Two-Watch Collection for the next 10-years

[rnordby]

Hello everyone,

I am reaching out for your advice once again to help in my desire to create only a two-watch collection that will last me for the next ten years or more.

I am turning 50 soon and I have grown really tired of waiting for Rolex watches and buying Rolex watches over the past few years that I don’t really want, to possibly get the watch I do, one day. I am still waiting for my Rolex BLRO - no hurry though, this watch deserves a spot in my two-watch collection.

Anyway, I want to add a classic and simple dress watch as my other watch. I am torn between the A. Lange Saxonia Thin 37mm and the Patek Calatrava 5196J-001 Yellow Gold. From reading this blog and seeing both watches in in person, I now understand many of our reader's love for A. Lange and their disdain for the Patek price creep. However, there is a feeling of horological history from Patek that I can’t deny either.

For a man who only turns 50 one time, would you recommend the Patek or the A. Lange in a two-watch collection, along with the 126710 BLRO? I am torn between two great watches.

Thank you :+)

[subtona]

Difficult decision between the two.

I very much like the aesthetic of the ALS you reference but agree there is a bit of magic absent. However the modern calatrave has a bit of aesthetic missing for me. Between the two I would go with the als.

Alternatively I chose a grand seiko which I feel hit the bullseye on its own merit.
The sbgw253 has it all imho (except for the crap oem strap) and is a no excuses pleasure to own.

Do you prefer no date or date on your dress watch?

[DoctorA]

I would go with ALS. It’s a beautiful piece of art

[The Argonaut]

A great question with which to be plagued. I'd go for the ALS. I think the Calatrava is a stunning piece, but ALS is more of a sleeper.

My two for 50 are the 1675 GMT and Reverso Tribute Calendar.

[Txkill]

My ideal dress watch if I ever pull the trigger is the 5116 with the hobnail bezel. I really like the ALS and other Patek dress watches but the 5116 just does it for me.

[pandrew]

I was in the same position (looking for a 50th B-day dress watch) and choose a Lange. Nothing against PP just liked the styling on the Lange's better. Took me about 9 months to make my choice. If I can offer any advice, do not rush the purchase to make a certain date. Take your time, do your research and when you make your choice wait two days before you purchase, just to make sure.

Good luck and enjoy the process.

[travisb]

Entirely personal but I prefer the ALS in this case.

[UnicoJG]

PP Calatrava

[Vinyasa]

White/ivory PP would be my pick. Or, Cellini Moonphase.

[vladamir15]

I would go with ALS

[T01]

Patek

[PJitz]

Absolutely the ALS for me

[Double Barrel]

Pp

[Jace]

The definition of a classic dress watch is time only frequently without a date. So, specifically to your request of a classic and simple dress watch it it is very difficult to argue with the Patek Philippe Calatrava. They make a very simple watch seem very beautiful.

I am a huge fan of Lange but their very simple models do not do it for me. I love the Saxonia annual calendar and the Zeitwork is a true grail for me.

Exclusive of the classic dress watch restriction, if I had to choose between the two brands I would probably go Lange.


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[brandrea]

I prefer the aesthetics of the ALS.

Have you considered a Cellini?

[bp1000]

This is precisely what i'm planning at 50.

I am also torn between a PP and ALS. I love Lange, but Patek is the pinnacle isn't it.

Currently i wear a Jaeger Lecoultre, Mater Ultra thin Moonphase. Its a beautiful watch that gets you close to classically sized, under the cuff dress watch.

In answer to your actual question. PP Cal. Problem there is, i would choose the JLC. Sorry!

[Kigan]

Patek 5196.

[dafuture]

I personally prefer the ALS to the modern Calatrava. While Patek is still Patek, the modern Calatravas seem to lack some of the historical charm that I enjoy so much with the vintage ones.

The Saxonia Thin is one my personal short list for a watch collection as well.

[goldenboy80]

Both the Calatrava 5196 and Saxonia Thin are undeniably great watches. Both have very nice movements though the Saxonia movement is more modern and you get to enjoy it with the clear case back. Both are quite understated, particularly the ALS.

Another ALS that has captured my attention lately is the Saxonia Automatic. The 380.028 with the blue dial is quite attractive and there's quite a bit of horological magic packed into the movement.

[V25V]

Gonna go with the PP.

[R!$]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

I would go with ALS. It’s a beautiful piece of art

[Navarino]

I have a Lange Saxonia (the automatic, not the thin). I was deciding between that watch and a Calatrava when I was in the market for a simple dress watch. While the lure of becoming a "Patek" owner was tempting, I couldn't resist the clean aesthetics of the Saxonia. It's an amazing watch line from Lange. I think that and the new BLRO makes for a great duo if you want one of your two pieces to be a proper dress watch.

[romelo]

Both ALS and PP are great, but why does the Piaget Altiplano get no love?

[Dompropat]

Patek

[Jace]

Originally Posted by romelo

Both ALS and PP are great, but why does the Piaget Altiplano get no love?

It’s a Piaget


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[Jace]

Originally Posted by bp1000

This is precisely what i'm planning at 50.

I am also torn between a PP and ALS. I love Lange, but Patek is the pinnacle isn't it.

Currently i wear a Jaeger Lecoultre, Mater Ultra thin Moonphase. Its a beautiful watch that gets you close to classically sized, under the cuff dress watch.

In answer to your actual question. PP Cal. Problem there is, i would choose the JLC. Sorry!

JLC makes amazing dress watches. I can’t argue at all.


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[Amochosto]

I can't chose between those two they are both very classymeither would be perfect.

I just turned 49 and right now I plan on getting a 36mm Day Date for my 50th.

[manilenyo]

Undeniably hard to choose between the two. I would get a Patek in celebrating a milestone. Good luck!

[subprimero]

Of the two you mentioned I like the 5196. Have you considered F.P. Journe? The Chronometre Souverain dial is a little busier but it is a beautiful dress watch.

[Chute]

5196 would be my choice. ALS gets a lot of love, and rightfully so, but Patek has been around a long time and is a safer bet if you ever need to sell it.
The 5196 also shares the 324SC movement from the Aquanaut and Nautilus.
The Calatrava is to dress watches what the Rolex submariner is to dive watches.
It is a timeless and classic design.