Comments:
Getting a Lange 1 without papers...worth it?
Hi,
I may have the opportunity to get a pre-owned Lange 1, which unfortunately, does not come with box or papers. I trust the seller though.
My question is, is it worth owning one without the papers? I understand that I would have to send the watch to a service center to get a certificate of origin, and I’m not sure I’m willing to go that route.
Has anyone ever had the experience of having a Lange without papers, and how did this affect the quality of ownership?
Thanks
Clarence
I may have the opportunity to get a pre-owned Lange 1, which unfortunately, does not come with box or papers. I trust the seller though.
My question is, is it worth owning one without the papers? I understand that I would have to send the watch to a service center to get a certificate of origin, and I’m not sure I’m willing to go that route.
Has anyone ever had the experience of having a Lange without papers, and how did this affect the quality of ownership?
Thanks
Clarence
It's always a tradeoff...
First and foremost, before you buy it, contact Lange with the serial number to ensure it's not stolen. It doesn't matter if you trust the seller. It might be stolen without the seller's knowledge. That has happened before. Definitely check. [For example, Langes with caseback # 178783 and 117439 are Lange 1 variations that were stolen from me without boxes or papers and are still out there somewhere.]
I would give the same guidance to you even if the box were included, because Lange boxes can be purchased online (just like straps and buckles). If it lacks original papers, check first to see if it's stolen.
[An aside: For me, a Certificate of Origin from Lange adds no value when the Lange watch has a display back. The Certificate is not original to the watch, and it's obvious without any such certificate that the watch is a genuine Lange. Similarly, a post-purchase Lange "Watch History Book" that's not original to the watch also doesn't add much value. Lange would provide a "Watch History Book" to owners of older Langes -- Langes that pre-dated the existence of the "Watch History Book" concept -- upon request.]
Of course, price is the #1 consideration after you've verified that the watch isn't stolen. If the price is right -- decently discounted from the price of the same watch with B&P -- it can't hurt. It just may be more difficult to resell, if you ever want to resell it, because prospective buyers will be asking the same question you're asking right now ("Do I REALLY want a Lange without B&P?") -- and so you'd need to price it accordingly.
As far a "quality of ownership," you shouldn't get it if you think you'd constantly be wanting B&P and feeling that your purchase just wasn't "complete." Hopefully that won't be the case, of course, but only you can answer that question for yourself. For me, that question is inextricably intertwined with price: I'd be fine with no B&P as long as I knew I got an unbeatable deal.
I totally agree with CR s answer to your question .
Had that same problem before in the past , its a bit harder to resell later imo . But if the price is decent and you want to wear it a lot i dont see a problem . But check everything before you buy .
I really appreciate your thoughts.
They are most helpful. I get the feeling that it would start to bug me once the “honeymoon “ with the watch is over. That said, if I do get a good deal on it, then perhaps I would reconsider.
You do not wear the papers but the watch.
I would not personally buy anything which is not "complete". But it's just me.
Best, Kari
IMO, it all comes down to price and purpose
If the price is right and my intent is to wear often, I wouldn't hesitate.
If you buy pieces with the consideration of resale, again, it depends on the price.
I recently purchased a Monaco for my wife, an older model that she really wanted. The ones available with box and papers came with quite the premium. Since her watch is for regular wear, we weren't concerned with resale so it was a great catch at a great price. Normally I wouldn't by without box & papers, but in this case, it made sense.
Of course you're talking A. Lange & Söhne. I don't think there is such a thing as an ALS "beater" or "tool" watch, but I still revert back to the cost analysis.
Good luck with your decision! Let us know what you decide and why. It could be a good exercise for all of us!
CR told you everything which had been to be said. Check, then if no issues, it is a matter of price. [nt]
No message body
Everything has been said
First of all, check with Lange if the watch is not declared as stolen. Then, negotiate the price to take into account the lack of B&P and a potential resale (we never know as we used to say) at zero cost or almost for you.
If it’s a Lange you really want to keep, go for it.
Best wishes
Alkiro
If it’s a Lange you really want to keep, go for it.
Best wishes
Alkiro
I think it's okay
I would take a pre-owned watch for servicing by the manufacturer (Lange) anyway. So as long as Lange would take the watch in, or the vendor of the watch would refund you otherwise, I don't see the obvious benefits of box&paper.
Just my 2 cents,
Chk
Just my 2 cents,
Chk
Lange without box and papers
I was in this same exact situation when I was deciding on an 1815 sax-0-mat some time back. Pristine watch just no papers and box. I do agree that for peace of mind to check with Lange based on the serial number not so much on the authenticity as the caseback will be a dead give away if its fake, but more so for whether it has been reported as stolen.
In the end, I did go ahead and pull the trigger as the 1815 sax-0-mat is not a common Lange that comes up often and the price is really decent. I still send it in to Lange for a complete servicing as well as request a Certificate of Origin for a couple of reasons - first is to have a health check and adjustment to ensure that the watch is adjusted and secondly, that provides a record of the complete servicing of the watch done by Lange which if I ever choose to resell it later, I can address any buyer's concern firstly that the watch is not stolen and secondly it has a complete servicing record that is done by Lange for the buyer's peace of mind.
Like some on the forum have advised me before, sometimes when its a Lange you are not looking at box and papers but at the watch, for me all that was needed was turn the Lange to take a look at the sax-0-mat movement and let the heart make the decision. I know on hindsight now that if I have not pulled the trigger, I will be kicking myself everyday for letting an 1815 sax-0-mat slipped away.
As a general rule I’ll never buy a watch without B&P
Not for resale value as I rarely, if ever sell. But because I like to have documentation. But in all honesty this should be your sole decision- as long as you get confirmation form Lange that the piece is not stolen then go for it if it’s the piece you want.
You can never go wrong with a Lange- please let us know your decision and share pics!
You can never go wrong with a Lange- please let us know your decision and share pics!
I am floored
by all the helpful replies and inputs. I will duly take all your points into consideration. It’s a blue Lange 1 ref 101.027, which happens to be a reference I really like and seems to be difficult to find (??...please correct me if I am wrong). It seems mighty tempting but I am also apprehensive that I might regret getting one without papers.
It’s quite rare because discontinued since several years. You have the new blue dial one launched few months ago.
But you can’t go wrong with the former version believe me 😉
Best wishes
Alkiro
Best wishes
Alkiro
That’s just gorgeous, Alkiro. Do you find it can wear as a casual watch? [nt]
No message body
Yes absolutely! White gold and blue dial work very well with a blue jean and sneakers for instance. No worries about that. Formal or casual, this Lange 1 will do the job 😉
Best wishes
Alkiro
Alkiro
Formal or casual, your Lange is perfect in every situations my friend
Best wishes
Alkiro
Alkiro
I agree with the wise sages on this thread! First, check with Lange to make sure it isn’t stolen. Then, it becomes a matter of personal preference, price and rareness of the watch. Good luck! [nt]
No message body
I’m a bit new to Lange, how would I go about doing it?
Would a simple email do? What information would I have to provide? Would appreciate inputs.
email is fine
I was in a similar situation a few weeks ago. I just use the contact form (for service) on the Lange website. After less than a day, they contacted me via email asking for more details (including pictures) to further help me out. Really great service considering that i was not an owner yet. 
Wow
It sounds as if they really have great customer service. Have you been successful in your prospective purchase?
It is done
I have made the deal and should be receiving the watch sometime next week. Considering that the 101.027 isn’t something that common, I think I fared well in the deal. My seller was kind enough to include a Lange box (pictured below—-any information about it would be appreciated from the experts here) that is not original to the watch, but most certainly a welcome addition. The certificate will follow via mail after the process is completed.
Here is a photo of the watch
I’m quite excited. Thank you for all your helpful replies, it certainly helped me evaluate before making the leap.
Here is a photo of the watch
I’m quite excited. Thank you for all your helpful replies, it certainly helped me evaluate before making the leap.
Congrats! Please let us know after it arrives! Not much to say about the box....
It's not an early box -- it's a later version -- based upon the latch. I'd suggest removing the cream-colored cushion that holds the watch, or at least rotating the cushion sideways (when it's not being used to hold the watch. of course) so that its sides are not pressed tightly against the walls of the opening. Some of these cushions stick to the sides and disintegrate. It's ugly. [The older cushions didn't do this.]
Thank you
I’m quite excited for next week to come. Noted on the cushion...I appreciate all the help!
Very happy for you!
you have made an amazing decision! cant wait to hear your thoughts when its on your wrist!