This (IWC) or that (Lange)?

[bmq]

Need some fellow enthusiast's opinions: I am in the market for a RG dressier watch. The IWC Portuguese 40 looks good, but from what I can tell, they do not hold their value very well. This particular one retails at USD $16,900. I am able to acquire one from an AD for around $15,000. I am assuming that as soon as I wear it, its value will fall to around $10,000 or less.

I was also looking at used Lange 1815s. And there are some that can be had for around that same $15K mark, but they are 10+ years old (I do trust Lange quality, but still 10+years is making me think).

So now I am confused...get a brand new IWC from an AD, with the whole new watch buying experience? or get a much older watch with the high horology pedigree?

https://www.iwc.com/us/en/watch-coll...omatic-40.html

https://www.alange-soehne.com/en/tim...5032-pink-gold

[WatchEater666]

I had a 10+ year old used Lange 1 with 0 issues. Just buy something that's been serviced by Lange semi-recently (in the last 5 years?) and you should be fine.

[trippinjimmy]

I love IWC, but in this instance, I much prefer the lange.

[Dancing Fire]

Not even in the same class. I'll take the Lange!

[vitalsigns]

Lange in a heartbeat, even with the cost of a service.

[JR16]

For the Lange 1815s that are 10 years old, i would check to see what size they are - I believe there is a noticeable difference between current 1815 and those from many years ago


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[Jay (Eire)]

The watch buying “experience” is worth nothing for certain watches, including this IWC.

Buy the Lange, and then buy yourself a bottle of champagne. It’ll cost less than the walk out the door depreciation on the IWC.

[CFR]

The 1815 is a really classic watch, and Langes are built like tanks, to last. You have nothing to worry about with a Lange of any age. Lange will make it good as new when you send it in. Overhauling an 1815 movement costs about $1K, and add another $600 if you want the case refurbished. Just never let anyone other than Lange service it. Note that very old 1815s might not have AR-coated crystals, so if you have a strong preference for AR-coated crystals (like I do), you may want to get the front and/or back crystals replaced when you get it serviced. As others have mentioned, there have been several sizes and iterations of the 1815 since 1995. See the "Historic Data" tab and "Annual Prices" tab on this spreadsheet for more info.

[jed11]

Price no object, Lange in a landslide. Different league. Now, I did recently try on the IWC and was honestly very impressed with it. While I think you can certainly wear either as they are both very versatile, the larger IWC has a more sporty feel/vibe.

[yessir69]

Tried on that exact IWC today. It really surprised me. It's awesome.

[Jster]

ALS certainly has the better pedigree, but of those two, I choose the IWC. I just like the look better. The bezel on the ALS is disproportional to the lugs. It’s either way too big or the lugs are way too skinny. The IWC has great design proportions.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by Jster

ALS certainly has the better pedigree, but of those two, I choose the IWC. I just like the look better. The bezel on the ALS is disproportional to the lugs. It’s either way too big or the lugs are way too skinny. The IWC has great design proportions.

What bothers me about the IWC is how fat the lugs are compared to the narrow bezel. Even my Mark XV tool watch looks more balanced. The IWC is also crazy thick for a simple PM dress watch. I would pick the ALS.

[le_baron]

Originally Posted by JR16

For the Lange 1815s that are 10 years old, i would check to see what size they are - I believe there is a noticeable difference between current 1815 and those from many years ago

This. Also, I think the older models had smaller movements relative to the case size.

[jtli202]

is this a serious question unless you are getting 50% off the IWC? not even in the same league

[GreenLantern]

When the contest is IWC vs. Lange, there's never a time when IWC wins over Lange unless you're unfairly comparing pieces (price differentials, or something).

[Watchflair]

Lange - it’s just a different caliber watch.


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[Justindo]

Although these watches may appear somewhat similar, they're not really in the same class (think Audi A8 versus Bentley Mulsanne). I've tried on this IWC in steel and it's a nice watch but the Lange is something truly special. If the gold IWC was half its list price new, you could maybe make an argument for it here but even then I'd still go for the Lange. I also find a handwound movement to be immensely preferable for a dress watch.

I've had a Lange 1815 for 15 years and it runs perfectly so I'd have no worries but you may consider budgeting $1,000 for a service from Lange by Alkis in NY.

[asiparks]

If you're considering the Lange pre-owned, why not the IWC pre-owned if the insta-depreciation is a consideration ?

Usually I'd go Lange, but I like the look of the IWC more in this instance.

[JakeK]

Lange by a country mile.

[polaris72]

Lange looks nice, just hate the second hand.