Patek vs Lange

[Token74]

I know that many members are fans of both, and indeed have both in their collection, so I’m keen to understand how the experts on this forum think the two compare from a quality perspective?

Obviously, quality can mean different things to different people (I.e. build quality is different from design quality, and Finishing quality is different again).

All views welcome, I’ve only just started looking at A.Lange & Sohne so I’m effectively a newbie, but I do have experience of Patek and have read a lot over the years.


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[Vipes]

There is a certain feel to Lange watches that is hard to describe. I had the Datograph and Lange 1 moonphase in the past. There is a very satisfying tactile feel when you wind it and actuate the chrono pushers. I much prefer this feel over the feel of playing with the PP 5170. Like others have mentioned, the quality is at least on par with Patek.

I think Lange’s German design does not appeal to everyone. Their case design is nice and highly finished but monotonous since it's the same case design for all of their watches.

Langes are great value especially on the pre-owned market. You can’t beat a 39mm platinum Dato for 40K or a platinum Lange 1 for mid to upper 20s.

[Josh1000]

If you do a search this has been debated ad nauseam on TRF. The consensus is face up...Patek all the way....flip it over and ALS is a clear winner. Personally I think the PP is a bit more sophisticated as tbey are generally slimmer and more refined. The ALS is a bit like taking a hockey puck and strapping it on your wrist

[locutus49]

I do not like the Lange design language. None of their watches appeal to me. So it is the Patek that is aesthetically more appealing to me. As far as finishing, I don't know and don't care.

[yoast]

I'm also not a fan of the design language. I find the dials bland and the bridge decorations on some models a bit tacky looking.
Tried the dato first gen and was left cold. Also the thickness and the way the case back is constructed did not feel so good on the wrist. - Hockeypuck-y as others have mentioned.
The only model that I like is the 1815 chrono, but the dial has cut numerals which i'm also not a fan of.

[enjoythemusic]

Various independents, and of course F.P. Journe, are higher quality than modern Pateks imho. So if you want the best from a 'mainstream' manufacturer, then F.P. Journe followed by perhaps ALS and then Patek / others. Seems quite a few people here are more concerned about resale value than procuring the very best quality timepiece. JMHO

PS: You may also want to investigate how long it takes to service / repair a timepiece if you're like me and wear them often / as daily timepieces.

[Russell996]

Complication for complication Patek certainly wears slimmer.

The Patek case designs are also far more varied and nuanced. Lange has a basic design language for all it's cases.

Patek dials are stunners and offer something for everyone. Lange certainly has a house style for dials and a commonality of layout which they have even carried over into the Odysseus.

The movements in Lange's are stunners and being constructed from german silver and with blued screws they have a lovely hue which does change with time. Patek are also very well finished but for sure the level of Patek finishing does change with the model. Lange has the same finishing on all it's pieces with them all being double assembled whereas this double assembly only applies to the high grand complications with Patek.

The model range with Patek is vastly more varied and covers all possible occasions.

At the end of the day, they are both amazing pieces and I would urge you to try both if there are models from each manufacturer that tickle your fancy.

[GB-man]

Finishing is better but at the expense of case design, size and overall aesthetic depending on your taste.

[dbfagan]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Various independents, and of course F.P. Journe, are higher quality than modern Pateks imho. So if you want the best from a 'mainstream' manufacturer, then F.P. Journe followed by perhaps ALS and then Patek / others. Seems quite a few people here are more concerned about resale value than procuring the very best quality timepiece. JMHO

PS: You may also want to investigate how long it takes to service / repair a timepiece if you're like me and wear them often / as daily timepieces.

I agree that Patek has been bumped off their perch. Their vintage stuff is as good as it gets but they have lost their way in the last few years in the quality department IMHO. Do you really believe FPJ is better than ALS?

[benlee]

Originally Posted by Russell996

Complication for complication Patek certainly wears slimmer.

The Patek case designs are also far more varied and nuanced. Lange has a basic design language for all it's cases.

Patek dials are stunners and offer something for everyone. Lange certainly has a house style for dials and a commonality of layout which they have even carried over into the Odysseus.

The movements in Lange's are stunners and being constructed from german silver and with blued screws they have a lovely hue which does change with time. Patek are also very well finished but for sure the level of Patek finishing does change with the model. Lange has the same finishing on all it's pieces with them all being double assembled whereas this double assembly only applies to the high grand complications with Patek.

The model range with Patek is vastly more varied and covers all possible occasions.

At the end of the day, they are both amazing pieces and I would urge you to try both if there are models from each manufacturer that tickle your fancy.

Very well said.

For some of the reasons mentioned above, I always admire Lange but have yet to get one for myself until now, one way or another.

[locutus49]

I agree that when you buy a high horology piece and intend to wear it regularly, you should factor in the distribution chain and servicing ability. This is one reason I bought Patek and not one of the other good brands. I want a solid and reliable servicing structure.

Yes, I know Patek servicing takes a while, but I imagine the independents take as long if not longer. And I have an AD within walking distance.

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Various independents, and of course F.P. Journe, are higher quality than modern Pateks imho. So if you want the best from a 'mainstream' manufacturer, then F.P. Journe followed by perhaps ALS and then Patek / others. Seems quite a few people here are more concerned about resale value than procuring the very best quality timepiece. JMHO

PS: You may also want to investigate how long it takes to service / repair a timepiece if you're like me and wear them often / as daily timepieces.

[GoingPlaces]

To my understanding, the simple movements don't have as long of a lead time for service. It's the complicated movements that sent back to Geneva for service.

[Vipes]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

To my understanding, the simple movements don't have as long of a lead time for service. It's the complicated movements that sent back to Geneva for service.

Patek is still lagging behind other brands when it comes to servicing. My 5711 was sent for servicing and estimate is 18-20 weeks. Yes, 18-20 weeks for a simple 324 movement.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

To my understanding, the simple movements don't have as long of a lead time for service. It's the complicated movements that sent back to Geneva for service.

Patek will service Perpetual chronographs (5270) and below outside the factory depending on the particular facilities of the region (UK + US certainly).

[liu_watch]

Patek will service any watch ever produced (at a cost!); Lange does not, if that matters.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

Patek will service any watch ever produced (at a cost!); Lange does not, if that matters.

I believe Lange services any watch made since it’s rebirth in 1994 - or are you saying that is incorrect?

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Vipes

Patek is still lagging behind other brands when it comes to servicing. My 5711 was sent for servicing and estimate is 18-20 weeks. Yes, 18-20 weeks for a simple 324 movement.

Ya. Rolex got my smurf back in 3 weeks and it takes 3-4 months to get anything back from Patek. However I guess when it does come back sealed and like new...absence does make the heart grow fonder...

[JorgeCCW]

The problem is that is hard to compare these watches because when you buy at this price range is not only about the intrinsic value of the watch , you are also buying the brand.


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[liu_watch]

Originally Posted by Russell996

I believe Lange services any watch made since it’s rebirth in 1994 - or are you saying that is incorrect?

I was more referring to Langes before 1994. There was a story that a watch manufactured by Walter Lange, with Lange name on dial, was denied service because it has nothing to do with Lange the new company. Seriously?! After all the special editions tribute to Walter Lange?

It probably doesn’t matter to OP since not many people buy historic Langes. However, to some, this may say something about the current philosophy of the conglomerate. Who knows, one day they may state they will not service watches after X number of years (e.g. Rolex).

I doubt Patek will lead the auction house results if they only service watches after the Stern family acquisition.

[Bearxj86]

Personally I would go for Journe before Lange. I like the more classic and discrete styles.
No one can doubt the architecture and beauty of the movements and the finishing, however the case and hands are a bit too "meh" for me.

[Vipes]

Originally Posted by JorgeCCW

The problem is that is hard to compare these watches because when you buy at this price range is not only about the intrinsic value of the watch , you are also buying the brand.


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Quite true. The name plays a big role at these prices. One advice for OP, if you are buying a Lange, make sure you buy right cause they are very hard to sell.

[dbfagan]

Originally Posted by Vipes

Quite true. The name plays a big role at these prices. One advice for OP, if you are buying a Lange, make sure you buy right cause they are very hard to sell.

Definitely buy pre-owned, let someone else take the depreciation hit.

[Token74]

Thanks all, this is all really interesting. I’m in the early stages of research. Not going to be a rush job this one!

I’m first and foremost drawn to Patek more than ALS and already having a 5990 means it’s a known quantity for me.

But... based on grey dealer prices, the ALS Datograph and the ALS Chrono are very attractive propositions.

It’s also nice to have variety in a collection.

Much more research and then trying on required!


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[Jace]

Quality is a very difficult thing to define. Lange definitely puts a lot of effort into their movements. They are absolute works of art in terms of finishing. Apart from aesthetically, does this really matter? Rolex builds to the highest tolerances and nobody would argue that their movements are as close to indestructible as you can get but they are not… Attractive.

Patek is really the gold standard of multi generational extremely high-quality watch houses. Their reputation is well-deserved and their catalog is quite varied. They have made some spectacular blunders over the years (anyone remember the Neptune?) but they always come back strong. Their finishing is beautiful, but different.

Lange is a very small house producing between five and 6000 watches per year and with the exception of the new sports release they are only dress watches in precious metal. They are less robust than many Patek. They are also owned by a conglomerate, Richmont. This fact can destroy other watches reputations as sellouts but for some reason for this brand, nobody cares. By the way, I count myself among those people who don’t care either.

All of the holy Trinity have a much longer provenance, selection, and diversity than Lange, which has been around since the early 1990s. This is in comparison to VC, for instance, which is been around since long before the 1790s. If I remember correctly, PP has over 150 different models of watches in their current catalog.

Many people nowadays on this forum talk about resale value and investment value. I am one of the old-school people who believes that watches are not an investment and you should not be making your decisions based off of resale. You buy the watch is that you like. That being said, Patek is generally a good investment and Lange is not.

I have owned a Lange One and it just didn’t move me. The Teutonic nature of them is not my aesthetic. They do not fit my lifestyle, as I live in the south and I don’t wear suits all day long. There are many other brands that I feel the same and it has nothing to do with their intrinsic value. I have owned multiple Patek but I do not currently have one in my collection.

Buy what moves you. Enjoy the ride.


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[Russell996]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

I was more referring to Langes before 1994. There was a story that a watch manufactured by Walter Lange, with Lange name on dial, was denied service because it has nothing to do with Lange the new company. Seriously?! After all the special editions tribute to Walter Lange?

You are confusing GO with the new Lange company. GO was formed from a conglomerate which included the original company and they can can trace their unbroken history back to the 1845 Lange company. I’m not sure what their policy is on repairing old pieces.

[liu_watch]

Originally Posted by Russell996

You are confusing GO with new Lange company. GO was formed from the original company and can trace their unbroken history back to the original 1845 Lange company. I’m not sure what their policy is on repairing old pieces.

Not exactly. It was a watch made by Walter Lange. You can Google: “Poor experience with service of vintage Lange”, a post in 2017 on Watchprosite.

[AK797]

I like Patek sports and the Perpetual Calendar Chronos, but outside of those I find the ACs and Calatravas etc a bit bland and uninspiring, I prefer Lange for chronos, movements are extraordinary, and the Lange1 and Zeitwerk for their bold and unique styling; they are really quite similar to the Nautilus and RO but in the dress space, as unusual designs that have now become iconic and synonymous with the brand and with design genius.

[watchucallit]

I own two Langes and several Pateks and I am trying to decide between a Patek, Lange or independent for my next piece. I think the Langes are beautiful and the movements are spectacular. With a smaller wrist, the Langes are not as comfortable as most Pateks based on size and weight as pointed out. The Lange's I have balance well. Better than a larger GO I once owned. I like both brands and I think all the plus and minuses have been discussed so it comes down to personal preference

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by Russell996

Complication for complication Patek certainly wears slimmer.

The Patek case designs are also far more varied and nuanced. Lange has a basic design language for all it's cases.

Patek dials are stunners and offer something for everyone. Lange certainly has a house style for dials and a commonality of layout which they have even carried over into the Odysseus.

The movements in Lange's are stunners and being constructed from german silver and with blued screws they have a lovely hue which does change with time. Patek are also very well finished but for sure the level of Patek finishing does change with the model. Lange has the same finishing on all it's pieces with them all being double assembled whereas this double assembly only applies to the high grand complications with Patek.

The model range with Patek is vastly more varied and covers all possible occasions.

At the end of the day, they are both amazing pieces and I would urge you to try both if there are models from each manufacturer that tickle your fancy.

As a collector of both, I could not have said it better!

[Michael T]

Originally Posted by Vipes

Patek is still lagging behind other brands when it comes to servicing. My 5711 was sent for servicing and estimate is 18-20 weeks. Yes, 18-20 weeks for a simple 324 movement.

The service times are excessive. I sent in my 324 movement 5296r on July 12 and on July 30th, they quoted 14 weeks. Hopefully, I get it back next month, but four months is a long time.