Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
In fact, I think that it depends what is important to you in a watch
and in wearing a watch.
For me, the comfort (thus not too heavy) is very important. Then, I like when it is not too thick, except if the complication really needs a bigger case.
Hence, I started around 8 years ago with a Lange 1815 and thought a lot for several years about the Dato (12.8mm thick and around 150gr). At the beginning because everyone talked about it and afterwards because I recognized by myself all the qualities of this watch (finishing, technique, style).
The problems were, for me, the weight (Pt) and the caseback's shape that made to watch uncomfortable. I tried it several times but it never worked even though I wanted it.
If this is not a problem for you, the Dato offers a lot, especially when considering its price on the 2nd hand market.
Today, the 5170P would bring me much more pleasure from the one or two hours I spent trying it. But that's really just me as I've been very seduced by Patek's elegance and refinement and also the size, weight and comfort. The dial color and decoration are fantastic too (even if that remains a subjective field).
The 1815 chronograph might be a good choice but I would say only if the Dato's comfort is a problem to you too. Otherwise I would prefer the big date, the iconic model and the dial decoration that I prefer on the Dato (personal).
I imagine that you've already put aside the other versions of these models, so I won't talk about them.
Finally, I noted that you said that you prefered the 1815 while your wife prefers the Patek. We really like to stress the importance of our own wearing and owning pleasure. You're the one who is going to wear it, even if of course other people's view can ofen make us discover things we didn't realized at first.
Now you need a little time 
Excellent project Thomas.
Best, Mark
Clash of chrono giants. Which one would you choose??
I put together four of Forevista\'s images (I hope that\'s ok!) My wife says 5170P. Me, probably 1815 boutique. Thomas ...
5170P!!! no hesitation....
but if we are to get into numbers, could almost squeeze one 1815 chrono and one first generation Datograph for nearly the same money as one 5170P.... in which case it would be less simple to choose!
Is price to value an important factor?
If yes - 1815 chronograph is the one. Datograph is thicker and date complication is more or less useless. As for Patek... maybe(?) it represents a better investment which I doubt as I saw it go at 40% of the price in great condition on second hand market....
Interesting to see..
That for many of us, it's between boutique and 5170P. I think everybody agrees on the status of the Dato, but for whatever reason the boutique is strong too. I'm hesitant to the 5170 case, but the dial.... Wow.
5170p gets my vote
I just saw it at the Patek New York exhibition and it looks even better in person
The standard ALS Flyback Chrono
Normally I would probably have preferred a white dial. But in this case you can't ignore a perfect black dial. Those A Lange & Sohne's are just so perfect it's incredible. ALS is simply the best 'industrialized' watch manufacturer that is around. Period.
having seen both 5170P and 1815 Boutique,
without any hesitation : the incredible blue dial colorS and the clean printing made 5170P a Winner. Discover all in real and the decision is quite easy, if your Banker agrees ;-)) Best, Patrickh
Very interesting!
I haven't seen either in metal. I live very far from any "boutiques" and large ADs
Thomas, look at your PMs and
reply to mine dated July 27th. It should work. Cheers, Patrickh
Out of those four choices, I would choose the Datograph.
I don't like the diamond batons on the Patek. If you had asked about the Patek 5170R, that would be my first choice easily. So slim, so stealth, so clean. The Breguet numerals, the font of the subdials... It's a modern classic.
A close contest! :-)
For me it would be the 5170P v the new 1815 chronograph with the black dial. I would be swayed by the 5170P as it is lighter than the 1815 (even though it is a platinum piece!) and therefore more wearable. In addition, the dial is mesmerizing and changes ...
I just went through these exact deliberations!
Was able to find new old-stock Dato but ultimately didn't care for how it sat on the wrist and sold it off within 6 months. Tried on the black 1815 in Paris a few weeks ago but it seemed somewhat lifeless in the metal to my eyes. Also tried every variatio...
I'm also a former 1 gen owner!!
So i understand exactly how you feel. If Lange could swap the boutique hands to bleed steel... No brainer. It seems a lot of people have trouble getting the first gen Dato to sit well on the wrist. Second gen sits well with the clasp. But that 5170P....
Original Datograph......
.......i rule out the 5170 as it thas diamonds on the dial and that is too overt for my taste. Of the three ALS, I think the original Datograoph sings the loudest.
Interesting 4 corner fight..
The Dato is the icon but it's too thick for me The 1815 btq looks forced due to the blue print The 1815 black dial looks classy but I don't need the dial to tell me it's a chrono The 5170 looks classy but I don't like the diamonds Hmmmm.. I would go for t...
Ok I'll be the outlier. 1815 black dial with pulsometer
Why? You can buy this new if that matters to you, and offers an incredible value proposition for high end chronographs and is very easy to wear due to the relative slimness of the case. The movement is stunning. The boutique piece is very nice, but I pref...
In fact, I think that it depends what is important to you in a watch
and in wearing a watch. For me, the comfort (thus not too heavy) is very important. Then, I like when it is not too thick, except if the complication really needs a bigger case. Hence, I started around 8 years ago with a Lange 1815 and thought a lot for s...
Patek 1
I had the dato, found it too top heavy. and the short power reserve annoying. Patek is first choice with boutique blue 1815 second. Dato last, sorry to say. I would put the VC cornes de vache in that competition.
1815 boutique for me
To me, It almost combines the engineering of the dato with the thinness, elegance and harmony of the PP (mostly 5170). The pushers are just sweet to operate. Blue numerals, though not applied, on a silvery dial looks amazing. As I was looking to get my fi...
Superb!!
I think the boutique looks fantastic, and the pushers... Now I just need to see one in the flesh!! Thomas
Final count!!!
Final numerical count: Dato: 15 Patek: 13 1815: 9 (mostly boutique) I must say that I'm still not fully convinced by the Dato as a pure dress chronograph. I have a strong feeling that the future king of this category will be the 5170P. I have put my name ...
Your reflexion is moving forward
You'll see clearer as time goes by and weighing everything is a nice moment too Best, Mark
Its a late reponse, but let me share
Had the chance to see in flesh both Boutique edition and Black dial recently launched 1815 Chrono...Frankly speaking, the Boutique edition est magnifique. I just loved how Lange did to the numeral hour marker. For me, it looks like a natural lacquer. But ...
Dato
The Dato because better finished movement and more devotion to detail than the Patek (and that is saying a lot because Pateks are very nice) and the Dato is the cream of the crop compared to the other Langes.
I just bought my first Patek.
Compared to my Lange(s), the finishing of the movement is nothing short of a disappointment. But the rest of the watch, and the allure of the brand - no one can compete IMO Thomas