generous field of view.
All things considered I can not say enough about the watch. The design, quality, movement, fit and finish, make it a true equal of the Langes and other watches with more historical presence.
In my opinion this is a lot of watch for twice the price. Considering its present MSRP it is a true bargin that I would not hesitate to recommend.
Hope that I have not bored anyone with my novel.
Regards,
SMS