really appreciate the insight from an owner. i went for the first-gen 1815 chrono instead (401.026), but the 403.035 is still one of my grails. the slimmer profile and better wearability of the 1815 were considerations for sure, but my main reasoning was the more approachable price.
the dato is the king of chronos, the 1815 is the chill piece you can wear under the cuff to the office and no one will have a clue you have something that special on your wrist.
The first-generation Chrono is another great piece. I think the first and third generations are the ones I’d gravitate toward.
I often consider swapping the Dato for the 1815 Chrono—how do you find the fit compared to your Lange 1 as a daily wearer? The 1815 seems to have a much better profile, which makes me think I’d reach for it more often.
the first gen was always my favorite, the dial is way more attractive than the third gen for me.
it wears really well, it’s only about 1mm thicker and 1mm wider than the lange 1. but no design beats the lange 1 on the wrist or as a daily wearer.
just for that reason, i wouldn’t swap the dato for an 1815 chrono. not every watch in the collection needs to be sleek and discreet, and if you have a couple of lange 1s already, then it makes sense for the chrono to be a bigger statement piece.
Thanks for the thoughtful review! As someone with a similar 6.5" wrist and also considering a Datograph in the future, this serves as a really helpful data point for my journey and decision.
Loved the casualness of your writing and the honesty of your opinion. Very easy to read and enjoy. I’m looking to purchase the original Dato vs the current 1815 chrono. I was leaning towards the 1815 for all the reasons you conveyed. (Also, I already have the Lange 1, so I don’t feel compelled to get the Dato for that complication. Were it not for that, it would be a harder decision). Thanks again!
How would you compare the wearability of first vs second gen datograph on a small wrist? I hear some people say the second wears better despite thicker and larger?
Yep, I found the same thing. I think part of the issue of the older generation is the protruding caseback is quite a small surface area- so it wobbles while on wrist sometimes unless strapped down tightly.
I agree with your thoughtful review (and think you got a decent price considering the platinum clasp).
The original datograph is an inconvenient masterpiece. I have a 6.5inch wrist, and dont have the platinum clasp. I find it wobbles - not one to wear when you are out and about all day.
Wearing it snugly to prevent the wobble, leaves an uncomfortable mark on the wrist due to the heft, and narrow caseback.
In contrast the lange 1 and 1815 up/down sit perfectly well on my wrist.
really appreciate the insight from an owner. i went for the first-gen 1815 chrono instead (401.026), but the 403.035 is still one of my grails. the slimmer profile and better wearability of the 1815 were considerations for sure, but my main reasoning was the more approachable price.
the dato is the king of chronos, the 1815 is the chill piece you can wear under the cuff to the office and no one will have a clue you have something that special on your wrist.
The first-generation Chrono is another great piece. I think the first and third generations are the ones I’d gravitate toward.
I often consider swapping the Dato for the 1815 Chrono—how do you find the fit compared to your Lange 1 as a daily wearer? The 1815 seems to have a much better profile, which makes me think I’d reach for it more often.
the first gen was always my favorite, the dial is way more attractive than the third gen for me.
it wears really well, it’s only about 1mm thicker and 1mm wider than the lange 1. but no design beats the lange 1 on the wrist or as a daily wearer.
just for that reason, i wouldn’t swap the dato for an 1815 chrono. not every watch in the collection needs to be sleek and discreet, and if you have a couple of lange 1s already, then it makes sense for the chrono to be a bigger statement piece.
Thanks for the thoughtful review! As someone with a similar 6.5" wrist and also considering a Datograph in the future, this serves as a really helpful data point for my journey and decision.
Thanks for reading! Glad it helped- I just thought these were the things that would've been immensely helpful before I bought.
Also on a side note- thanks for the comment- you're the first commenter on my substack and that means a lot!
Loved the casualness of your writing and the honesty of your opinion. Very easy to read and enjoy. I’m looking to purchase the original Dato vs the current 1815 chrono. I was leaning towards the 1815 for all the reasons you conveyed. (Also, I already have the Lange 1, so I don’t feel compelled to get the Dato for that complication. Were it not for that, it would be a harder decision). Thanks again!
Thanks so much for the kind words!
I think if I were to choose again, I’d go for the 1815 chrono. Have you tried one on? They fit smaller and slimmer than the Dato.
Which metal are you thinking? For me, 1st gen or 3rd gen are the winners! If I were to buy one, it’d be white gold, black dial.
How would you compare the wearability of first vs second gen datograph on a small wrist? I hear some people say the second wears better despite thicker and larger?
Yep, I found the same thing. I think part of the issue of the older generation is the protruding caseback is quite a small surface area- so it wobbles while on wrist sometimes unless strapped down tightly.
I see why you like it but it doesn’t sound like a “forever” piece
I think you’re probably right there! Wearability is becoming much more important in my collecting journey.
I agree with your thoughtful review (and think you got a decent price considering the platinum clasp).
The original datograph is an inconvenient masterpiece. I have a 6.5inch wrist, and dont have the platinum clasp. I find it wobbles - not one to wear when you are out and about all day.
Wearing it snugly to prevent the wobble, leaves an uncomfortable mark on the wrist due to the heft, and narrow caseback.
In contrast the lange 1 and 1815 up/down sit perfectly well on my wrist.