Comments:
How would you rank them in terms of finishing?
How would you compare the finishing of AL&S, Lang & Heyne and Moritz Grossmann?
I assume these 3 brands are the best Germany has to offer.
I don’t have experience with other 2 brands but I’m happy with Lange…
Our friend mj23 will tell you Lang & Heyne is better than Lange as seen in his photos here in the forum.
Will chime in as an owner of MG...
In my opinion, the finishing of all three is great, and it probably shouldn't be the deciding factor in choosing between the brands. I think there's less of a gap between these three than there is between Patek/Laurent Ferrier/Voutilainen. Finishing can also vary a bit depending on the models for each brand as well. A few thoughts on each brand:
Most including myself would consider L&H the best finished of the three on average. The polishing of the teeth on the crown/ratchet wheel, the bevels on the gear spokes, etc. and the general finishings as a whole look a bit above what you would probably get on a comparable MG or Lange. The diamond end-stones on the balance wheels are also a really nice touch. The Georg is undoubtedly one of the best finished time-only watches you can get at any price level.
MG's finishing quality is very good as well. It's worth noting that they used to sell "pure" models with less finishing (I think they can still be ordered directly but I'm not 100% sure), so they can be said to have the lowest level of finishing of the three from that perspective. The main criticism of the finishing on MG's watches is that the anglage looks simpler than what you would get from both Lange or L&H. However, they are specifically known for having some of the best watch hands of any brand. Something I'll note that I think gets less attention than it should: MGs have a lot of engraving, which usually includes two fully engraved cocks, along with engraved text on the 3/4 quarter plate.
I think Lange could arguably be said to have better finishing than the other two at the high end like in their Handwerkskunst models, and they are definitely stronger in complications. The anglage is quite good, especially on watches like the Datograph where they use parts with odd shapes and interior angles. On the more entry-level pieces, my criticism would be that while the finishing quality is good, there's not a lot of it. For example, the balance cocks can be small with relatively little engraving, and the crown/ratchet wheels (when they are exposed) are not as elaborately finished as L&H's or MG's.
Will add some pictures of my MG for reference, would be cool to try to get some side-by-side shots of ALS, MG, and L&H one day
In this order:
3) A. Lange & Söhne
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2) Moritz Grossmann
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1) Lang & Heyne
I own a Lang & Heyne
I currently own a Friedrich III L&H and a Lange & sohne Zeitwerk. Ive owned other L&S watches previously as well. There is no doubt in my mind the hand finishing on the L&H is superior to L&S.
The only comparable watch to the L&H in terms of finishing that I’ve owned is Laurent Ferrier. All others, including Gronefeld, UJS, Patek, Vacheron,Breguet,Dubuis, etc. I’ve owned have been a level below L&H and Ferrier.
The only comparable watch to the L&H in terms of finishing that I’ve owned is Laurent Ferrier. All others, including Gronefeld, UJS, Patek, Vacheron,Breguet,Dubuis, etc. I’ve owned have been a level below L&H and Ferrier.
No!!!! Don’t say that about gronefeld 😭 😭!!
I’ve got an incoming principia, which is is supposed to satiate any/all thirst for impeccable hand-finishing.
Oh well.
Oh well.
Phew…thanks!
It’s a long and expensive wait for it to end in [relative] disappointment
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Lange and Sohne is definitely not as nice as Lang & Heyne based on pictures I've seen. Have owned two ALS (l1 & Zeitwerk) and they seem like a step down from what L&H offers. Not sure about Moritz.
I have owned all three!
Six A Lange & Sohne, one Lang & Heyne Friedrich lll and one Moritz Grossmann Atum 37. I do not have any of the A Lange & Sohne watches as they have all been disappointing although the movement finishing has not been the problem. The Lang & Heyne is one of the rare German watches not adopting a German three quarter or two thirds plate that make A Lange watches heavier than its rivals. The open worked finishing is one of the most attractive manual movements money can buy. I have since sold mine only because I want another Friedrich lii with customised Louis XV hands instead of the spade hands.
Moritz Grossmann, I would put on par with Lang & Heyne in terms of movement finishing and definitely ahead of A Lang & Sohne. More hand engraving to start with! Perhaps all the years Christine Hutter (CEO of Grossmann and ex Lange employee) had spent at A. Lange has helped her in further improving the watches. There was even news a few years ago that A. Lange would not select an AD who also sold MG watches due to the quality of its rival.
I have not seen a MG in metal so I can’t tell
L&H IMHO is one of the best and I'm sure it is better than ALS.
ALS by itself is on top of the brands from a 'group' - no doubt their finish is above the holy trinity.