wootwoot
200
hard question.... but Lang & Heyne are spectacular
Dec 15, 2014,07:06 AM
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 (original) and the 1815 are two of the prettiest designs out there. The brand is getting to be a luxury brand, though, so they're not as unique as they used to be.
Lang & Heyne is a certified independent small shop. The watch construction is not as heavy as the AL&S approach but definitely Teutonic in its influences -- solid, hefty, authoritative. Love the enamel dials -- something I duplicated on my recent Habring2 limited edition chrono. In my experience, if there is ever an issue, you will get very prompt and very personal service from a high level at L&H -- in my experience, Marco himself.
But it is a small shop and you may not get quite the statistical reliability that you'd get with a larger manufacturer. But that is true of most AHCI watchmakers, and it really is a matter of taste. I've had my King Johann for quite a few years (8) with no issues whatsoever. (My Lange 1 never had any, either.)
I will say this -- no watch I've ever owned, not one, has gotten the number of unsolicited comments and compliments from folks who see it on my wrist that my King Johann has gotten. The size, the classic design, the enamel dial, the careful index design, I think are all contributors. It is a very classic look and obviously very effective.
Both L&H and AL&S have amazing exhibition backs, so its a push on that score.
Good luck!