Which ~$20k watch between these two?

[Guppydriver]

I’m thinking about taking the plunge into PM and these are two pre owned models that have really caught my eye. The 1815 is about three grand more which is noticeable since this is about the top of my budget. These are pics of the actual watches, both from reputable trusted sellers.

I don’t really have anything like either.

Current collection-
BLNR GMTII
Explorer II Polar
IWC Mark XX
Tudor Pelagos LHD
Seamaster 300m
Various other sub 3k watches (Oris, Longines, Seiko)

1. Lange Grand 1815 (40mm not 38.5 like the current version)


I would not wear this really as a dress watch. I’m not saying I would wrench or do yard work, but I would wear it in many jeans and polos type situations.

Pros- Next tier horology.
Simple Time Only
Beautiful movement
Cons- 8 years older
More fragile?
More $ to buy and to service

2. Omega Speedmaster Moonshine Gold on Rubber

Definitely the more sporty and casual of the two. I would wear this in the same scenarios as the ALS.

Pros- Sportier
Much newer
Iconic history
Chronograph (not that I ever use one)
More robust (?) and cheaper to buy and service
Cons- Ubiquitous (SS version)
Entry to mid level luxury brand.

Yes. I know they are different types of watches. But I love them both. Yes, I know it’s ultimately what I like best.

Just wanted to get some thoughts on what you think would be the more satisfying purchase between these two similarly priced watches.



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[codecow]

Of those two, 1815 is a no brainer.

[Theothergreg]

1815 by far

[Chrasmus]

No question I would pick the Lange!

[scarlet knight]

Lange all day.

[Max7857]

For me it would be the Omega. Like the color of gold better, way more versatile, super comfortable,, and it’s iconic. Also as you mentioned will be easier and cheaper to service.

[nauti1us]

Another vote for the Lange….

[DoctorA]

Lange for me !

[subtona]

Als

[Dr.Stu]

Stretch the budget; get the Lange. It’s in a different league.

[gmtmister]

1815, no contest.

[ibr123]

Apples and oranges. Lange.


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[Dave O]

Both are nice, but Lange for the win. On the wrist, the Lange will feel so much more special.

[Cru Jones]

If you are ok with the 40 size for the 1815, then it’s a no-brainer, IMHO.

Good luck with your choice!

[helloworldies]

No question the Lange is the more refined and beautiful watch.

It's a dress watch though and that might lead to you rarely wearing it depending on your lifestyle?

I think we all great love movement finishing and high end watchmaking but it has to be something you will use.

The omega is much more practical and is great value preowned.

I've handled one briefly and it looks really impressive on the wrist.

[ts3]

For me neither.

I happen to think that the Lange 1815 does not dress down well with its baroque design features including the font used for the numerals. Also far too large for me personally as a simple dressy watch at 40mm. I'd prefer a 37mm Saxonia Thin but even that one wears like a dinner plate on my 6.6 inch wrist.

The gold speedmaster is less attractive than the basic steel variant in my eyes and spending a lot more for gold in this case feels like a waste.

[BraveBold]

Of those two, the ALS.

[1William]

I prefer the Omega. The looks and the metal make it a standout in the Speedmaster world. The ALS is nice but somewhat plain to me and the Omega looks like a fun watch and is proven to be quite robust.

[nicky77]

1815 without a doubt.

[S’portEye]

If forced to pick between those two, the Lange.

[ChetBaker]

Lange ftw

[DJH1977]

1815 and not close. It would be perfect for how you say you would wear it.

[AT1228]

As first PM in the collection, think you will appreciate the Lange more because of the overall finishing, elegance, likelihood that it'll necessitate that you treat it with respect given bit more fragile than the Omega, etc. My first PM was a 1815 in platinum (first gen) so I'm.biased. A very special piece to me.

Both great choices let us know what you decide!

[PhilLynott]

Personally I always get a little tired of a time only dress watch. Time only sports watch no problem I know that’s a little backwards. So I would personally go with the Omega. I really like precious metal on rubber I think it’s a great combo and that Omega does it very well.

I love Lange as well just picked up my second and you 100% can’t go wrong with any Lange. I know it’s already at top of budget but if you could wait awhile or part with an existing watch and bump yourself up to a Lange 1 I think that should be a consideration.

[vitalsigns]

Will you wear the Lange with much frequency?

You have an existing bevy of sports watches. If you'll actually use the Lange, then that would be the clear choice and really add diversity and interest to your collection.

[brandrea]

1815 reasons why the Lange is better

[metallic]

Between those two, Lange.

Speedmasters are great, but I could never justify the spend to get precious metal on a Speedmaster. PM and Speedmaster do not seem to go together in any sensible way.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

If you are ok with the 40 size for the 1815, then it’s a no-brainer, IMHO.

Good luck with your choice!

I’m glad you (and others) brought up the size. My thinking was that the larger size allows it to play outside the dress watch arena more. Almost like a PM version of the Mark XX (also 40 and Arabics). I don’t want an exclusive dress watch like a small PP, VC, ALS. Not that I don’t like them, I just would never wear them.

Some other considerations. I don’t dress up or wear a tie more than once every year or so (weddings and funerals?). I don’t even own a sport coat. Hell, I wear cowboy boats when I go out to the movies, hockey games, and dinners with my wife.

I want this purchase to wear naturally with how I dress 80% of the time. Lulu pants and a button down, Polos and nice shorts, Nice jeans and sweaters in the winter.

There is a ALS thread here with pics of an 1815 being worn very casually (off the alligator strap) and it really sung to me.

Now I wouldn’t think twice about the Speedy in any situation, but it is “just a Speedmaster”.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by PhilLynott

Personally I always get a little tired of a time only dress watch. Time only sports watch no problem I know that’s a little backwards. So I would personally go with the Omega. I really like precious metal on rubber I think it’s a great combo and that Omega does it very well.

I love Lange as well just picked up my second and you 100% can’t go wrong with any Lange. I know it’s already at top of budget but if you could wait awhile or part with an existing watch and bump yourself up to a Lange 1 I think that should be a consideration.

Fair take, but any Lange 1 worth considering from a reputable source is in the low $30’s (Thanh has a nice 2023 for $31.825).

That’s just too much. It would require me to part with one of my Rolexes to do, and I’m not willing to do that.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by metallic

Between those two, Lange.

Speedmasters are great, but I could never justify the spend to get precious metal on a Speedmaster. PM and Speedmaster do not seem to go together in any sensible way.

I (OP) understand Rick, good stuff and I value your opinion.

In this case though, I thought the premium for a full gold case was reasonable.
A white dial SS Speedy is about $9200 out the door for me after tax. So right around double for full gold (albeit on a rubber bracelet).

Heck, a SS Daytona (I know, I know, different watches) retails for 17.5K after tax and I could never get one for that. A PM Daytona on Oysterflex retails for over $40k after tax.

I guess it depends on perspective. I was thinking a mint, very new, gold Speedy out the door for around $18k offered great value.