Poll: ALS Saxonia vs Patek Calatrava 5196G

[Touring]

Contemplating an upgrade in the collection and these are the two contenders:

ALS Saxonia (manual 216.026, or automatic 380.026)


Patek 5196G

(Photo borrowed from another TRF thread)

Both very similar watches with the most subtle of differences, and similar price points. Interested in the forum's opinion, particularly any current or former owners of either.

Cheers!

[malarky_hk]

I've tried on both ALS model and as you noted the differences are subtle. I preferred the smaller manual wind version in terms of its classic size and price relative to the automatic which is about 30% more.

But I would choose either ALS models over the Patek. For this comparo I think it's basically about personal taste and preferences.

[Israguard]

Of the two pictures posted. I find the ALS MUCH better looking. PP is great but they can't always win jmho

[stockjock1975]

Wow! Tough call! I don't think there is a wrong choice here, but if I were forced to chose, I would have to go with the Lange. Although probably the least favorable choice if resale value is factored in, the movement of a Lange is just spectacular and must be seen in person to fully be appreciated. Additionally, the face of the Lange just seems more interesting to me for some reason.

Just my humble opinion.

[MrJ320]

Between the two models I would pick the Lange. Lange finishing is top notch, but I would also suggest taking a look at the VC patrimony traditionnelle small seconds manual wind. I had it and loved it. I was debating between the VC and the Lange and ultimately went with the VC, and a lot will come down to personal preference.

[bdex75]

ALS all the way. Love PP, but not in this comparison.


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[FTX I]

PP 5196G and the 5296G are the ones I really like from them so that was an easy choice for me.

[capote]

ALS. The Patek movement is too small for the case.

[CWIN]

I prefer the ALS between those two choices.

[Psmith]

ALS for me - probably the auto

[HL65]

Patek for me...Cheers,

[Presa canary]

Calatrava for me on this one. Love that watch

[p_mcgee]

Calatrava from the front, ALS from the back

[JorgeCCW]

Patek is 37 mm, the smallest watch that I had was 38mm and it felt small. 37 mm is not even a contender.
ALS on this one ; I had the Saxonia Thin

[AK797]

Lange for me, also look at the Richard Lange.

[SearChart]

I'm not a fan of the Saxonia, if it were the 1815 I would've voted Lange.

[nick c]

Patek

[paverman]

I generally prefer manual winds over auto's, but would never buy a 37mm watch personally so I'd go with the ALS auto at 38.5 mm in this comparison.
Look at the Richard Lange as well.

[GB-man]

Lange auto but I prefer the 1815 by a large margin.

[subtona]

Either choice is wonderful but shop around and be sure to try them on


Ps if it is a 5196, I would not be able to look at anything but the 5196 "P"
And when I was at the ALS boutique and able to try them all on, the 1815 was my hands down favorite.

[kilyung]

Lange for me

[topcat30093]

In this particular case, I went with the Lange & Sohne.

[Touring]

Wow....dead heat between the manual wind and the Calatrava. Some really great suggestions - had not thought of the Richard Lange. However, that and the 1815 line are more than what I'd like to spend on a dress watch at this point.

I tried the 5196g on the wrist and now just need to find time to try on the Saxonia if I can find one in stock.

Will update if I decide to pull the trigger on one of the pieces. (TRF is so bad for my wallet!)

Thanks again.

[sierra11b]

Lange all day.

The Patek looks a little too "boxy" this time. Besides, Germany is the King of the sub seconds look IMHO, which is why I proudly wear my Dornbluth 99.1.

I mean the Patek would look better (and cleaner) without a seconds hand this time around. The sub-seconds does nothing for the Patek and it's clearly not a dive watch where a seconds hand is imperative. Whereas the ALS accentuates that lovely sub-seconds dial as not merely an afterthought.