Hi guys!
I am facing a huge horological 1st world problem/conundrum that for the first time, doesn't involve me directly.
My wife's significant birthday is looming up ahead and i'm looking to purchase something extra special for her this year.
The reason why i'm posting here is to glean the balanced opinions of a community of enthusiasts here which i believe to be appropriately shaped by
years of watch-collecting experience and highly evolved tastes. I mean, c'mon, we all love JLC because it's just so contrarian and underdog to the likes of Patek and Vacheron right?
I refrain from posting on at least 2 other sections to avoid 1)biased 2)snobby 3) potential stereotyped "Rolex is the best!" fanboy-type of opinions.
Before anything, some profiling of her small watch collection. In her possession are the JLC 822 Reverso, a Cartier Tank solo (not too dissimilar from the 822), and a Frederic Constant slimline in steel, and a heirloom Favre Lubre in WG.
Not too long ago she had a Rolex GMTII ceramic which i sold off as i felt that it had too much of a "boyfriend" watch vibe on her.
Carefully considered, i have narrowed the choice down to either a:
1) Rolex Day Date (leather band)
2) Lange Saxonia Thin 37mm.
Both are within budget after a year or so of rather hard work, and of course with a bit of help from a regular dealership. Now on to the main debate in my head.
I chose the Rolex DD as one candidate because it's ageless design and lasting appeal seems completely apt adorned on her wrist. I firmly believe that as years pass, this watch will age beautifully in commensurate.
It is also easy to service, and the otherwise generic movement does not appear to be too delicate or "finicky". It's just plain reliable. Whoever heard of a new rolex giving problems? The main issue with the DD is that it's far too recognisable and would draw unnecessary attention. It fits the description of an item of conspicuous consumption perfectly. Nevermind the price, its bound to make we weep a tear or two.
The Lange on the other hand, represents something completely different that neither of us possess currently. The dial of the Saxonia Thin is pure and best of all, ultimately discreet, a feature that i have learned to appreciate after almost a decade of dalliances with large sports watches. It is a feature that certainly enhances the wearer's elegance in a subtle way. And if you are in the know about Lange, this 37mm entry-level represents one of the best "bang for buck" in modern horological times. Comparing thin dress watches across the board with Vacheron, Piaget, Chopard, and Patek, these would cost at between 25-50% more than the Lange. So the Lange kind of makes sense.
The small hesitation i have with the Lange is my lack of experience with such a high manufacture. After poor personal experiences with the AP cal. 3120 (and numerous stories of collectors with problems with their APs), I have developed this unshakable fear that more complicated or "haute" movements are a perfect set-up for potential technical issues down the road. I need a sure thing for this much coin, but am i worrying too much about the cal.L093.1? Is a comparison with recent poor QC at AP even fair? Too many reviews sing praises about this and that watch being a brilliant piece of engineering prowess, but they NEVER disclose the problems one may encounter. So to me, the more distilled, the better. I don't even need a damn date. And hey, i can actually read the time off this one without squinting!
I do not intend to buy her too many more expensive watches so let each one count. I sound like i'm making the purchase based on my personal criteria, but trust me, the wife is a complete clueless on such matters.
I'll be checking for responses every other day, but if there is any key information that i have not yet provided, do voice it out and i will attempt to clarify. Any (constructive) advice is welcome.
Thank you gentlemen.
