Trading a bunch of Rolex for a Lange Dato, crazy?

[rmlovett1]

If you’ll enjoy having the Lange on your wrist more than the rolex…yes

[benlee]

Originally Posted by cbalster

The Lange Datograph is a watch I will own at some point. Hard to move into this piece without losing some pieces. Funds are finite.

Without getting into the details of all the models I'd trade, would you consider trading several Rolexes and a Grand Seiko Snowflake for one Lange Datograph. Has anyone ever done something like this before and come to regret it, or done so and never looked back?

It's haute horology vs mass production watches. No contest. The Datograph is simply on another level. As for whether worth it, should you do it etc, really it's only a decision only you can make as nobody knows your own taste and needs better.

[rallyx]

In a heartbeat. The Datograph is a different league on its own.

[pdnb]

This thread needs more pictures…

I say “yes” to your question; for the watches you mentioned, but you definitely should keep some bracelet pieces. Luckily I acquired this before the “surge”, so while I didn’t need to consolidate my collection, I found myself consolidating anyway (went from 9 watches to about half).

You can see I have taken my Platinum Dato everywhere and I have worn it more “casually” then on dress wear. I don’t swim with it though.

I was used to wearing 42mm+ , this guy is a 39mm, but I love it. I don’t have issue with the weight or the thickness.

With regards to service, the Dato can be serviced in NY (so it doesn’t have to leave the US). Also, the Pt case can be laser welded, so you can get a watch that looks factory.









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[rolexjackson]

Buy what you like! If that’s what you want to do go for it, I’ve done it with no regrets


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[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by cbalster

I can't believe how much in value they've been pumped up this year and I wonder if the prices/demand are real. I keep seeing the same pieces showing up for sale on C24 with refreshed prices. For all the new ALS hype, it feels a bit different than Rolex, much more contrived.

You’re exactly correct. Yes, Langes are getting more attention and they’ve subscribed to the exclusivity game to some extent, but they are not moving fast at these new price levels. Things were so depressed over the past few years any movement seems big.

Look at any dealer and you’ll see most of them sitting. EWC regurgitates the Langes every few weeks to make them appear as new stock. Often times they are reposted at a lower price. Also, try selling a Lange and then you’ll see the reality.

My advice is be patient and drive for a good deal. Don’t let a dealer tell you how “hot” Lange’s are because they’re only hot on YouTube channels.

Now, all that said, I love Lange and I’m lucky enough to have a RG Dato. I absolutely cherish it. It’s a work of art and I choose only to wear it only on occasion. It just isn’t a watch I’d be comfortable wearing often.

I would do the trade you’re proposing as long as you have other daily wearers. I personally wouldn’t want my Dato in frequent rotation but that’s me.

[Posh Gentleman]

Originally Posted by pdnb

This thread needs more pictures…

I say “yes” to your question; for the watches you mentioned, but you definitely should keep some bracelet pieces. Luckily I acquired this before the “surge”, so while I didn’t need to consolidate my collection, I found myself consolidating anyway (went from 9 watches to about half).

You can see I have taken my Platinum Dato everywhere and I have worn it more “casually” then on dress wear. I don’t swim with it though.

I was used to wearing 42mm+ , this guy is a 39mm, but I love it. I don’t have issue with the weight or the thickness.

With regards to service, the Dato can be serviced in NY (so it doesn’t have to leave the US). Also, the Pt case can be laser welded, so you can get a watch that looks factory.









Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

oh man.. I am salivating looking at these pics.

Lange Dato is a glorious watch. esp. in PT

[Posh Gentleman]

my opinion - hell yes. do that trade.

Lange Dato imo is "the" Lange to get.

I would gladly clean up my watchbox with second tier rolex pieces that I am meh about, to get one special piece. which Dato clearly is for any serious watch enthusiast.

would I trade away a SS daytona + pepsi + SkyD + blnr to make it happen? no.

would I trade away a datejust, milgaus, explorer, a random PM rolex piece, etc to make this trade? hell yes.

the only downside I can think of for ownership is the resell, as Lange doesn't keep value as well as rolex historically. but that shouldn't matter if you don't plan to sell anyways. also, servicing costs / repairs may be unpleasant surprises.

[MJ EXPLORER]

If the Lange has it's hooks in you and you absolutely love it, then it's a great move! I've never done this, but if/when I jump to a full gold Rolex, I'll sell a steel watch or two to bridge the gap. Not a bad play at all! Good luck deciding.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Posh Gentleman

my opinion - hell yes. do that trade.

Lange Dato imo is "the" Lange to get.

I would gladly clean up my watchbox with second tier rolex pieces that I am meh about, to get one special piece. which Dato clearly is for any serious watch enthusiast.

would I trade away a SS daytona + pepsi + SkyD + blnr to make it happen? no.

would I trade away a datejust, milgaus, explorer, a random PM rolex piece, etc to make this trade? hell yes.

the only downside I can think of for ownership is the resell, as Lange doesn't keep value as well as rolex historically. but that shouldn't matter if you don't plan to sell anyways. also, servicing costs / repairs may be unpleasant surprises.

I could have saved time and just said "I agree with this!" Well said.

[woodsworth]

Originally Posted by pdnb

This thread needs more pictures…

I say “yes” to your question; for the watches you mentioned, but you definitely should keep some bracelet pieces. Luckily I acquired this before the “surge”, so while I didn’t need to consolidate my collection, I found myself consolidating anyway (went from 9 watches to about half).

You can see I have taken my Platinum Dato everywhere and I have worn it more “casually” then on dress wear. I don’t swim with it though.

I was used to wearing 42mm+ , this guy is a 39mm, but I love it. I don’t have issue with the weight or the thickness.

With regards to service, the Dato can be serviced in NY (so it doesn’t have to leave the US). Also, the Pt case can be laser welded, so you can get a watch that looks factory.









Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Amazing watch.

I gotta ask though, what’s with the pinky pointer ?

@OP: completely depends on whether or not it makes financial sense. Yeah I’d trade a day date and hulk for one considering the value is roughly the same.

A rainbow Daytona? Probably not considering the price discrepancy.

[OG1982]

Impossible to answer given you haven't provided enough information regarding the possible trade.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by pdnb

This thread needs more pictures…

I say “yes” to your question; for the watches you mentioned, but you definitely should keep some bracelet pieces. Luckily I acquired this before the “surge”, so while I didn’t need to consolidate my collection, I found myself consolidating anyway (went from 9 watches to about half).

You can see I have taken my Platinum Dato everywhere and I have worn it more “casually” then on dress wear. I don’t swim with it though.

I was used to wearing 42mm+ , this guy is a 39mm, but I love it. I don’t have issue with the weight or the thickness.

With regards to service, the Dato can be serviced in NY (so it doesn’t have to leave the US). Also, the Pt case can be laser welded, so you can get a watch that looks factory.









Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great llooking watch, hope your little finger is OK

[robinmgb]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

Yes, the Datograph is miles ahead of anything Rolex makes. I can't believe how cheap they were until very very recently. The finishing and movement architecture is absolutely beautiful.

If WG/platinum, they can be dressed down really well too by the way!

100% agree, sold my only Rolex (Yacht Master II) this week and picking up an ALS Saxonia Thin 40mm tomorrow.
The step up in class is huge and gives you that special feeling that only wearing a high horology piece can give you

[DoricSpiker]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

You’re exactly correct. Yes, Langes are getting more attention and they’ve subscribed to the exclusivity game to some extent, but they are not moving fast at these new price levels. Things were so depressed over the past few years any movement seems big.

Look at any dealer and you’ll see most of them sitting. EWC regurgitates the Langes every few weeks to make them appear as new stock. Often times they are reposted at a lower price. Also, try selling a Lange and then you’ll see the reality.

My advice is be patient and drive for a good deal. Don’t let a dealer tell you how “hot” Lange’s are because they’re only hot on YouTube channels.

Now, all that said, I love Lange and I’m lucky enough to have a RG Dato. I absolutely cherish it. It’s a work of art and I choose only to wear it only on occasion. It just isn’t a watch I’d be comfortable wearing often.

I would do the trade you’re proposing as long as you have other daily wearers. I personally wouldn’t want my Dato in frequent rotation but that’s me.

Spot on advice regarding Lange.


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[7enderbender]

Lange for me personally is not on the list at all. We have an old Lange in the family from the time when it was still that. Their modern history is way too random for my taste. I wouldn’t spend that kind of money on a watch from Eastern Germany when there are still plenty of Swiss brands or even Japanese that are far more interesting. I know that they are Swiss owned of sorts and produce very high quality. Don’t like the designs at all. YMMV

[brandrea]

This what I’d do ….

Do the trade and add a Submariner or a GMT. You’ll always want to have a Rolex nearby

[robinmgb]

Originally Posted by brandrea

This what I’d do ….

Do the trade and add a Submariner or a GMT. You’ll always want to have a Rolex nearby

I’ve done that before with PP calatrava but the problem is I found once I had the massive jump up in class I couldn’t lower myself to put on a mass produced Rolex again so the Rolex became redundant!

[Mystro]

Durability and lifestyle is a huge concern if it’s a good move. Rolex wins the durability and affordable routine maintenance category. This is where “better” in a time pieces can mean so many things with different priorities to different people.

[Bladeshot]

Specific answer on this reference, for me, no.

I’ve held that piece and considered buying. It’s not for me. I’ve gone from several SS to one PM and that did not last. I prefer to rotate several watches. The current hype has extended to all brands. You are paying up - but we all are… unless from AD. You mention above that after adding a PP you could not bear put on a mass produced Rolex. Sounds like your mind is made up.

General, conceptual answer regarding trading, yes. When I want something, I do it. If you are not wearing your Rolex anymore, might as well move ahead.

That’s the thing about this hobby. So many tastes and possibilities.

[RolexSimon]

Originally Posted by cbalster

Sound advice thank you.

The pieces in question would be a DJ41 fluted Blue Dial with 2 bracelets, an op39 white dial, a sd43 "mk1", and a milgauss GV. I wear these a bit less but still have an affiinity for their place in the Rolex catalogue. The brand has a rich history and all of these to me have place in it that I appreciate.

For a Mk 1 platinum, current price would be around K$70US. Rose gold cheaper. Really kicking myself at $50K rejected.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

I’ve done that before with PP calatrava but the problem is I found once I had the massive jump up in class I couldn’t lower myself to put on a mass produced Rolex again so the Rolex became redundant!

Sounds like Rolex is not for you then. Nothing wrong with that but I tend to agree with these gentleman

Originally Posted by Mystro

Durability and lifestyle is a huge concern if it’s a good move. Rolex wins the durability and affordable routine maintenance category. This is where “better” in a time pieces can mean so many things with different priorities to different people.

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

Specific answer on this reference, for me, no.

I’ve held that piece and considered buying. It’s not for me. I’ve gone from several SS to one PM and that did not last. I prefer to rotate several watches. The current hype has extended to all brands. You are paying up - but we all are… unless from AD. You mention above that after adding a PP you could not bear put on a mass produced Rolex. Sounds like your mind is made up.

General, conceptual answer regarding trading, yes. When I want something, I do it. If you are not wearing your Rolex anymore, might as well move ahead.

That’s the thing about this hobby. So many tastes and possibilities.

[yanomis]

Not crazy at all, Datograph is one of the best watches money can buy. Absolutely no regrets in purchasing mine!

[PhilLynott]

Comes down to the individual of course but for me personally I'd absolutely prefer the datograph it's one of the nicest watches on the planet vs. a bunch of great but very common watches you can always rebuy along the way.

Prices have jumped but they've also jumped on your trades so that offsets some of the perceived premium you're paying.

[Chiboy]

I'm all for fewer watches, but more special watches. I love the look of the Dato -- the date on a chrono looks better on this watch than virtually any other (except for PCC and ACC). The two issues for me in actually owning a Dato are: 1) the thickness, and 2) a strap. Make sure you've tried on the Dato before you do the trade. The movement can't be beat, and it's super 3-dimensional. But that comes at a price. If comfort and feel on the wrist are good, it's a great watch.

[cbalster]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

I'm all for fewer watches, but more special watches. I love the look of the Dato -- the date on a chrono looks better on this watch than virtually any other (except for PCC and ACC). The two issues for me in actually owning a Dato are: 1) the thickness, and 2) a strap. Make sure you've tried on the Dato before you do the trade. The movement can't be beat, and it's super 3-dimensional. But that comes at a price. If comfort and feel on the wrist are good, it's a great watch.

This is a concern. For a trade of this size, might be worth hopping on a flight for an in person.

[KBM]

Have you considered the 1815 chrono? It solves most concerns that have been pointed out regarding the Dato's thickness and comfort, uses the same amazing movement and is much cheaper.

[cbalster]

Originally Posted by KBM

Have you considered the 1815 chrono? It solves most concerns that have been pointed out regarding the Dato's thickness and comfort, uses the same amazing movement and is much cheaper.

I love the big date.

[KBM]

Fair enough. I would make the trade, but agree with others that keeping at least one ss sports rolex in the collection is something that would be important for me.

[MellowYellowVette]

Personally, no. But if you're considering it you probably want the Lange enough to trade.