Independents

I am in the midst of trying to decide which watch to buy - the 1815 in rose gold at 38.5mm or a Lang and Heyne Friedrich II in stainless steel at 39.2mm. I realise that Lang and Heyne is the more exclusive brand with only 30 to 40 watches produced but I p... 

Even I do like the work of mister Marco Lang, I am not a big fan of the 6 lugs of the cases.

Hi, In case you weren't aware, Marco's watches can be special ordered without the center lug. Here you go as an example, L&H Friedrich III in steel: Cheers, Tim ...  

for confusing me even further!!:-)) Your photos were absolutely top class and I should have known that Lange & Heyne can customise almost anything. Thanks again for the valuable insight. Sham

And a beautiful choice. Can I ask you how you would compare the movement finishing to other brands, as Lange or other indies for example ? Congratz. Cheers, Mark

I had a 1815 (new version in 40mm) and the finishing was flawless and the sandblasted dial was fantastic. The cherry on the cake is the security of being a solid brand included in a strong group. This said, I love the Lang and Heyne Friedrich II too. But ... 

I met Marco Lang at Salon QP in London last month and was impressed by his work but as you say, there is nothing like buying from an established brand like Lange. I too am partial towards the 1815 38.5mm simply because of the cleaness of the dial and the ... 

I met Marco Lang at Salon QP in London last month and was impressed by his work but as you say, there is nothing like buying from an established brand like Lange. I too am partial towards the 1815 38.5mm simply because of the cleaness of the dial and the ... 

My vote would be for the L&H with the original six lugs, but I am definitely biased. The movement is superb! ...  

Lange creates undeniably exquisite timepieces, but to my mind, they lack the "soul" of a L&H. Both are wonderful choices, but IMHO, L&H creates timepieces that are a bit more unique. Just my 2 cents. Looking forward to seeing your choice. Darren

I agree that the movement of the Lang & Heyne looks more unique and special to that of the 1815 Lange so this is going to be a tough decision to make. Either way, the consolation would be knowing that I would be acquiring a special timepiece with argu... 

I've had both -- not the 1815 but the Lange 1 -- and a Lang & Heyne King Johann. They are different animals. AL&S watches are built like tanks and, in my experience, utterly reliable. They wear very well on the wrist and I think the Lange 1 (origi... 

Your indepth analysis has been very helpful and yes it would be great to be able to buy both watches, hence overcoming the needless confusion!:-) Coincidentally, Marco Lang just sent me a Christmas card today and it is small things like this that make buy... 

over a limited production item is the ability to use the experience of the user base to incrementally address reliability issues. So very small manufactures who make the entire timepiece (including the movement) may have a higher failure rate in the field... 

\'only\' Compared to an independent it\'s a huge volume. Compared to the likes of ? Patek, Audemars, etc it is small...

I took the plunge yesterday and bought myself a Lang & Heyne Friedrich III (which I feel is a more handsome watch than the Friedrich II). I have owned eight Lange watches in total (5 new and 3 used) but none of them had been able to provide me the fee...  

I think you made a great choice. What a movement!

I fell in love with the movement at Salon QP in London 4 years ago and now 4 years later, I have fallen in love with the dial! I have never worn a watch this much since acquiring it and it would be my candidate if forced into a one watch collection!

I'll take the Cintreé and the Smith when they arrive.

The word 'take' has seldom been better used!!

And I did not even order it specially as it was staring at me in the watch cabinet at the local AD. The dark blue strap is gorgeous and the watch came with a deployant clasp which I was a little apprehensive of as I prefer pin buckles. Most surprisingly, ...