Dato Up/Down or Gen1

[soonasu]

Hey all!

A few weeks ago, I asked for help deciding between a white and black 1815 chrono. Long story short, I went to the boutique, saw a dato and now am totally smitten.

However I cant decide between a Gen 1 and a Gen 2! I plan on wearing it as a daily or near daily.

Pros for a Gen1:

- Collectability: its the original, and early dials have a slight misprint

- Its slightly cheaper, ever so slightly and it comes with a deployant.

- 39 mm case is likely to stay more classic over the years. My wrist can luckily fit both the 39 and 41 though.

- Symmetry between the Roman Numerals

- Less likely to take a value hit, might even appreciate a little since the one I am eying is earlier and has a METER dial

Neutral for me:

- Roman numerals themselves. I know some people are charmed by it, but for a non-vintage inspired watch it feels a bit contrived to my eyes. I was extremely young when the Dato came out, so I didnt grow up with the image of the Dato having the roman numerals, whereas a lot of people here/on other sites seem to have a romanticism associated with the old roman numeral datos. Honestly if I wanted a roman numeral classic dato, Id opt for a VC Cornes de Vache.

Cons:

- The two I found at a decent price are likely made pre 2004, meaning they do not have the titanium springbar inserts present on more modern Lange's that prevent lug egress when using other spring bars. I am not the best with a springbar tool so ill probably scratch the crap out of the lugs.

- The aspect ratio is not as strong in my eyes, although if you calculate the aspect ratio they are pretty similar (although the U/D is less if you use lug to lug).

- I hear they are not the most comfortable to wear.

- Might need a service sometime soon

Pros for a Gen 2:

- I like the more minimalist dial. Seems more in line with the spirit of Lange and maybe even a bit more timeless, although I only became of age after the Richemont aquisition of Lange. I appreciate the empty space and baton markers letting you really focus on the triangle created by the date and chrono pushers.

- I like the little accent of color the Power Reserve adds to the dial.

- Has titanium spring bar inserts, so I can use quick change straps

- Likely does not need a service since it is newer

- I like the shorter lugs in side by side pics. Its probably imperceptible in real life unless you had them both side by side, but when flipping back and forth between pictures, its notable.

Neutrals:

- It is thicker. I dont wear suits often though so its probably fine.

Cons:

- The one I am eyeing comes with a regular tang, rather than a deployant. A lange deployant would cost me 5k on the after market, or almost 10k used after tax.

- The Gen2 is somehow slightly more expensive than a Gen1 w/ deployant (4k diff, maybe?)

- 41mm size might go out of style, although the black dial does make it feel a bit smaller than its rated size

Welcome any thoughts!

[Copasetic]

I prefer the Gen 2’s, but I’m not objective because 39mm watches are too small for me.

[HL65]

Original Dato much better looking to me in terms of dial. I owned one before and it was a great watch and do in fact miss it. Is it the most balanced and comfortable watch to wear? No. It is compact and thick but somehow it still wear ok. The current one wears a bit more balanced but I think it is a bit big. For me definitely early Meter dial OG plat!

[deuxani]

The Gen 1 is the one that made me fall in love with Lange, so that will always be on the top of my list. Next to the fact that I prefer the 39mm size and the slightly busier dial.

[1William]

I prefer the second generation for appearance and size. With older watches from expensive manufactures the service history is always a consideration as well as the possible need for a service right after purchase, adding to overall costs. Condition and seller are also important.

[GB-man]

Gen 2 for me. Love a PR on manual wind.

[SoylentGreenChi]

They are both great. Re: the tang vs deployant issue: I would prefer a tang on these because it makes admiring the movement more easy.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by SoylentGreenChi

They are both great. Re: the tang vs deployant issue: I would prefer a tang on these because it makes admiring the movement more easy.

Also I had deployant on my platinum double split and it didn’t help with comfort or wear at all. In fact I found the deployant more uncomfortable overall than tang.

[hgg43c]

The Gen 2 for me, having the PR on the manual wind is a plus and I prefer the more minimalist dial as well


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[vitalsigns]

Good arguments can be made for both. My preference would be the Gen I, the most balanced and classic of the two, and an important part of Lange's modern legacy.

I'd recommending checking service history closely. Lange has really upped its service costs for infrequently serviced pieces, and if another watchmaker other than Lange has touched the piece, the service costs could be downright punitive. Even without those factors in play, a full movement overhaul for a Dato is fairly expensive.

[WatchEater666]

Make sure you get one that is freshly serviced, Lange service costs are insane now...

[Gebbeth]

Gen II, but I like the pink gold version. The contrast between black dial, red accents, and gold case, is so nice.

[ts3]

Gen 1 for me.

The addition of the PR indicator didn't help the looks of the Dato. Also not into 40+mm strap watches, with 34mm-40mm my size range, and Gen 1 close enough to my 38mm sweet spot.

[pdnb]

An older photo; but not sure if you have to worry about the titanium inserts.

The aspect ratio is going to be better on the newer up down version; but wearing with a properly fit strap, the OG and most likely the newer version would fit find.

I also have a deployant clasp on my Langematik perpetual, but don’t ever see the need to put it on the Dato.


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[ChetBaker]

Originally Posted by pdnb

An older photo; but not sure if you have to worry about the titanium inserts.

The aspect ratio is going to be better on the newer up down version; but wearing with a properly fit strap, the OG and most likely the newer version would fit find.

I also have a deployant clasp on my Langematik perpetual, but don’t ever see the need to put it on the Dato.


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That looks mighty nice.

[1William]

Beautiful watch and the strap add to it.

[NYG1121]

Gen 1. Its a classic for a reason

[Calatrava r]

I like the gen 2 on you better. Seems to fit very well.