Datograph vs Zeitwerk

[hgg43c]

I've long been a fan of ALS - and both of these watches could easily be my grail watch - but I'm in a position to buy one not both.

I really like the new rose gold Zeitwerk as well as the up/down platinum Dato - the price points are similar with the Zeitwerk being a little cheaper by about $10K. Having tried the up/down in fits my wrist, but have yet to try the Zeitwerk. I do plan on trying on the Zeitwerk in the next week. So far, one of my concerns is that the Zeitwerk could be deemed a novelty watch.

Input, suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[GB-man]

I like chronographs and would pick the datograph every time for that reason. You also get platinum with the black dial. Power reserve is nice to have as well.

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I like chronographs and would pick the datograph every time for that reason. You also get platinum with the black dial. Power reserve is nice to have as well.

Thanks for your input

[raclaims]

The dato is the classic Lange - arguably the finest chrono ever

So for me it’s the dato

That said I love the zeitwerk- it’s just not a first lange for me

[diracpoint]

Depends whether you are a chronograph person or not.

For me, I appreciate chronographs for what they are, but not enough to buy them.

I like simple time-only watches with simple dials, so ZW was an automatic choice for me.

It is interesting that you say that it could be a "novelty watch". I had the exact same concern and used those exact words many years ago on this very forum. But, after almost 1-year of ownership, I can say that the novelty hasn't worn off. Checking the time is an experience. The tiny machine inside literally moves the discs at the top of every minute for you to read the time ... how cool is that!

I wear it on my 6" wrist on a regular basis, without any issues.

Go with your heart, and no matter which one you pick it'll be the correct choice! ��

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by raclaims

The dato is the classic Lange - arguably the finest chrono ever

So for me it’s the dato

That said I love the zeitwerk- it’s just not a first lange for me

noted thanks. I do like like the contrast of the dato with the black dial as well, but the pics of the zeitwerk rose gold on a black dial are stunning. I need to see the zeitwerk in person.

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by diracpoint

Depends whether you are a chronograph person or not.

For me, I appreciate chronographs for what they are, but not enough to buy them.

I like simple time-only watches with simple dials, so ZW was an automatic choice for me.

It is interesting that you say that it could be a "novelty watch". I had the exact same concern and used those exact words many years ago on this very forum. But, after almost 1-year of ownership, I can say that the novelty hasn't worn off. Checking the time is an experience. The tiny machine inside literally moves the discs at the top of every minute for you to read the time ... how cool is that!

I wear it on my 6" wrist on a regular basis, without any issues.

Go with your heart, and no matter which one you pick it'll be the correct choice! ��

Thanks for sharing the pic of your very cool watch.

I do like the sophistication of a chrono. But like many I rarely use the function.

My other concern was if it would fit on my wrist. But given that you wear it on a 6" wrist that shouldn't be a concern as my wrist is slightly larger.

[gliazzurri]

I’d pick the ZW. It’s such a unique one of a kind model. Not much else like it out there.

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by gliazzurri

I’d pick the ZW. It’s such a unique one of a kind model. Not much else like it out there.

Thanks for your input

[SoylentGreenChi]

This is a Sophie’s Choice question.They are both magnificent, and if I had either one I’d be overjoyed. Forced to pick, I would be an an utter loss.

Just this thread is going to cause me to break out in hives. Rambling as i think . . . I don’t use the chronograph function, but love the movement and the dial aesthetic. So Datagraph? After all, maybe the Zeitwerk is a novelty as you say. Then again, isn’t the novelty of the Zeitwerk a good thing in this instance? The Zeitwerk is a design triumph from a brand with swagger. Sigh, I have no clue what I’d do, sorry. Guess it’s down to price and what fits your wrist best. Good luck!

[uniqueMR]

Datograph platinum

[mps354]

I absolutely love chronos and have a number of them. I’ve owned both the dato and the zeitwerk, still own the zeitwerk. The datograph is a great watch, but the zeitwerk is unlike anything out there, so that’s what I’d go for. But, go for the older version, white gold black dial

[thekman]

Tough choice. But I think i would go with the ZW. I don't know anything else that is even remotely like it.

[PhilLynott]

What do you mean by the zeitwerk potentially being a novelty watch?

As for the thread I dont think you can go wrong but theyre so different its going to come down to individual preference. The zeitwerk is just such an incredible feat of horology that it would probably be my choice.

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by SoylentGreenChi

This is a Sophie’s Choice question.They are both magnificent, and if I had either one I’d be overjoyed. Forced to pick, I would be an an utter loss.

Just this thread is going to cause me to break out in hives. Rambling as i think . . . I don’t use the chronograph function, but love the movement and the dial aesthetic. So Datagraph? After all, maybe the Zeitwerk is a novelty as you say. Then again, isn’t the novelty of the Zeitwerk a good thing in this instance? The Zeitwerk is a design triumph from a brand with swagger. Sigh, I have no clue what I’d do, sorry. Guess it’s down to price and what fits your wrist best. Good luck!

Love the Sophie's choice reference. Don't disagree with you either of these outstanding watches easily qualify as my grail watch. I need to find the time to make it to a boutique and try the new ZW as I've already tried the Dato

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by uniqueMR

Datograph platinum

Thanks for your input - greatly appreciated.

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by thekman

Tough choice. But I think i would go with the ZW. I don't know anything else that is even remotely like it.

Yup. Tough Choice. Thanks for your input greatly appreciated.

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by mps354

I absolutely love chronos and have a number of them. I’ve owned both the dato and the zeitwerk, still own the zeitwerk. The datograph is a great watch, but the zeitwerk is unlike anything out there, so that’s what I’d go for. But, go for the older version, white gold black dial

Thanks for sharing - its interesting that you have owned both the dato and the ZW but no longer own the Dato - what compelled you to trade your Dato and keep the ZW ?

Your suggestion of going preowned for the ZW is appreciated as well.

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by PhilLynott

What do you mean by the zeitwerk potentially being a novelty watch?

As for the thread I dont think you can go wrong but theyre so different its going to come down to individual preference. The zeitwerk is just such an incredible feat of horology that it would probably be my choice.

Thanks for your input - greatly appreciated.

Both ALS watches are outstanding - I meant "novelty" from the context of possible concern that I could fall out of love of this watch sooner than the more conventional chrono. But thats the risk we all take when we buy timepieces anyway.

[pdnb]

If you are convinced you like both enough relative to their current pricing..Save up and get both…. I will eventually do that.

There is no “wrong” answer.

Surely if you are willing to spend 100k on a watch, there maybe a time down the line you could get another?

I went with the original Pt Datograph first, but I also love the ZW and will eventually get it.

The New RG ZW looks beautiful but haven’t seen in the metal yet.

Now with both the Dato and ZW having 2nd generations, you should be also considering the original versions of either models… I just doubled your choices … (assuming you are willing to buy preowned).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by pdnb

If you are convinced you like both enough relative to their current pricing..Save up and get both…. I will eventually do that.

There is no “wrong” answer.

Surely if you are willing to spend 100k on a watch, there maybe a time down the line you could get another?

I went with the original Pt Datograph first, but I also love the ZW and will eventually get it.

The New RG ZW looks beautiful but haven’t seen in the metal yet.

Now with both the Dato and ZW having 2nd generations, you should be also considering the original versions of either models… I just doubled your choices … (assuming you are willing to buy preowned).


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Thanks for your input. Your suggestion of acquiring one and then circling back to get the other could be possible down the road.
I'll have a better sense once I get the ZW on my wrist. I prefer the new RG/Black Dial ZW over the Platinum ZW with the silver dial.

Buying preowned is also another option - which would be the road that i would take for the 2nd watch not the 1st.

[PhilLynott]

Originally Posted by hgg43c

Thanks for your input - greatly appreciated.

Both ALS watches are outstanding - I meant "novelty" from the context of possible concern that I could fall out of love of this watch sooner than the more conventional chrono. But thats the risk we all take when we buy timepieces anyway.

Makes sense and a valid concern for sure!

[deuxani]

I think the most important thing to do is to try both of them on again as they wear totally different. The Zeitwerk is a marvel in engineering, but design wise it's an acquired taste and it wears large because of the 42mm x 12mm and how it sits on the wrist. The old Datograph was 39mm and was lovely to wear, the new one however is now 41mm x 13mm so actually comes closer to the Zeitwerk. If the Datograph was still 39mm that would be my choice, but that's not the case.

Like you mentioned, the Zeitwerk has a very specific design while the Datograph is a bit more classic. Personally, I would have a hard time choosing too, both are my grail watches and have tried them on multiple times. I think in the end the Zeitwerk would win for me because of its uniqueness. There is no other watch like it. And the rose gold with black is really a stunning combination.

Either way, as others have said, you cannot make a bad choice here.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by hgg43c

I've long been a fan of ALS - and both of these watches could easily be my grail watch - but I'm in a position to buy one not both.

I really like the new rose gold Zeitwerk as well as the up/down platinum Dato - the price points are similar with the Zeitwerk being a little cheaper by about $10K. Having tried the up/down in fits my wrist, but have yet to try the Zeitwerk. I do plan on trying on the Zeitwerk in the next week. So far, one of my concerns is that the Zeitwerk could be deemed a novelty watch.

Input, suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks

You might find it’s an easy choice as the ZW wears quite a bit larger. If both fit the wrist then it’s a tough choice - I own both in Lumen guise and if I could only keep one I would probably pick the Dato simply down to its smaller size.

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by deuxani

I think the most important thing to do is to try both of them on again as they wear totally different. The Zeitwerk is a marvel in engineering, but design wise it's an acquired taste and it wears large because of the 42mm x 12mm and how it sits on the wrist. The old Datograph was 39mm and was lovely to wear, the new one however is now 41mm x 13mm so actually comes closer to the Zeitwerk. If the Datograph was still 39mm that would be my choice, but that's not the case.

Like you mentioned, the Zeitwerk has a very specific design while the Datograph is a bit more classic. Personally, I would have a hard time choosing too, both are my grail watches and have tried them on multiple times. I think in the end the Zeitwerk would win for me because of its uniqueness. There is no other watch like it. And the rose gold with black is really a stunning combination.

Either way, as others have said, you cannot make a bad choice here.

Thanks for your input - my goal is to hopefully be able to try them both at the same time. I've tried both the 39mm and 41mm Dato but haven't been able to get the ZW on my wrist yet.

[hgg43c]

Originally Posted by Russell996

You might find it’s an easy choice as the ZW wears quite a bit larger. If both fit the wrist then it’s a tough choice - I own both in Lumen guise and if I could only keep one I would probably pick the Dato simply down to its smaller size.

Thanks for you input - isnt the difference between the two basically 1mm? But I agree having a watch on the wrist does make it a bit easier - BTW on owning both in Lumen that's massive

[mps354]

Originally Posted by hgg43c

Thanks for sharing - its interesting that you have owned both the dato and the ZW but no longer own the Dato - what compelled you to trade your Dato and keep the ZW ?

Your suggestion of going preowned for the ZW is appreciated as well.

I actually found the zeitwerk more comfortable to wear, I suppose the weight difference between platinum and white gold

[RolexSimon]

I have the dato up/down in plat and the zeitwerk date in WG. I prefer the dato as the ZWD is much more formal but beautiful for those special evenings out.

[Nathan_]

wow, love that dial !!!

Zeitwerk would be my pick and I hope to add one to celebrate a future milestone birthday.

Originally Posted by diracpoint

[Gebbeth]

The ZW for me. It's a truly unique piece both within the ALS lineup and in the watch industry as a whole. The 72 hour power reserve in the new model addresses one of the big limitations of the watch.

However, it is a big watch, so if it does not fit your wrist, the Datagraph may be the better choice from a fit perspective.