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Here is my opinion on both brands.
Both Patek and Lange are the most prestige names in the current world of horology. Lange represents the very best of German watchmaking, and Patek represents the very best of Swiss watchmaking. However, both have different approaches.
Creativity and complication —Patek had proofed that they are capable of making the most complicated watch by presenting the Cal.89 pocketwatch and it shows that no one really can compare and match with their creativity and their expertise on making complicated watches. (Except Breguet in late 18th and early 19th century.) On the other hand, the most complicated watch ever made, in Germany, was signed by Uhrenfabrik Union Glashutte (Can you believe it is Union???) which was made in pre-war and pre-computer era. It can't compare with the Patek Cal.89 in term of complexity and creativity. It is still too early to see if Lange is going to challenge the position of Patek by making a super complicated watch
Innovation—Patek have made lots of watches and
invented some of the
most
important mechanics throughout its, almost uninterrupted, history. However, after
they moved to the new factory and started to make many and many of watches (20,000 plus),
the quality of the watches are starting to be degraded. Also, Patek is the most prestige
name in the world of horology, and not until the rival, Lange, estimated in Germany, they
felt free, without disturbance, and maintained their principals. From the observation,
they are still using the same design of movements from the "ultra-thin” era, and
they are still using the same designs on their perpetual plates, minute repeater and
tourbillon mechanics on their complicated models.
Modern Lange, on the other hand, came into the market
with the best watchmaking equipment, machine mills, and tools. Their goal is making the
best watches in terms of finishing and construction quality, superior craftsmanship with
the old traditional Glashutte region’s watchmaking styles. With the ¾ German silver
plate, and gold chatons with blue screws, Lange creates something that is not available in
the
market and presents them far superior than what Swiss watch manufactories can offer. Even
thought Patek is still very strong on the R&D on the new mechanic parts, for instance,
the annual calendar mechanics inside Ref 5035, 5036, but they forgot one of the most
important issues, the finishing quality. If you compare any Patek movements with
Lange’s, you can tell that Patek is just in the ballpark with other Swiss watch
brands. The finishing quality is outstanding, but it is not breathtaking as what we have
seen on Langes. For that kind of money, I prefer to buy something from JLC who made
excellent watches with unbelievable low price tag. Maybe I am biased here, but I think
Lange’s movements stand out on its own several ballpark away from the prestige
watchmaking companies such as, AP, JLC, PP,
and VC.
I still can not believe
why on earth Patek have never made an in-house chronograph movement for their
wrist-watches but rely on Lemania 2320 movement for their chronograph and selling for
unbelievable outrageous prices. Lange is going to introduce a chronograph watch with an
in-house movement with a special feature (click here to see the article of Datograph on
Europa Star) This chronograph watch, without a doubt, will be the reference point
against any high quality chronograph wrist-watch’s movements in the history and it
will consolidate the position of Lange. (Click here to read about
Datograph.)
Brand Recognition and the re-sale value—The image and the name of Patek are impeachable. Patek proves themselves with their creativity, innovations, styles and diversity. Those elements are reflected on the major action houses throughout the world. It is no doubt that Patek is highly recognized and some of the complicated models are retrieving astonishing price tags. Patek, I believe, is the experts on making and promoting the concept of “limited edition” by diversity and creativity. Sometimes, I am amazed that they are willing to drop some popular models to secure the their position and maintain their prestige name. Lange, on the other hand, is an unfamiliar name to the public. Most of the laymen have never heard about the name Lange. In recent auctions, Lange’s pocketwatches retrieving reasonable amount of money, and their modern wristwatches doing pretty well (Can you imagine some people pay higher price on auctions for used Lange One, when they can get a brand new one for lesser price??) It is still too early to determine the future value of the contemporary Lange’s models, but with its extraordinary finishing quality, no doubt, Lange will be a new star in auction houses.
In summary, Lange has its edge over Patek in terms of attention to details construction qualities, and distinguishable characters with strong backup from the state-of-the-art technology, and resources. Patek has its edge over Lange on brand recognition, re-sell value, diversity, and complications, with strong back up from its prestige name and creativity.
The Future?? I believe that Patek already lost its way by introduce some ridiculous models, such as, Aquanaut, Neptune lines. They should compete what Patek do the best, complicated models and dress watches, and not diffuse the products by trying to attempt to expand their productions and compete in the mid-level section. By this way, they will damage the great name of Patek in the long run. The contemporary Lange, which estimated in 1994’s, is too early to tell but with more and more Innovations and maintaining the quality of the lines, I believe they are in the right path and will changing the landscape of the horology world.
Again, this is only my opinions.
Best regards,
Danny
