Please Help Me Choose (A. Lange vs. Rolex)

[WhatTheDeuce]

I'd go Lange. That would match daily suit wear. After you win your first case, then get a GMT to celebrate that.

[Hollister]

Of the OP's choices, I'd choose the Lange.

But what I would actually get is the Journe Chronometre Bleu or Chronometre Souverain. More exclusive than Lange, with an output annually of <1000 watches, also a nicer design, IMO. Another one to look at might be the VC Patrimony.

[porschedude]

I would go for the sub or blnr, the lange is awesome but not for an only watch in my opinion

[Jfullm42]

I'd find a Lange 1815 if you can stretch it, or if you don't mind pre owned. Congrats on passing the Bar!

[MrTourbillon]

Originally Posted by Hollister

Of the OP's choices, I'd choose the Lange.

But what I would actually get is the Journe Chronometre Bleu or Chronometre Souverain. More exclusive than Lange, with an output annually of <1000 watches, also a nicer design, IMO. Another one to look at might be the VC Patrimony.

I would've loved a Chrono Blue, but unfortunately that's beyond my budget. I tried on a VC Patrimony that the AD was willing to negotiate on, and it did not look good on my wrists.

Thanks for the advice everyone so far -- currently leaning towards the BLNR or the Sub based on what's been said.

[Max72]

Gmt

[Vipes]

BLNR is a great and versatile watch. I love mine. Get a Lange as your second watch but I would get a Lange 1.

[AboutTime]

I would suggest you pick the Rolex GMT as a first fine watch, especially if you expect to travel frequently. As others have said, the GMT is quite versatile and can be worn in almost any setting. The GMT is a more robust choice for an every-day watch than the ALS. I don't know about you but I like having a date display on my every-day watch. I would be inclined to choose the GMT 116710 LN rather than the BLNR because the all black bezel is a bit more subtle.

[wisguy]

I own the ALS and have owned the other two in the past.

As a memento of your accomplishment the ALS is in my mind the best option, it's a watch to keep forever, plus you won't see on everybody's wrist all the time.

The others you can get down the line for a lot less money, there's plenty of them around and you can buy preowned any day.

Lange!

[KBM]

Sub as an only watch, imo.

[tommy91]

Sub

[Chiboy]

IMO, that's a very boring ALS. I'd wait and get one that's more interesting.

I wore a DJ TT for 15 years in Corporate America and it was always appropriate. Great with suits, great with casual Fridays, etc. Rolexes are, again IMO, very versatile. Other than maybe some green dials and bright blue dials, and a few others.

I agree with those who say if you are only going to have one watch (like me, BTW), get the Rolex (whichever one you like more).

[KrismanX]

Originally Posted by MrTourbillon

I don't have a sports watch yet, this would be the first watch of my collection. I'm trying to figure out which watch would be best for most situations.

Thanks everyone for the replies so far.

OoOO, first watch hunt!

This is the fun part, my friend. From the wide spectrum you laid out, I assume you are open to suggestion and advice. My best advice is TAKE YOUR TIME. This is a momentous occassion! Take the time to hit a few different AD's and try on all of the quintessential models and makes.

You've got a wide mix of potential choices, so think about what features will be most useful/enjoyable to you during the course of your workdays, weekends, vacations and go from there. You will be surprised at what you find. I didn't do enough research on my first purchase, so I need to buy a second lol... But hey, maybe a little self-enabling is allowed on this forum.

Have fun, enjoy yourself, and POST PICTURES.

[SCsailor]

Are you panning to be a one watch guy? That would definitely affect my selection. The ALS is very nice, and very dressy. I wouldn't wear it to the pool, beach, etc. whereas a Rolex would be right a home in those environments and most dress up nicely with a suit.


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[MrTourbillon]

Originally Posted by SCsailor

Are you panning to be a one watch guy? That would definitely affect my selection. The ALS is very nice, and very dressy. I wouldn't wear it to the pool, beach, etc. whereas a Rolex would be right a home in those environments and most dress up nicely with a suit.


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At the moment, yes. There are dreams of future watches (FPJ Chrono Blue, FPJ Quantieme Perpetual, PP 3940, Saxonia Annual Calendar), but for now I'm planning on growing the collection very slowly.

[wisguy]

Originally Posted by MrTourbillon

At the moment, yes. There are dreams of future watches (FPJ Chrono Blue, FPJ Quantieme Perpetual, PP 3940, Saxonia Annual Calendar), but for now I'm planning on growing the collection very slowly.

I voted Lange before, but if it's your only then get a SS watch on bracelet.

If you plan to swim with it maybe a Rolex, again too common in my mind, but perhaps a GMT.

If you don't plan to swim with it maybe an AP 15400.

[GradyPhilpott]

Many years ago I worked security in a building that housed probably 200 lawyers, at least half of which worked for a single firm.

The year that I was there I saw more Submariners than I ever cared to see prior to that time.

Every new lawyer who was hired bought two things right out of the gate: A BMW and a Sub.

Personally, I think that a dress watch would be a nice change of pace, if that trend still exists among young lawyers.

That particular Lange, though, looks a little too big for my taste.

I'd go for something a bit smaller if it was available.

[dbluevette]

Als

[psholtz]

If I was getting a Lange I'd get an 1815.. or if I had more money, a Lange 1.

These "simple" 2-hand pieces are done better by Vacheron, Cartier or even Patek (imho).

Although, that said, the Lange is still nice. Just not my preferred piece from that brand, or in that genre.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

...At some point you will likely travel for work and the GMT offers a useful function, unless you're inspecting deep sea rigs.

And so does an iPhone! (Other mobiles are also available, apparently)

AL&S produce pretty much double the figure you mentioned, and Rolex did indicate they produced 1M watches 3-4 years ago, iirc, but were cutting back – the last COSC data revealed circa 800K were tested by them.

[AF_Rob]

Congrats on your accomplishment!!! I'd go with the LN. It's versatile, sporty and can be worn all the time. Being your first nice watch, all the complications are useful. The Lange is nice, but delicate.

Though the ND Sub is awesome and was my first, I missed having a date.

[melrob1]

I'll give you some more to think about. I owned GMTc Balck and moved it for BLNR but eventually flipped it to get back to the black. Just more versatile for me. I'd think about saving the cash and going black. Have you considered buying the black gmtc and a second dressier watch lile a Panerai 512. You can get both black gmt and panerai 512 for the same as the Lange. The Pam model is a thin version. Just a thought.

[Le Chef]

Originally Posted by PJ S

And so does an iPhone! (Other mobiles are also available, apparently)

AL&S produce pretty much double the figure you mentioned, and Rolex did indicate they produced 1M watches 3-4 years ago, iirc, but were cutting back – the last COSC data revealed circa 800K were tested by them.

The number was mentioned at the factory, so will take their figures over any other estimates, thanks.

[Timesurfer]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I worked in a senior management position for many years and wore a Rolex DayDate and never felt it was out of place. I have a GMT and I think it would be perfectly suitable in a suit environment. The Lange seems to be a dressy only watch. The Rolex can go both ways. It's a very durable watch as well.

This...

I would do the SubC ND, its a classic that can be dressed up or down, build from there...

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by PJ S

...Rolex did indicate they produced 1M watches 3-4 years ago....

Do you have a citation for that?

[rolehex]

Blnr

[Frakis]

Blnr for me!

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by Amex4711

I prefer the GMT, Lange isn't my first choice because I don't like their style

Correct. Simply not exciting.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Do you have a citation for that?

Let me re-phrase…Rolex acknowledged that they produced too many in one particular year.
Still trying to find it, but something I recall seeing.

In the meantime...http://www.forbes.com/sites/jackfors...ognized-watch/

And COSC report for 2014, showing a reduction on the previous year’s numbers.

https://monochrome-watches.com/busin...ustry-in-2014/
http://www.europastar.com/news/10040...e-in-2011.html
http://www.watch-insider.com/news/sw...-cosc-players/

Some discrepancy about the magic 1M number, but I mentioned to the local AD the 800K, and he quickly replied with “And the rest.”, adding that estimates are that Rolex do produce 1M pieces – something still considered to be the case...http://www.0024watchworld.com/visiti...om-the-oyster/

Irrespective of exact number, the main point to take away from the remark is that one is mass produced (and then some), the other not even close.

[PJ S]

@ the OP

Before getting fixated on just two brands, don’t shy away from others that are very well made/finished, and just as suitable.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/alangesoe...-id4685811.htm
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/alangesoe...-id4523487.htm
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/alangesoe...-id3942973.htm
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/alangesoe...-id5060054.htm
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/alangesoe...-id4631134.htm
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/chopard/l...-id4497819.htm – no need to spend all your money
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/hmosercie...-id4769502.htm
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/hmosercie...-id4820631.htm
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/bovet/fle...-id4872153.htm