Comments:
Lange’s better product value versus Patek for example
Not always easy to pick this up in photos. The dial texture is an under appreciated aspect of this particular watch as the focus is always on the honey gold.
When one compares Lange and Patek in the sub $30/$40/50k price points I think there is enough supporting evidence that Lange is by and far the better product. It’s a biased opinion, but one I truly believe will be shared that those who can be objective about the topic.
Interested to hear others thoughts on this. And perhaps not just using Lange and Patek as the comparisons.
I’ve owned several watches from both brands
Including the original Datograph and the Patek 3970. There is little doubt in my mind that Lange makes the better product. We can quibble over aesthetics, historical significance, etc. But mechanically Lange is the very clear winner.
And you are talking the conversation, or comparison, outside of the price brackets I referenced.
In which case perhaps the offering is more comparable (I am not sure, I don't shop there ! LOL).
i think you have to move up a lot to make things comparable. 200K range.
the only issue that i have with lange is the case/lugs design, which is somewhat a menu with very little variation.
i made the point today to visit a PP boutique and right afterwards a lange boutique. was in hongkong, they are very close to each other.
and yes, lange came out as the winner for me.that is in terms of the overall quality feeling that you get when touching and handling the watches.
A good case can be made for better value at Lange than at Patek at perhaps most price points.
That said, since we buy watches, not a mere assembly of finely crafted components, I generally prefer Patek's overall package more than Lange's.
I typically prefer Swiss styling compared to German styling.
Lange's pieces are often considerably thicker than Patek's pieces.
We don't need to go into resale, but that could be a consideration for some.
And Lange's moves to cut off ADs and disregard many collectors who built the brand is a massive turnoff, as are stories of astronomical repair bills for a non Lange-serviced piece (anecdotes, but still could be relevant).
So I think you're thesis can be correct, but there's a whole lot more to it than just a straight up comparison of two pieces.
There's a negative list for Patek too, of course.
Cheers,
John
Yes John, agreed, there are a number of considerations I am not presenting in my broad statement.
And "value" for any collector will reflect personal preferences some of which you have correctly identified.
You can say the same about Patek arrogance... Patek, with some other brands, asks an appointment if you want to go to their Boutique. That's a big turn off for me. And lists, tricky games if you want to buy a watch...
Yes, indeed, I alluded to Patek's list of negatives in the last line of my note.
Both companies have these problems, for sure.
i heard stories about lange recently, which...
....are very much along the lines of PP, AP etc games. lange is freaking out when you mention the word 'odysseus'.
but ia have bought an odysseus WG today from a grey dealer, new, under list price, fully stickered.... i don't know what the fuss made by lange boutiques is all about.
btw, it is a really beautiful watch, much better live than on pics.
but ia have bought an odysseus WG today from a grey dealer, new, under list price, fully stickered.... i don't know what the fuss made by lange boutiques is all about.
btw, it is a really beautiful watch, much better live than on pics.
Those two I do have some experience with and indeed my position remains.
However, at least when the Data Up/Down was in production at the same time as the 5170 the retail price points were materially different right? Dato being considerably higher priced. So maybe not so fair. That said, I think you could probably substitute the 1815 Chrono for the Dato and therefore have a similarly priced watch to the 5170 and the argument for Lange still holds.
+1 to vitasigns above points...add them up as a package, maybe now Patek is slightly better than Lange...
I have been a support and fan for the latter...but their attitude and service costs left me really cold.
No more intentions to add any more Langes but maybe just trade or consolidate. I can use the empty slots for some more more Pateks.
Their price list is on their website.
My 5960 full serviced cost $1200.
Their Annual Calendar is Category 4 - 2200 euros.
Don’t even want to know Cat 6 ”On Request” but I heard a PLM Tourbillon can be $20k etc.
I will stop at ZW, which is Cat 5.
Their Annual Calendar is Category 4 - 2200 euros.
Don’t even want to know Cat 6 ”On Request” but I heard a PLM Tourbillon can be $20k etc.
I will stop at ZW, which is Cat 5.