Unattainable Dream Watch or Realistic Grail Watch?
Do you have a dream watch that you know you can never acquire? For me that's the Lange 1. I have always admired the Lange 1 watch from A. Lange & Söhne. It is one of the most iconic and elegant timepieces in the world, ever since I saw a picture in a magazine as a child. It is also one of the most expensive and exclusive watches, with a price tag that can reach six figures or more. The Lange 1 watch is my dream watch, my unattainable one.
But even if I had the money to buy it, I don’t think I would feel comfortable wearing it outside. It is too precious and too conspicuous for my taste. I would be afraid of losing it, damaging it, or attracting unwanted attention. I would rather have a watch that is more affordable, more discreet, and more practical, but still has some of the charm and beauty of the Lange 1.
That’s why I was intrigued by the new Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture from Frederique Constant. It's an upcoming release. This watch has similar stylistic cues, but with some differences. It has a similar layout of the dial, with a big date at 2 o’clock, a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock, and a moon phase at 6 o’clock. I actually like the balance between the power reserve and the big date. And the price is a much more reasonable $5,000.
Could this watch be a real replacement for the Lange 1? Do I feel emotionally that it’s enough? Well, to be honest, I don’t think any watch can truly replace the Lange 1 in my heart. The Lange 1 is not just a watch, it is a legend, a masterpiece of horology that represents the history and craftsmanship of A. Lange & Söhne4. I know people say you should always buy what you want, but this is a reach too far for me.
However, I do think that the Frederique Constant watch is a great alternative for someone who likes the style and functionality of the Lange 1, but does not want to spend a fortune or worry about wearing it. It is a lot of bang for your buck in a solid package – just what we’ve come to expect from Frederique Constant. It is also more accessible and available than the Lange 1, which is often sold out or limited in production.
So, what do you think? I'm pretty excited about this upcoming release. Would you buy the Frederique Constant watch or save up for the Lange 1? Or maybe you have another watch that you would suggest as an alternative?
Son of a watchmaker. Artsy farsy dude.
Yeah, I drive a Lexus lol.
That's pretty much my limiton watches. It's not even about money; it's that over that price, I would feel uncomfortable with wearing the watch around. That's why the FC watch caught my eye. "Maybe" I'm thinking haha.
Realistic grail watch.. is 50th anniversary Omega Snoopy.. it is not easy to get but is still attainable
A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange1 is an amazing watch and my though is also like yours. its also my unattainable dream watch! I don’t have the money for it, but even if I do, I don’t think I’ll ever be confortable enough to wear it.
But compare to the Frederique Constant, I think Glashutte Original PanoMaticLunar is more of an alternative as it is very similar to the Lange 1.
Its still €11.800, by no mean cheap or affordable, but compare to the Lange1, maybe this is can be the more realistic grail.
Web: https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/watches/pano/panomaticlunar-1-90-02-42-32-61/
Realistic grail watch.. is 50th anniversary Omega Snoopy.. it is not easy to get but is still attainable
I'm hearing it's like trying to get a Rolex. Wait wait .. 😂😆
A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange1 is an amazing watch and my though is also like yours. its also my unattainable dream watch! I don’t have the money for it, but even if I do, I don’t think I’ll ever be confortable enough to wear it.
But compare to the Frederique Constant, I think Glashutte Original PanoMaticLunar is more of an alternative as it is very similar to the Lange 1.
Its still €11.800, by no mean cheap or affordable, but compare to the Lange1, maybe this is can be the more realistic grail.
Web: https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/watches/pano/panomaticlunar-1-90-02-42-32-61/
Ok that's a candidate! And I had a similar thought because guess what .. I saw one on eBay for $6k. Slightly used or display model I think. But somehow I still preferred the layout of the FC dial. We'll see.
Early Ploprof is one of my unobtainable Grails - not just value, but it's not a practical daily wearer.
Ive got my attainable Grail, my Seamaster 300
A. Lange & Söhne 1815 chronograph. Mostly for the movement and its finishing.
Once you get an expensive watch, you "get over" how much it cost and just wear the thing. Not all the time, what fun is that, but you really don't think that much about it. At least I don't.
This doesn't mean you disregard where and when you are going. For instance, you don't want to wear a Rolex in the Hood at 2:00 AM but wearing one to the symphony at 8:00 is prefectly fine.
Mine will be Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda. I dont have place to wear it, and it is too elegant to wear it at work or traveling.
For me it's the Vacheron constantin overseas dual time, black dial, I absolutely love it!
Don’t laugh, but this is one of mine. It’s such a simple watch but for some reason the fact that it’s so clean and simple draws my eye to it even more
My grail is a Parmigiani Tonda PF hidden hand GMT it’s just beautiful
I would have to say AP Royal Oak Moonphase Perpetual. I tried one on, and what can I say...
For me it's the Vacheron constantin overseas dual time, blue dial. It is one of the most beautiful watches for me. I was saving up for it and got really close to the MSRP then my dream died when I tried the watch. My le petite wrist is too small for the watch, and there's nothing I can do for that. damn you genetic!!
If you like Lange, I would totally recommend you GO. You know that they were originally the same company before WWII, that's why they look so similar.
This is my GO :)
One of these two:
or for more everyday use one of these two:
Don't think I will own any of these but you never know. Looking back where I started and what kind of collection I have now everything is possible
Exactly how I feel. They must be selling to billionaires who think the watch is a swatch replacement! I would actually accept a lower level of 'finishing' to get closer to my price range.
I had the chance to try one on at an AD in London some time back and it was a thing of beauty. It would be a dream to have one, but like you say these are unfortunately for extremely rich people who wouldn’t notice the money missing from their bank accounts. That kind of money could be spent in so many better ways with my family, hence it will only ever be a pipe dream I’m afraid.
The Lange 1 is an absolute masterpiece
Unobtainable would be the gold speedmaster for me
Obtainable (just) goal is the jlc Polaris this one is leading from a group of 4 watches I will pick one to celebrate my retirement in a few years
While at the Vacheron Constantin boutique a few weeks back I asked if there were any plans to produce the 222 in steel and a sly grin was the only response I received.
Though I think it's stunning in gold a steel version may be the most I could pull off and even that would be really stretching.
While at the Vacheron Constantin boutique a few weeks back I asked if there were any plans to produce the 222 in steel and a sly grin was the only response I received.
Though I think it's stunning in gold a steel version may be the most I could pull off and even that would be really stretching.
Yeah, that all gold look is attractive, but it takes a certain swagger to pull it off. Especially on a casual outfit. The Frederick Constant also has a gold version of my grail watch, but at $20k, it's simply too much. I'll stick to the SS version for $5k.
Yeah, I'm starting to wear my Rolex Explorer more and more. And to different places. I like to go salsa dancing and took it to a club. No prob because it was too dark and no one even noticed haha.
One of the reasons I like my Explorer II and Air King is that very few people recognize them as being a Rolex. 😉
Yeah, that all gold look is attractive, but it takes a certain swagger to pull it off. Especially on a casual outfit. The Frederick Constant also has a gold version of my grail watch, but at $20k, it's simply too much. I'll stick to the SS version for $5k.
I hear you. There are psychological barriers to how much I'll spend on something even if I have the money. That barrier includes a $25 burger, a $100 haircut and a $50K watch.
One of the reasons I like my Explorer II and Air King is that very few people recognize them as being a Rolex. 😉
If people ask, I'll tell them it's a Seiko haha.
I hear you. There are psychological barriers to how much I'll spend on something even if I have the money. That barrier includes a $25 burger, a $100 haircut and a $50K watch.
I look forward to seeing you at the Longines event :-).
I’ll never buy it, but this is the one.
I’ll never buy it, but this is the one.
Yup, that one's hard to get. I think the used prices are still above retail. But a beautiful watch!
Realistic goal: 36mm Explorer, which I already own. Since getting it there are other watches I have desired to get, but nothing I would call a grail
Unrealistic: VC 222. There is no way a could ever afford it and even if I could I wouldn’t be comfortable wearing it. But damn it is a cool piece
Realistic goal: 36mm Explorer, which I already own. Since getting it there are other watches I have desired to get, but nothing I would call a grail
Unrealistic: VC 222. There is no way a could ever afford it and even if I could I wouldn’t be comfortable wearing it. But damn it is a cool piece
Gold is too expensive for me so I'm looking to add a quality bronze watch. Maybe CW. We'll see.
The VC is a fellow crunchers which makes me a tad envious and the rest are in the dream watchbox
I’m not a fan of the positioning of the big date window on the FC. From a design perspective, they nestled both the power reserve and the moonphase and tucked them neatly into the 6 and 9 o’clock positions. But then the date window is crammed asymmetrically between the 2 and 3 markers.
It’s an odd position to say the least…