Patek Calatrava 5196 vs Lange Saxonia thin

[rnordby]

Good morning,

I am turning 50 soon and I want to buy a proper dress watch. I can purchase a new A. Lange Saxonia thin 37 mm pink gold with papers and taxes for $15,000 including taxes. I also found a one year Patek Calatrava 5196j one year old with box and papers still under warranty for $15,000 including taxes from a reputable dealer.

I am torn and love both watches but the heritage and desirability of the Patek and the $6,000 discount appeal to my head, while the ALS appeals equally to my heart.

Which one would you choose and why?

I appreciate any help you can provide!

[lenfried29]

Aesthetically I like Lange more. And if you buying it new from AD I would rather go with Lange. PP is just the name for me in this instance.

[Codik]

It’s a matter of personal preference. I find the 5196 gorgeous, while I find the ALS slightly clunky and their case design dated (retro in a way I don’t like and am not sure will age well).

[leisen]

Originally Posted by Codik

It’s a matter of personal preference. I find the 5196 gorgeous, while I find the ALS slightly clunky and their case design dated (retro in a way I don’t like and am not sure will age well).

+ 1 here.

[kneedeep]

Looking from the front the 5196, from the back the Lange. So overall the 5196. Wish PP had developed a larger movement with a greater time reserve for their time only Calatravas. I find the 215 outdated and surpassed by other manufactures' movements....

[s.m.b.]

5196.

[Passionata]

96 full back
Sax transparent
96 small mvmnt comparing the case size
Sax full size
I think the sax thicker too

You can t go wrong aesthetically ,financially both will hurt

[koryong]

5196J ! I just got mine last week and am loving it
... the ultra thin case and off-white dial should be enough to swing your decision ;-)

[wisguy]

Tough one.

I went through the same a couple of years ago, ended up with the ALS as I could get it at a nice discount.



The movement and solid case back of the 5196 are drawbacks for sure, but at the same price I would still chose it over the Saxonia.

As someone said, you rarely look at the back! Resale is bad in both, but better on the PP.

Let us know what you decide and pics please.

[alexlt730512]

Patek is the way to go and I actually like the R version better.

[dchang81]

The patek has a movement that's pretty small for the case if that stuff matters to you . Should be able to get a better discount on the lange. I like the lange better, it's the watch I told my sister in law to get her husband. I do like the calatrava as well, but if it didn't say patek on the dial I wouldn't even notice it. Not sure how flexible your budget is, but for something like a 50th birthday I'd want it new with my name on the papers for a few k more.

[lord91]

5196. It's better looking, with more visual presence as the dial is more legible. The ALS looks shy, with those skinny hour markers.

[cajerseyboy]

This OP must work for a market research firm. Take a look at his thread history. He's all over the map. 40+ total posts and ALL are thread starters without any responses. Fishy.

[MoosicPa]

For my money, the PP 5196.... it's the modern version of the classic 96 Calatrava. It has Patek DNA all over it's classic design.

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by btcus

This OP must work for a market research firm. Take a look at his thread history. He's all over the map. 40+ total posts and ALL are thread starters without any responses. Fishy.

Wow, good point. All take and no give.

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by leisen

+ 1 here.

Lange


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[Justindo]

I like the looks of the Patek better and the fact that it has a second hand, but the Lange is a level above in terms of movement finishing but that may not matter because of the Patek's solid case back.

[Bearxj86]

5196

[rnordby]

Originally Posted by btcus

This OP must work for a market research firm. Take a look at his thread history. He's all over the map. 40+ total posts and ALL are thread starters without any responses. Fishy.

Hello, sorry about the confusion. I am just a college professor and consultant with a stressful job that is trying to figure out the one or two watches I want as I approach 50. I am just trying to be more thorough before I waste more money flipping watches until I find my grail.

I will start replying more.

[soundserious]

After owning several Langes: the Patek.

[tng11]

Saxonia Thin, no doubt.

The details on this watch are incredible. 8 surfaces on each of the indices, the display back revealing a very well finished movement (beats almost any Patek IMO), and the uncluttered/no-nonsense dial/legibility.

[mps354]

I think I’d give a slight edge to the Lange. The 5196 version I really love is the p

[PJ S]

I’m going to add to your dilemma, possibly.
Given your concern about getting the right watch first time round, there’s absolutely no harm whatsoever in evaluating all possibilities until you settle on the one that hits all the right notes or compromise you can live with.
To that end, have a look and think about these:

https://www.chrono24.com/chopard/cho...-id6442731.htm
https://www.chrono24.com/chopard/luc...-id7882315.htm
https://www.chrono24.com/chopard/luc...-id9380562.htm
https://www.chrono24.com/parmigianif...-id8383653.htm
https://www.chrono24.com/parmigianif...-id9532736.htm
https://www.chrono24.com/parmigianif...-id7516536.htm

You could also look at the Tonda 1950, with its more modern and intricate case/lugs design.
Equally, give some thought to the Moser & Cie, especially the zero branding (dial side) Concept option — by way of an example... https://www.chrono24.com/hmosercie/e...-id9193393.htm

[AK797]

Originally Posted by tng11

Saxonia Thin, no doubt.

The details on this watch are incredible. 8 surfaces on each of the indices, the display back revealing a very well finished movement (beats almost any Patek IMO), and the uncluttered/no-nonsense dial/legibility.

Just gorgeous.

[G M Francis]

5196. I had the white gold version and sold it for a profit. Missed it and bought another which I traded when I went all in with a Rolex collection. All the time I was collecting Rolex it was the only Patek I wanted. I’ve got a more rounded collection now with a 5146G and a 5124G in salmon alongside the Rolexes but the 5196G is my next purchase and I’m never selling it!

[CoveWatch]

I love Lange, but prefer the Patek here

[Jonesy2099]

Originally Posted by rnordby

Hello, sorry about the confusion. I am just a college professor and consultant with a stressful job that is trying to figure out the one or two watches I want as I approach 50. I am just trying to be more thorough before I waste more money flipping watches until I find my grail.

I will start replying more.

I’d also love to see a picture of the watches you do own. Something very fishy is up with your posts...

[Vaxe]

I have a Saxonia Thin and in hindsight should’ve bought the 5120G before it was discontinued.

[mineral]

5196 for me too


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[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by G M Francis

5196. I had the white gold version and sold it for a profit. Missed it and bought another which I traded when I went all in with a Rolex collection. All the time I was collecting Rolex it was the only Patek I wanted. I’ve got a more rounded collection now with a 5146G and a 5124G in salmon alongside the Rolexes but the 5196G is my next purchase and I’m never selling it!

What do you like so much about the 5196 that you don't find in the other watches you've owned? Do you suggest buying straight from an AD or somewhere else?