Lange or Journe

rahilb

For me, if I was spending this kind of money on a watch I would try to be a patron of independent watchmakers, to support the art. I would look at Voulitanen for purely aesthetic reasons, or Roger Smith to support the British watchmaking industry.

To stay on topic though I would definitely go for a Journe over a Lange. To me the design language of Journe is so much more compelling, it’s hyper modern but at the same time classic and Art Deco; they have created their own language. Lange on the other hand seems contrived as it leans into very Bauhaus style utilitarianism. Of course Lange were probably the pioneers for these kind of designs, but that was so long ago and the style is so ubiquitous now for me they feel cliche. I guess it’s just a new version of the ‘Seinfeld isn’t funny’ trope: ‘Lange designs are boring’.

jhross98

Completely astonishing what this has done price wise. Crazy. Owned one for a time bought and sold it mid 20s. I loved the dial but thought the hands seemed cheap

fibonacci

Could you describe what seemed cheap about the hands? I could use something to assuage my regret at not buying one a year ago.

Cad290

Have you asked for the Odysseus?

K killer67

FP Journe “He invented it and made it”
The market has spoken - look at FPJ resale values vs AL&S. He is a maverick with radical designs and horological innovations. He has strong opinions on discounting and depreciation if you read interviews. Buying a piece right now is like buying a piece made by Ferdinand Lange in the 19th century.

Cozmopak

Im not so sure. Describing his designs as hypermodern is what worries me that they will not stand up to the test of time. The appeal of something that is hypermodern is very fleeting since a modern aesthetic is of the moment.

I like a lot of Journes early work. His new stuff doesn’t appeal to me at all. It’s also interesting to read descriptions and reviews of the Chronometre Bleu from a few years ago. There was definitely not universal acclaim. For me, that just proves how mercurial tastes are in regards to his work.

I believe Chronoswiss was also a very hot brand at one point in time...

Some may look at Lange Sohne and see a boring design language. I see a time tested language with more permanence.

jhross98

I am also in the camp that loved fpj early designs but have no interest in the current lineup. I doubt however early now discontinued fpj values will ever go down.. They are now classics and if anything will go up further

P pongster

My Chronometer Bleu and Grand Lange 1 sitting comfortably to each other -

Lostpuppy116

An impressive collection sir.

Seems like both Lange and Journe are a win-win unless you are trying to buy an investment watch. Almost sounds like two different watch buying strategies and we are expecting them to reach a similar result. If the money aspect is that important, then Journe could be the better decision, if the market holds, but daytonas were "cheap" watches at one time...

jhross98

I don't need my watches to appreciate.

What I do need from a modern company that sells watches that are as expensive as cars or even houses is some idea of how to protect secondary market value

Lange (and many others) either don't know or don't care. And with Lange in particular that was not always the case

Cozmopak

The way I get over this is by assuming that anything I spend on a watch is lost money, and never losing more than what I’m comfortable with.

Cozmopak

Im not so sure. Describing his designs as hypermodern is what worries me that they will not stand up to the test of time. The appeal of something that is hypermodern is very fleeting since a modern aesthetic is of the moment.

I like a lot of Journes early work. His new stuff doesn’t appeal to me at all. It’s also interesting to read descriptions and reviews of the Chronometre Bleu from a few years ago. There was definitely not universal acclaim. For me, that just proves how mercurial tastes are in regards to his work.

I believe Chronoswiss was also a very hot brand at one point in time...

Some may look at Lange Sohne and see a boring design language. I see a time tested language with more permanence.

K killer67

Good discussion and I’ll leave you with this beautiful design. As recognizable and praised as a Patek in 200 years? Possibly..

MJKauz

Possibly and again, I'm someone that loves that watch, but do you think it will be remembered and loved more for it's aesthetic qualities or it movement that combined historical horology with a ground-breaking form factor? I personally don't love the look of it because I gravitate toward more symmetrical dial design and don't love the text on the dial. I'd venture that's more the average person's view as well. But I think the movement will keep it praised for quite a long time.

That said, I'd gladly own one and look at it admiringly every day if I ever could.