Need advice - Lange 1815 Chrono 1st gen vs. 3rd gen

[chimp98]

Calling on Lange collectors for help.

I have an opportunity to acquire either a 1st gen 1815 Chrono WG (white dial) or the latest gen WG (black dial) with a difference of about $10K in pricing - with the black dial being the higher price. I've been reading up on the differences between the two watches and some of the reviews. These are the highlights:

* Latest gen has a much more robust movement (i.e. 60-hr vs 36-hr, less parts, etc.)
* Black dial is more attractive and modern vs. white dial being more on the vintage look
* Long-term collectability favors the 1st gen
* Pricing is higher on the latest gen

It's probably worthwhile to note that I have a Patek 5170 in my collection which IMHO is the more attractive black dial between the two brands. I was leaning toward the 1st gen white dial since I already have a black dial chrono in my collection.

Which one would you choose if you were in my position and why?

Thanks!

[btinl]

Have you considered a current gen boutique edition?

[chimp98]

Originally Posted by btinl

Have you considered a current gen boutique edition?

I have but I find the blue text a bit distracting. From a long-term collectability standpoint, I personally don't think the boutique version is very desirable within the Lange community.

[windingmybusiness]

I’m an owner of a Gen 3 , but of these options and factoring in your 5170, I’d go Gen 1.

[mbalmz]

100% gen 1 if you ask me.

[southnc]

I have the 1st Gen 1815 Chrono.

Pros:
-Very rare, due to being in the shadow of the Datograph, before people realized the more svelte size made the 1815 chrono a better choice if you owned other Lange watches.
-More wearable compared to Datograph
-Black dial with silver sub dials version is super cool
-Likely more collectable

Cons:
-No Free Sprung Balance - gen 2 & 3 have this
-Half power reserve of gen 2 and 3

[JR16]

I went with current gen because of the movement and I preferred the aesthetics. Which was/is more “collectible” did not toe into my decision.


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[chimp98]

Didn't mean to offend anyone with the "collectability" comment as I know it's mostly a subjective viewpoint.

I agree with the fact that the latest model is aesthetically more pleasing as mentioned in my comments. But any additional input are all welcome.

[Jmaster]

I’m sure you’ve read this article which compares the different generations of the watch.
https://langepedia.com/encyclopedia/1815-chronograph/

One thing that he pointed out is the poor legibility of the gen 3 black.

Another interesting part of this article is that it mentions pricing back in June 2021. At that time, the pricing of the white gold gen 1 was quoted at quite high at $65-$70K while a gen 3 white gold would be in the mid-$70Ks. Prices certainly have come down but the gap remains between these 2 versions.

Regardless, I like the look of the black dial white gold combo, as it looks more modern and it reminds me of the bigger brother, the Datograph.

EWC?

[vitalsigns]

You have the black dial PP 5170. For that reason alone, I'd pass on the current gen black dial 1815 chrono. The two watches are different, of course, but they are too similar dial-side.

I like the current gen dial aesthetics the best, but Lange is missing a good-legibility option. The hands of the black dial version seem to get lost and even the boutique version with its polished, not blued, hands is a visibility compromise. I consider these flaws, not merely design choices.

I guess my vote, all things considered, would be for the Gen 1 version, silver dial, blued hands.

[NYG1121]

I went through this relatively recently and chose gen 1. I find the contrasting subdials more interesting and absolutely love the look. You cant go wrong either way. Who knows about collectability long term so get what you like more and enjoy it!


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[windingmybusiness]

Originally Posted by vitalsigns

You have the black dial PP 5170. For that reason alone, I'd pass on the current gen black dial 1815 chrono. The two watches are different, of course, but they are too similar dial-side.

I like the current gen dial aesthetics the best, but Lange is missing a good-legibility option. The hands of the black dial version seem to get lost and even the boutique version with its polished, not blued, hands is a visibility compromise. I consider these flaws, not merely design choices.

I guess my vote, all things considered, would be for the Gen 1 version, silver dial, blued hands.

Rose gold model with blued hands is by far most legible of the current lineup.


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[mps354]

I’ve had both…I’d go gen 1

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by chimp98

I have but I find the blue text a bit distracting. From a long-term collectability standpoint, I personally don't think the boutique version is very desirable within the Lange community.

The blue text is actually weak looking to me.

[vitalsigns]

Originally Posted by windingmybusiness

Rose gold model with blued hands is by far most legible of the current lineup.


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Fully agree, but the OP was asking about WG models.

[chimp98]

Thanks everyone for all the input. Since I already have a black dial chrono, I went with the 1st gen silver dial reference.

The one thing I love so far about this reference is how light changes the surface and color of the dial and pictures can't capture that effect properly. I think it's a perfect blend of a vintage look but modern at the same time.PXL_20231201_170300434.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg

[windingmybusiness]

Excellent choice

[WatchTimes]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

I went through this relatively recently and chose gen 1. I find the contrasting subdials more interesting and absolutely love the look. You cant go wrong either way. Who knows about collectability long term so get what you like more and enjoy it!


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This is my favorite version!
I just wish it had a tachymeter bezel
How big is your wrist?

[NYG1121]

Originally Posted by chimp98

Thanks everyone for all the input. Since I already have a black dial chrono, I went with the 1st gen silver dial reference.

The one thing I love so far about this reference is how light changes the surface and color of the dial and pictures can't capture that effect properly. I think it's a perfect blend of a vintage look but modern at the same time.Attachment 1405718

Super choice and looks perfect on you. Enjoy it and dont forget to look at the other side once in a while!

[NYG1121]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

This is my favorite version!
I just wish it had a tachymeter bezel
How big is your wrist?

Thanks. Around 6.3-6.5 depending on the weather

[Cabaiguan]

Originally Posted by chimp98

Thanks everyone for all the input. Since I already have a black dial chrono, I went with the 1st gen silver dial reference.

The one thing I love so far about this reference is how light changes the surface and color of the dial and pictures can't capture that effect properly. I think it's a perfect blend of a vintage look but modern at the same time.Attachment 1405718

Gorgeous. You’ve chosen wisely.

[vitalsigns]

Originally Posted by chimp98

Thanks everyone for all the input. Since I already have a black dial chrono, I went with the 1st gen silver dial reference.

The one thing I love so far about this reference is how light changes the surface and color of the dial and pictures can't capture that effect properly. I think it's a perfect blend of a vintage look but modern at the same time.

Well done! It's a great piece. Nice legible dial-side and a gorgeous movement.

[chimp98]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

This is my favorite version!
I just wish it had a tachymeter bezel
How big is your wrist?

Completely agree with that being the best dial. I wish Lange releases that Dato style dial in WG though. My wrist is approximately 6.8' and I'm selective with my watches being 40mm or smaller.

[chimp98]

Originally Posted by Cabaiguan

Gorgeous. You’ve chosen wisely.

Thanks! I think I made the right decision after having the two watches next to each other. Just missing one more chrono (VC) to complete my 'Holy Chrono Trinity' collection PXL_20231202_220155112.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpgPXL_20231202_220124494.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg

[Justindo]

Originally Posted by chimp98

Thanks! I think I made the right decision after having the two watches next to each other. Just missing one more chrono (VC) to complete my 'Holy Chrono Trinity' collection Attachment 1405832Attachment 1405833

Congratulations! It seems you made the right choice for you. I quickly purchased the 2nd generation pink gold from my AD when the 3rd generation was released, which was the right choice for me, although I'm probably in the minority. I have your Patek in rose gold with the silver dial and a VC CDV. I see a CDV in your future!

[ChetBaker]

Get the CDV to complete the collection! A marvellous watch.