Datograph / Double Split, the match

Apr 27, 2009,23:23 PM
 


It has been already debated, I believe, but let's come back to this topic.

I was ( and still am ) in the search of the perfect Rattrapante Chrono, and began to think about what would be the best.

The RM 004 is a bit Out Of Reach, so are the PP 5004 and the 5959.

Some are based on the 7750 with a module for the Rattrapante, like the IWC Portugaise, or the very nice cushion shaped GP, but these are Automatic movements, and the origin of the Movement is not that exciting, nor the finish ( it is maybe for that reason that these all have a solid case back? )...

So I started to lurk at the Double Split, hoping to find with this watch THE perfect Rattrapante Chrono, and also thinking to sell my Datograph to fund it.

So a Match between these 2 monsters was unavoidable.

The strong point of the Double Split is the movement.

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You may spend hours looking, admiring this gorgeous movement!

The finish is outstanding, to reach an Artisitic level.

Compared to the Datograph, this movement is even more sophisticated in its complications, with a Double Split function ( seconds...but also minutes ), while the Dato is " only " a Flyback.

The Datograph movement:

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The Datograph movement beats at 18 000 Vibrations per Hour, when the Double Split beats at 21 600, which is not, IMO, significative.

So, in terms of mechanical sophistications, the Double Split is on the top of the Datograph.

A bit like if it was a Super Datograph, without Date.

But a Watch is not only a movement, but also a Case and a Dial...

And here, the things are more complicated.

About the Case, the dimensions say all:

43 mm big, and 15, 3 mm Thick for the Double Split.

39mm big, and 12,8 mm thick for the Datograph.

So, a difference of 4 mm and 2,5mm for the case of the Double split!

And it is obvious.

The Datograph has, IMO, more homogeneity than the Double Split.

Its case, and the lugs are perfectly dimensionned, even if the bezel is a bit, but just a bit too thick.

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With the Double Split, the things are very different.

I personnaly find the case too big, and too thick, like if it was a body builded Datograph, with an exageration of all the defaults.

I mean that by this enhanced size, the watch looses its natural balance, its harmony.

The lugs are much bigger in live than a few mm more in theory, and their draw is not as appealing it is for the lugs of the Datograph..

Same problem with the bezel...

Here are 2 pics which speak better than words:

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So, the Datograph wins if we compare both cases.

As for the dial, now :

The design of the Datograph dial is reaching the perfection, in terms of balance, symmetry and strengh.

The 2 round silver dials at 4 and 8 make a perfect triangle with the big date located just under 12.

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Even the writings " Datograph Flyback " seem to be at their right place.

The layout of the dial is an exemple of harmony indeed.

With the Double Split, when having in mind the dial of the Datograph, it is a bit more complicated.

The finish of the dial is as stunning as bthe one of the Datograph, but the layout seems less nice, less harmonious and balanced.

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Take off the Big Date, put a Power Reserve indicator and an Applied XII instead, and you won't get the same outcome!

The loss of the big date comes with the loss of the balance and symmetry, IMO.

Even the writings seem to be located too low!

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A pity, because the ballet of the double split seconds and minute hads is really magic!

On the wrist, the confirmation is here.

While the Datograph is pure joy and happyness, the Double Split is too big, at least for my normally sized wrist.

I think that to enjoy wearing this watch , you need a quite big wrist!

So, the outcome of this horological match?

No surprises, my friends.

I stay with my Datograph, in fact, this is maybe due to the fact that I dreamt of a Double Split Datograph, maybe a bit bigger, but with the same thickness, and the big date to not loose the symmetry of the dial.

Best, hoping that you'll enjoy this small comparative view, and that you will share with us all your thoughts about it!

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-04-27 23:24:18 This message has been edited by Dje on 2009-05-04 06:38:09


More posts: DatographDatograph FlybackLange Double SplitRM004

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Very nice comparative write-up. If you still want a Rattrapante, perhaps

 
 By: ArthurSG : April 27th, 2009-23:33
the GO Rattrapante in PT? Its definitely smaller than the double split and while not in the same league as the ALS, perhaps at the price point, it is a good alternative? And still German

THe GO Rattrapante is definitely in my book

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-06:37
You're absolutely right, the GO is defintely to consider: The only small thing is the la&yout of the dial. I really have to think about it, and to see it again and again, in the flesh and on the wrist. But when it comes to the movement, the G.O rattrapant...  

I am considering this too mon ami!

 
 By: BluNotte : April 29th, 2009-15:58
I have been offered it time and again, in fact the only piece that is bound for Japan. I still am uncertain as to pull the trigger or not. I love the way this GO does a flyback, i'm sure you have seen it too , the "springing" at the end! Love it! Hope you... 

Why do we doubt, Stephen?

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-22:21
I'm really wondering, my friend. Are we completely Lange Biased? I mean, do we have to consider this G.O as a Lange, and then do we have to have the same exigences? THe main problem for me is the dial, on this G.O. I would have been pleased to see a more ... 

For me it's the finish....

 
 By: BluNotte : April 30th, 2009-14:42
A GO is way behind Lange, especially in their engravings. I will be honest, but I definitely am Lange biased! LoL Well, one cannot have everything in life, and until the day that Lange releases a 12 hour counter chrono, i don't forsee myself getting any. ... 

I disagree...

 
 By: MiniCooper : May 1st, 2009-15:48
GO is pretty close to Lange cheers

I agree...

 
 By: MiniCooper : May 1st, 2009-15:46
It is a good option and do think that it is in the same league cheers

Great post!

 
 By: Allen : April 28th, 2009-00:56
Size is not that big of a problem for me on the Double Split, it's the weight. The massive PT case just weighs a ton. I'm waiting for them to make a SS one or even a titanium DS! Thanks, Nicolas!

A polished Titanium, like on the JLC MMR?

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-06:43
Why not, Allen? It may be an excellent idea. But in this case, Lange should perhaps also re design the dial, don't you think? Heeeey, it may be very interesting. Best, Nicolas

nicolas, have to agree with yr comparison.....

 
 By: a.ler : April 28th, 2009-02:18
the wearability/aesthetics of a watch is more important to me than its technical sophistication, because ultimately it has to sit on our wrists. the datograph is just manageable for me for its height, but am compensated with the depth of the movement. it ... 

Wise words, indeed

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-07:02
A watch is not worht it if you can strap it on your wrist... In my case, this is not that I can't put the DS on the wrist, I find it a bit too huge, too thick... Compared to the Dato, but the Dato was the first, so I may also be a bit biased... Best, Nico... 

Dato and Double

 
 By: Grisar : April 28th, 2009-03:23
It is of course very personal and subjective, but to me, the art of watch-making is to make it more complicated and smaller. In this regard, I value Patek much more than Lange. A good watch must be wearable. Between Datograph and Double Split, my clear pe... 

Agree with you Grisar...

 
 By: schen : April 28th, 2009-09:32
...in general. I too appreciate more of a complicated watch when its size is small. In this regard, I can't agree more that 5959 is the winner, though I have not had opportunity to see and handle it in person. However, I must say 5004 is not very comforta... 

The world is small...

 
 By: Grisar : April 28th, 2009-20:03
glad to see you here, too. I had the opportunity to see two 5959 with different dials in person in Basel, it is no doubt a great great watch, both technically and aesthetically. Interestingly, 5004, being thick and small (relativeness), attracts me more. ... 

There are not so many Ratrappante Chronos, Grisar

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-07:16
I mean manual wound, and in house... The King is to me, the 5959 PP, but a bit smaller and the other problem is that it will cost you 2 eyes, and 2 harms... I hope to see a VC in a near Future, which will achieve these 2 criterias. Or, why not, a JLC to c... 

You do have to see it

 
 By: MiniCooper : May 1st, 2009-15:49
and wear it to judge if it is the one that you want. However I was under the impression that the platinum version was sold out. A truly beautiful watch cheers

You still can find some, Pink Panther...

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2009-22:52
Here, in Paris, there is one. The beast is quite rare and hard to find, but everything is possible. Best, Nicolas

Dato 100%

 
 By: moc : April 28th, 2009-04:11
No way I'd get rid of the dato for the DS.I tried it twice just for the fun of it(never crossed my mind to consider it).Its too thick and too big for anyone on this planet !but most of all too heavy!!!!!Oh dear thats a downside of Pt watches.My Grande L1 ... 

Well, Mo, for a moment I dreamt that for the 10th Anniversary of the Dato

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-07:23
Which is right now, in 2009, Lange would released a kind od improved version of the Dato, with a ... Rattrapante, for instance... It would have been great. On the other side, some friends of mine have really big wrists, and when they tried the Dato, it wa... 

Nicolas....

 
 By: moc : April 29th, 2009-13:01
A 40mm Dato will make such a huge success of sales for Lange .Many many times we ve heard this on the forum,dozens of people would be ready to go for it if it was bigger(me as well!!!!).Mo

Good post Nicolas!

 
 By: fernando : April 28th, 2009-04:13
These two were at the top of my agenda at one time. I went back and forth between the two so many times and eventually ended up with neither.If I had to choose between the two now, it would be the Dato. However, my favorite Lange chrono is still the 1815.... 

I get you, Fernando

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-07:28
I'm a bit biased, here, as the Dato was one of these Early Lange which drove me to the Lange Madness... Once bitten...You know what happens. For me, and to be clear, this is only my personal vision, I think that Lange was very inspired till 2003/ 2004, an... 

Great comparison, Nicolas

 
 By: Stefano : April 28th, 2009-04:31
And I must agree with your conclusion. I prefer the size of the DS, but I think the Dato is more wearable. I also think the Dato looks better proportioned and the DS. Also, personally, I find the movement of the DS a bit too busy compared to the Dato (obv... 

Aah, Stefano, that is interesting.

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-07:40
I believe that the particular Double Date of the Dato belongs to the Lange D.N.A. Would it be different, the Dato wouldn't be the Dato, IMO. For the story, I bought my Dato from a guy who couldn't stand this Date. When you look at the dial of the Dato, yo... 

The Deathmach

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : April 28th, 2009-05:02
In this case I'll must vote for Double Split The movement is just ecstatic + having the big wrist I'll say better is bigger or bigger is better ... although I'm man and the double split is double the flyback LOL but as you always say man must go after his... 

Double Split is Double Pleasure, Damian?

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-07:43
Obviously, YES, in your case! I'm happy to see someone defending this Beast of Watch. Don't get me wrong, my point was only aesthetic , not mechanical, as, like you, I amdire the DS a lot. Best, my friend. Nicolas

Amazing shots you have there mon ami

 
 By: BluNotte : April 28th, 2009-05:31
And i much appreciate these comparison reports of yours! As if i don't like any of your posts! But no, they are just perfect mon ami, and even though i could never afford them, it is great that you have considered them and have done them justice through y... 

Well, Stephen, to say all, I'm waiting

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-07:50
For your comparison post of the RL and RL PLM... you will have a killing platinum Lange Duo, my friend. Thanks a lot for your kind words, Best. Nicolas

I agree

 
 By: dedestexhes : April 28th, 2009-05:52
with most of your points. I must admit that wearing the DS is not that pleasant (at AD at least). However, it has the inhouse spiral and the more complex escapement. One very nice (limited edition) rattrapante that comes to mind is the GP with the Venus m...  

Thanks, Dirk. Any chance to get a pic of

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-07:55
The dial of this GP? Thanks in advance. Nicolas

et voila

 
 By: dedestexhes : April 29th, 2009-11:22
g...  

I know this GP!

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-11:27
A real beauty, indeed. Thanks for the pic. Best, Nicolas

Great Post

 
 By: respo : April 28th, 2009-06:56
How thoughtful of you to compare these two beasts for us. The movement in the DS is awesome, to say the least. I have not seen anything like it. But you are right, the case and sze are very large, and in platinum it is very heavy, which maybe does not fee... 

Respo

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-08:00
I would love to find a " Rattrapante " to close the Chrono Thema... I wanted to make a selection of what represents, to my eyes, the nicest Chronos: The Dato, the Duo Metre, and the Vacheron Constantin " Les Historiques " a bit above the PP 5070, but this... 

Something in between?

 
 By: peregrino : April 28th, 2009-08:54
Hello Guys! The diameter of the movements are identical, 30,6 mm. The movement of the DS is thicker though, ca 2 mm. Maybe it is possible to order the DS movement in a (slightly thicker) Dato case!? Just a thought... /Rob.

It may be a great idea, Rob

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-08:03
That's what I hoped for the 10th Anniversary of the Dato. With an additionnal complication as a rattrapante, for example. They did the Perpetual Dato, they could have done the Rattrapante Dato, with a 41 mm case. But it wouldn't be good to have 2 rattrapa... 

Nice to see such a comparative review of Dato and DS

 
 By: schen : April 28th, 2009-09:14
Thanks Nicolas for yet another excellent post. I, too, much prefer Dato to DS, though I truly admire the technical beauty and marvel of DS -- Long Live Lange! Besides the dial layout and case dimension, I actually also think the Dato's movement is better ... 

Agree, schen

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-08:13
A legendary movement, among a very few others, when we speak about Chronos. Like some Longines 30 CH or 13 ZN: 13 ZN: The Dato movement is difficlut to beat, indeed. Best, Nicolas...  

These two movements really sing to me

 
 By: schen : April 29th, 2009-08:20
...the 30CH and 13ZN, especially 13ZN, very special and dear to my heart. Glad we share the same taste.

It seems so, Schen...

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-08:22
We indeed have similar tastes in watches, my friend. Best, Nicolas

Absolutely breathtaking movement shots, Nicolas!

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : April 28th, 2009-10:05
As for the comparison, I have not spent enough time with either to form an opinion. I certainly understand the symmetry arguments in favor of the Dato, but I am not certain I concur that symmetry is a deciding factor. What strikes me about the Double Spli... 

Excellently said, Jed

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-08:17
I would rather have compared them on the " Harmony " ground... They both have their pros and cons, but at the end, as you said, you can't go wrong with any of them. Bes,t and thanks for your very valuable input. Nicolas

Wonderful comparison Nicolas . . .

 
 By: Craig LA : April 28th, 2009-15:12
I completely agree that the DG (38mm) is a tad undersized and the DS (43mm) is a tad oversized, which is one of the reasons why I have elected to "split" the difference and go with a DGP (41mm). Craig

Since you spoke about the DGP, Craig

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-08:24
How do you live the fact to " double " a complication? Of course, your De Bethune and the DGP are 2 very different watches, but they share the same complication. Just curious... Best, Nicolas

As usual...

 
 By: KIH : April 28th, 2009-16:23
Great photos and writing. Thank you. I would pick Dato as well, for probably a different reason - too big for my wrist! Best, Ken

Disagree

 
 By: Mostel : April 28th, 2009-17:25
I'll take the DS!! Great comparison.

Aaah, Mostel!

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-08:30
For once, a fan of the DS! Damian is not alone anymore! Best, my friend. Nicolas

Are we the only ones???

 
 By: Mostel : April 29th, 2009-17:17
I've wanted that watch since it was born. Now is certainly an amazing time to obtain one too.

I have owned both watches and....

 
 By: Chris H : April 28th, 2009-18:29
agree wholeheartedly with your assessment Nicolas...the dato is hands down the more balanced, better proportioned watch even though I find it a tad small for my taste.....curious what May 5 will bring from ALS! Chris H

I share this curiousity with you, Chris.

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2009-08:32
And can't wait to see this new piece! As for the Dato, I was in the same case. I dreamt to get a nice Rattrapante, and was on to consider selling my Dato to buy the DS. But when I triend the DS, I gave up this idea. Best, Nicolas

Thanks Nicolas...BUT...

 
 By: drsh : May 1st, 2009-03:48
It was a wonderful comparison article...same issues went through my mind as well but i have to disagree with your conclusion..heh heh...DS for me. If you put the Dato and the DS side by side on your wrist....the DS gives me the "palpitations" having said ...  

You're true, my friend

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2009-05:49
It is always worth to listen to your heart! Wow, a Duo DS / Dato in pink gold would really be terrific! Best, my friend. Nicolas PS: Your pica re not bad at all!

I am scared of saying this (for my wallet's sake)..

 
 By: KCLQMULKU : May 1st, 2009-05:45
But the Lange Datograph is growing on me at a frighteningly fast rate. Thank you for this review! This message has been edited by KCLQMULKU on 2009-05-01 05:46:27

Not good for your wallet,

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2009-05:50
But excellent for the mood! Best, Nicolas

Nicholas thank you for a brilliant and comparative report.

 
 By: Topcat30093 : May 1st, 2009-16:58
Your photos as always are fantastic in their clarity.

Nicolas, thank you for this great report, but ...

 
 By: aris d : May 2nd, 2009-02:39
due to the size of the Dato and the superior movement of the DS, I would take the DS. Aris

Aris, that's the fun of it

 
 By: amanico : May 2nd, 2009-11:54
We all have excellent reasons to love one or the other... Finally. Best, Nicolas

only when u wear it..

 
 By: lobo : December 12th, 2012-02:36
You will understand and appreciate the beauty of the DS.