Embracing extravagance: My Journey to the Most Expensive Watch of My Life 

Once again I appreciate you posting. As everyone has already said, you're narration is impeccable and the nak you have for storytelling is incredibly engaging.

You are probably the only guy on youtube doing what youtube was made for. Sharing life. I absolutely love listening to you, thank you for this. There is so much you can learn from every story. ❤

Great video and the "normalization" of high prices is spot on. 12 years ago when I started this journey, spending even $2,000 on a watch was "crazy" to me. Yet 2 weeks ago, I put down a $30k deposit for a zeitwerk 🙃

"Watches are very private indulgence" - just 5 words, that solved a puzzle that was in my mind for several years. The puzzle being that several times, when I was "presenting" my new watch and was speaking to my family about what made me buy it (the model, or the watch brand), I was getting a polite, but a pretty disengaged reception of my stories. That was puzzling for me, as some watch models, or brands have great stories behind them, be it "the right stuff" of the first astronauts, the engineering genius of Abraham-Louis Breguet, the almost "clinical" perfection of the A. Lange und Sonne watches, even the seemingly unending energy of Jean-Claude Biver :) ... These stories, characters or events were, and are, the main driver for me to consider, or to buy a watch, which is not an inexpensive proposition, shall I say. Nonetheless, these stories and characters did not quite resonate with my family, at least not all of them. That was puzzling for me, till I heard your story about your Lange One. Then it clicked! Yes, buying a watch is a very private indulgence, as it is me, who "links" certain features and/or traits to a watch you buy, and sometimes it is not possible, or even needed to be explained to other people, even to close ones. This is probably one of the reasons why watches have to enjoyed privately, as they are "colored" by my personal feelings and emotions. Thank you, kind Sir. Oh, as a P.S., I probably may rephrase the British Ministry of Information slogan, to summarize what I have just said: "Keep calm and buy watches" :) Cheers!

Please continue to produce content. You have that extremely rare uncanny knack for articulating the ethereal, philosophical - psychological? - motivations of the quintessential watch enthusiast in a delicate and meticulous manner which is simultaneously and immediately accessible. Your videos are immensely enjoyable and time well spent. Thank you, sir.

Your storytelling ability is simply supreme and I refuse to believe you are not a professional narrator or writer. I was captivated throughout the whole story, despite not being a watch enthusiast on the same level as you.

Fantastic commentary and storytelling. I recently purchased my first Lange - a Datograph Up/Down in platinum. I also considered the Zeitwerk and the 1815 chrono as alternatives. I am still in the "getting to know you" phase with the watch, but I feel grateful and fortunate to have such a thing of beauty in my care. I'm a new subscriber too. Please keep making videos!

What a great video! Thank you for sharing your thoughts about your A. Lange und Söhne journey. The Zeitwerk is such an incredible piece of art and one of my grails.

Greetings from Texas, I came across your page today and I wanted to remark on how great of a speaker you are. Please continue to make these videos! I am just starting out the watch world and I appreciate all of your commentary! It is my goal to eventually work up to a Lange watch.

It is truly refreshing to hear someone articulate the self-consciousness that can come with our very personal hobby. Thank you for such a candid and hugely relatable video!

I’m new to the Lange game and have bought two in the past two months. I used to be a PP only guy when considering to acquire high end timepieces. However, things have changed since I got hold of my first Lange which is a neo vintage 1815 Sax-0-Mat in platinum. I’m stunned by its movement which is the most beautiful automatic one I’ve ever owned. Last week I found a super good deal on a brand new 1815 Chronograph Boutique Exclusive edition accidentally. The offer was too good to be true and without any hesitation I pulled the trigger and bought the watch. I feel contained not lusting over another Lange for now. Lange has got me into the German watch game which is rather different from the Swiss. Now I’m doing researches on Moritz Grossmann and Lang & Heyne. Hopefully I will be able to complete collecting my German holy trinity soon. BTW I’d also been asked by my parents for prices of my timepieces multiple times. Their reactions after I’ve told them the prices were exactly the same as your parents’. 😂

"A private indulgence* that's exactly the point!

I’m never going to be in a position to purchase a Lange but it was great to hear your review from the perspective off someone that wants to use the watch. I can’t imagine picking up my luxury watch for a bike ride, hearing you do made me smile.

What a nice, refreshing take on watches this video. I appreciate your opinion on the Zeitwerk, agree on a lot. But still am going to buy one.

Edited: Well, further in to the video, I see my comments mirrored. All in all, an interesting tale, well told.

Thank you for the great video. After a lot of research decided to get a Lange 1 ref. 110.029. Enjoyed the watch for years and always passed by the Lange AD to check out the new pieces. Having a smaller wrist and having tried on a Zeitwerk I know I couldn't pull it off. I want to wear the watch and not the other way around. Timepiece out before timepiece in. Sold my Lange 1 and got an 1815 ref. 401.031 a few months ago and although I miss my Lange 1 I couldn't be happier. We are fortunate to enjoy with passion something we absolutely don't need but absolutely want. 🙏

It hard to criticize this watch, its nearly perfect, all I can say is if they put the functionality of the Zeitwerk into the Odysseus I think people would completely lose their minds myself included. Thanks for the insight into a watch I admire very much, this is one of the very few channels that I'll drop whatever I'm doing to watch.

The Zeitwerk is a lovely watch and a technical dream meant to be seen (not so much worn).

On my side…. I realy hate it too, when i get the question „how much is the watch“. I am wearing a submariner or speedmaster, i always answer „enough“. Its an awkward question. Great video and great story. Have fun with this german piece of art!

Ahhh saving this one for when I get home tonight. Always brilliant. 😎👍🏼

Really enjoy the level of thoughtfulness you put into these films- thank you.

Well, Lange is the pinnacle of watchmaking in my opinion. Not only don’t they have to hide from anyone in the business in terms of quality, craftsmanship or innovation, but Lange also offers the best bang for your buck in the luxury watch market. Plus, all their watches get the same incredible movement decoration regardless of price point and that’s not something I can say about Patek for example.

These are so beautifully narrated. I am living my grail watch through your experience. The Zeitwerk is truly extraordinary.

The timbre of your voice (and accent) are hypnotizing. I think you should consider a career in radio broadcasting or audiobooks if those aren’t already your profession.

I just came across your video! Thank you! The way you present your thoughts, ideas and experiences is very engaging. You come across as a very cultured, measured, and...not to put too fine a point on it...a kind and gentle person, which lends a lot of credibility to your presentation! I will be following your presentations! Again, thank you for sharing!

Hope you continue to find these videos personally fulfilling to create. While I’ll likely never own a Lange, the psychology of luxury goods is interesting and you provide quite a lot of insight into that

Love every single video youve made. Your storytelling is second to none ❤

I am also a collector from London, and I also recently purchased a Zeitwerk, although mine in in rose gold and probably another 4 months out, according to the reps in Harrods. Great video! made me even more exited to receive mine...

The watch he loved so much he composed a video detailing a servicing fiasco that played out like a brilliant primetime TV drama

This is just a great video. Super explanations, format and easy to understand. Appreciate the delivery and gravitas too.

Great story! I can identify with a lot of it. One small point - I wouldn’t recommend cycling with any mechanical watch, let alone a very expensive one. The constant micro vibrations aren’t good for the very precisely set up movement components.

I really enjoy your videos, they're so informative, yet personal and full of passion.

You've earned a subscriber. Was recommeneded this video but your story telling is what got me to stay

That is such a beautiful timepiece. Your description of what attracts you to a brand and how you invest in it strikes a chord with me. I will never be able to afford watch of the calibre that does not mean that I cannot appreciated and be genuinely pleased for those who can. I think that these sampler watch making houses provide a more ‘exclusive’ feel and they rely on your repeat custom and enthusiasm for the brand via your ‘word of mouth’ that attracts other customers to invest in the same you have. I much prefer the smaller Swiss watch makers who don’t produce huge numbers of watches as it makes the watch you or I wear that much more of a point of conversation. It’s all these factors that separates them from other market leaders that produce close to a million units a year and have largest amounts of readily available second hand watches on watchfinder but have only achieved these production numbers through advertising and sponsorship of major sporting events to further their status. I feel this has in someways almost devalued the status of the watch company ending in X to the point now that they hold no mystery for me as they are so commonly seen.

Yes! I asked for this video when you released your video on the Odysseus. Great job as always. I also want to give you credit for the increased quality with edits and timestamps. As a Zeitwerk-owner myself, I can definitely relate to many points here. Firstly, the cost... The Zeitwerk is worth more than all my other watches combined, and is probably a larger part of my net worth that it should be. Therefore it would probably be the first to go, if push came to shove. But I truly hope that won't be the case. It really does feel like the novelty of the disc jumps will last forever. I still find myself running to the my watch roll if my Zeitwerk is wound and the time is closing in on the hour change. I can't see myself getting the same joy storing currency elsewhere. ...though the service cost of £5k will be painful when the time arrives.

I can't stop watching watch vids,I don't even own a watch,I think it's there enthusiasm and skill and amazing miniature mechanics in the watches I like,,plus I think they might be alright people....your way with words is hypnotic

50 year fine watch enthusiast... Superb video! Your narration skills make me jealous! All excellent choice/s of fine horology. The most important; enjoy and savor the experience. Bravo! Anyone who appreciates truly fine, hand crafted timepieces can relate to your passion, your desire for excellence, so ignore the rest. They don't matter. As people, we should work toward attaining goals that help make us happy, and many purchase timepieces to mark special milestones in their life. Much like you, almost every watch has with it a unique story, a personal tale only known only by yourself. What is interesting is I grasp your passion completely. You could not have made a better choice than with ALS! I walk by the local ALS boutique occasionally and greatly admire everything in the showroom window. Inspirational and exciting! Brand loyalty has always been a huge, deciding factor, For me, 45 years ago I chose Piaget as I love ultra thin movements, their quality, tradition, and the people that make it special. Yes, you have the "watch bug" alright, and like I said earlier you could not have made a better choice! "The watch buying experience" is part of the story, and that story is uniquely yours. You will remember it, and that is vital to the process itself. There is something deeply personal and satisfying of embracing among the best the world has to offer. It is not about being self-centered, arrogant or wasteful. It's about personal enjoyment and happiness. Some people talk about "lasting value and resale" , forget that nonsense! Like my numerous examples, it's not about money but about personal enjoyment and history that each watch reminds you. Your watches while unique are something that only a true enthusiast or connoisseur would notice or appreciate. It's quiet, elegant and a unique expression of yourself and what you cherish as you traverse the journey called life. Should you wear an ALS into any upscale restaurant, or hotel, with or without proper attire, chances are you will be treated and served with respect. Other people notice, quietly, and that is the benefit of a fine dress watch for an accomplished gentleman. Once in a while, those who desire a special watch for themselves seek my input as they know my background. In response, I explain to them that the choice of a fine timepiece, especially for a gentleman, is a very important one. Why? Think about it! A special watch is a unique acquisition for many. The watches your wear actually share with you many events of your life, and I have found many times the bond between a successful man and his wrist watch actually grows over time. Why? A watch can be considered a genuine cornerstone and a loyal companion that can remain with you despite everything in life. Businesses, careers, homes, automobiles, vast fortunes, fine clothing, artwork, even relationships, marriages and friendships may come and go, but a beloved fine watch always remains not only as a constant, but a loyal friend who will remain with you though thick and thin, through everything you experience, overcome and endure. A man only has very few personal items he can keep, savor and enjoy throughout his entire lifetime if he so chooses. In that regard, a fine watch is perfect to help remind a man what he has attained and represents far more than the sum of its parts. It is a constant reminder that helps remind a man of the challenges he has faced, overcome, and his desire to achieve something uniquely himself. Non-watch people cannot understand this, but obviously, those who discovered the phenomena understand perfectly! I will never part with any of my cherished pieces as they bear with them a story only I can tell if no one but myself. In closing, sorry for repeating myself; enjoy, have fun and savor the moment! I have witness3ed countless people savor fine, expensive wines costing thousands of dollars per bottle. That experience fades once the bottle is empty. You don't have to worry about that! Your prize goes home with you! Your collection of ALS remains as a constant reminder of your accomplishments and a stable part of your life. I cannot think of a better investment, other that proper medical care, in yourself! Congratulations! All the best, from California. PS: If you really want to become even more inspired, arrange a visit to the manufactory itself. After witnessing what is required to create such fine timepieces you will not only become hooked but that experience will make solid in your own mind you made the right decision from the beginning. Amazingly inspiring! And, you become part of the story! How sweet is it!

Superb video (more please). Your honest take is very much appreciated, not least your interaction with your parents. I speak from experience, also in my 50’s. Question: Do you have your eye on another A. Lange?

Really appreciated your honesty and enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing.

Calm, cool, collected explanations covering both sides of the coin. Very relaxing video.

Another great video, thanks. For me, there are two ways to see watches, and indeed any 'object of desire'. One is the watch that you want to own (usually an expensive, swanky option). And the other is the watch that is 'your watch', which you actually feel better wearing day-to-day (and usually cheaper). It has taken me a long time to realise that option 2 is the way to go.

Just discovered your channel and ended up binging most of your videos over the past 2 days. It was so fascinating to go on this virtual watch journey with you. Love your story telling style and I look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future. Also, I love your watch collection. Cheers!

Interesting review, I just happened to receive the new Zeitwerk platinum, with a thinner case, new movement, better power reserve, waited almost 2 years for it. Don't consider it an every day watch, mainly because it is not water or shock resistant and doesn't have a date. I'm old enough to rely on my watch to look for the time, and consider this piece to be the best example of a mechanical watch with a digital display, in the past owned an FP Journe Vagabonde II which I sold for legibility and reliability reasons. Don't know why but I find to easy to read, not at night. LOVE this addition to my collection.

Another fantastically narrated video. Thank you for sharing. I can particularly relate to giving the true price of my watches to non watch enthusiasts, I always give a lower price fearing the reaction.

The legend has returned! Your videos and insights are very much appreciated.

You are, as it turns out, a very good narrator. I really enjoyed this. Thank you.

Great video, the Zeitwerk is my number 1 grail watch, definitely, an artwork of engineering and horology, wear it in great health.

I enjoy your channel- you’re very well spoken as I’m sure you’re aware! Looking forward to more videos.

this take on a watch review is so much better than a "week on the wrist" someone got as a loaner for a few days from a brand/dealer. when its your own money going out the door your take is much more genuine. appreciate the honesty. well done.

The lange 1 is so dreamy its certainly on my list of watches im yearning for!! Zeitwerk in black is just the next level for me, but the oddness of the older gen without the lumen would certianly irk me for the money

The lange 1 is simply breathtaking

Another great audiobook!

I LOVE your channel. This is a beauty I hope to one day own.... but the earlier version like yours. Not sure if my 6 inch wrist can handle it but I am hoping it will. I love the brand and recently stumbled on your channel whilst looking for videos on the Zeitwerk. I have not yet seen this watch on a female wrist so I wonder how it will look on me. Your thoughtful insights and deep appreciation for your Lange's is like no other reviewers I have found. Thanks for your work and please keep the content coming. Keep posting your opinions as you continue your journey with these watches. I'll be here waiting to hear more from you. lol Thanks again. Ann

You've earned a sub. You're fantastic.

Thank you for posting this interesting video

Thank you for this personal and very honest review. I eish I could be as deliberate as you!

Thanks for this video! The Zeitwerk has been my grail for a very long time. However, over the years, every time I held it, wore it or admired it at my local AD (the same Bond Street one you frequent), I fell less and less in love with it. The very same things that enamoured you about the Zeitwerk enamoured me, but very different things made me fall out of love with it. My experience with this watch has single handedly slowed down and maybe even changed the way I look at and collect watches.

Nice video, I am only 18, but someday in the future I will own a Zeitwerk or a Saxonia Thin Aventurin or may even an Odysseus after I get my self at least a VC OVERSEAS my ultimate grail

Great video and nice to hear your story. I may not have bought a watch in the regions of an A. Lange, but I would never have the courage to tell my father what my timepieces cost.

Great watch, congrats. I like the old anchor bridge from the rementoir more appealing than on the newer iteration. So I like yours better

Your story about your father reminds me of a Spanish movie I watched, called, “Si Yo Fuera Rico”; where the main actor won the lottery, but didn’t want to tell his ex-wife and he was eating with her and her family and his father-in-law saw the expensive new watch and the son-in-law pretended as if it were just some cheap watch and then his father-in-law gave him like 20 bucks and said go get me one, make it two. Very funny!

I remember first getting into watches thinking spending $500 on a watch was ridiculous, and now I'm pretty numb to it, like yea many millions for a tiffany blue patek, a hundred thousand for a rare royal oak, makes sense if you got the money

Fantastic video, you have an amazing collection there!

14:19 IWC has; 2018 Tribute to Pallweber. Technically the hours are above the minutes, but everything else is the same. Then again they are also part of the Richemont group so perhaps some sharing of R&D occurred. Brilliant stories though. Thank you for sharing.

Critique: 1. Appearance of honesty - take it at face value. 2. Price - just silly really. Better watches for less money. 3. Legibility. I do not accept the self criticism. The minutes are more important. Another second to reveal the hour is trivial. 4. Accuracy - not mentioned but a fail. Longines, Grand Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Bulova all do seconds per year. A watch is a timepiece and ex hypothesi should be more accurate. 5. Looks - this is a win. First; this is unique, Second and subjectively this is stunning. 6. Seconds hand - for the price this is a fail. Bulova do 16 tics, Grand Seiko mechanical do 10 tics, Grand Seiko Spring Drive do a perfectly smooth sweep. Thank you so much for sharing. Please keep it up. In terms of price this is out of my league but that makes it all the more fascinating to follow your journey.

As a watch collector from London - I love this video, your passion and the owner v expert take on watch ownership. Subscribed and a big like on this video from me. Thank you for sharing

The real danger with buying a beautiful watch such as this, aside from it be lost or stolen, is that you become so obsessed with looking at it, that you actually waste a significant amount of time. And time is the most precious thing at an advanced age, as we all learn soon enough.

My friend, your story telling ability is phenomenal . I have no intrest in owning a watch of that quality or price, but hearing your discussion is a joy, and I would probably hear out how you came to go to a supermarket to buy eggs .

I just watched your video and I really enjoyed it! Your video was well-made, informative, and entertaining. I especially liked the way you explained the topic in a clear and concise way. I also appreciate the way you included relevant details in your video. Overall, I thought your video was excellent! I would definitely recommend it to others who are interested in learning more about the topic. Thanks for creating such a great video! Sincerely. PS: I outsourced this feedback to AI

Keep all your Langes and just enjoy them

My God that’s a beautiful watch!

The Odysseus is beautiful and a mark of excellence, in Watch making! The Zeitwerk looks like aliens, from mars built and made it! I’m an avid cyclist also, ex pro, imagine if you were to crash or Fallon your bike with the Zeitwerk! A watchmaker in the 1800’s, built this Watch for a king, insomnia affected the king extremely! The Zeitwerk fixed, the problem!

The conversation with your family feels sooo familiar, i am 34 and feel the same thing talking about what i paid for stuff. My Speedmaster Pro was not even close to your watches price but i still felt embarrased when they asked.

wonder if you wrote the script beforehand, such nice novelty.

lange is my fav watch company by far, i just find the bracelet on the odysseus terrible, would have to go with rubber. but i got to say i am jealous of your watches and but happy you for you as well. if spend your money on anything you like if it makes you happy.

Thesee videos are brilliant

Nice. Zeitwerk is very unique. Odysseus not sold on it

For such price they must "clock" the screw on the dial so that it's head points exactly horizontally or vertically. I know it is extremely difficult to get it done with mechanical parts and will probably cost tens of screws thrown away, but this thing is center stage.

That is beautiful watch

Great video, my take away? That you actually can sleep with this on your wrist 😂

Nice video. I would add, with regards to taking more time to read the time on the Zeitwerk, that’s somewhat of the beauty of it - taking more time to interact with the piece…not unlike shifting the gears in an E-Type Jaguar. Not shifting quickly is what brings the satisfaction; slowing down and interacting with the item. :)

There's one reason, and only one reason, to buy an expensive watch: it improves your relationships. Outside of that, don't make the purchase. Beautifully narrated video.

This is far to analytical to be a passionate response. Just enjoy the ability to endulge in these great flights of fancy.

Chapeau maestro

Ooh man this fishing of people asking the price of a watch… I’m nowhere near a Lange but I hate it when people ask. 😂

Wonderful storytelling and narration. Have you considered Patek instead of ALS as a brand especially considering it’s value retention?

Funny thing is that the same thought process (and self-doubt) applies to any other brand, depending on your relative budget. Start with a G-Shock, then Tissot/Seiko (worth the premium over a quartz watch?), then start looking at Tudor or Longines (quite some money for an average salary, do I really need it?), then maybe Grand Seiko, Omega or Rolex down the road.

Sightwork? I believe it’s called Zeitwerk instead. Or have I merely misunderstood an elaborate english way of passive aggressively emphasising the fact that it’s a real workout for one’s eyesight to be able to tell the time on this captivating german mechanism? “Timework” is a more appropriate way of calling this timepiece for the linguistically challenged.

Greta video - the antithesis of the usual shouty, up-in-your-grill watch enthusiast YT fare. Really enjoy your approach 👍

Grand seiko should be considered also....they are bloody outstanding for the outlay required.

Glad you highlighted why i do not like the watch....minute markers at different heights...i think it looks bloody awful because of that.Intersecting mini dials on other models as well as a too busy face piss me off also.There are 3 models i love but way out of my league currently...so fantasize i will.

I have a quartz Breitling in titanium because I destroyed several heavy steel watches in my childhood and because I take off my watch every weekend. When I see the price of a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra thin Reserve de marche I just wonder what type of slow, fast or wrong time to set the time poltergeist will live inside my mechanical automatic. People think the rubber straps for a Rolex Sky-Dweller is about signaling water resistance when it really is about the unbalanced weight of a top heavy movement set in soft gold smashing against a car door.

German here: You don't need to pronounce the A. in A. Lange and Söhne.... Actually no one does and it sounds strange. One always only pronounces the surnames in these kind of enterprise names. Take care :)

I just want to know the bloody price and you’re talking about the Dresden opera house…Yes I could see how that conversation would be awkward

While I greatly appreciate the Lange Zeitwerk in terms of quality and craftsmanship, the design does nothing for me. I personally find it a very ugly watch. But this is the wonderful thing about watches; we all have different tastes, like different designs etc. And, interestingly, our tastes change over time. Actually to great degrees. I have collected watches for thirty-five years and there are watches/designs that I once hated and never imagined wearing that I now really like. Strange really and a discussion in itself. To add, I like the fact that you love Lange watches, and have not automatically gone for the usual Nautilus and Royal Oak watches in your price range. To add further, I absolutely LOVE the 'Lange one' in white gold/platinum. A gorgeous timeless watch. I want one. I dithered. And now the price has risen significantly. I still want one, and will probably buy one (possibly used but perfect) but I feel annoyed that I dithered. To add even further, this video was unfortunately a lot about the high price of these watches. I am not the jealous kind, partly because fortunately, after having intelligently bought watches for relatively small sums of money decades ago that are now worth ridiculous multi-digit amounts, I have no reason for jealousy. But I need to add that some of my favourite and most-loved watches are possibly some of the least valuable that I own, and many of the more valuable watches that I own - £100,000 plus each - I don't actually love that much. Another discussion. Why are we buying a watch? In truth, we buy a watch for many reasons, both conscious and subconscious. People buy Rolex watches because they say 'Rolex' on the dial. But if they were offered the same quality of watch without Rolex on the dial they would say 'no thank you'. So it is mostly branding and our reaction to brands. For example, I recently bought a Habring Felix watch used in mint condition/full set for £3,500. To be honest, a relatively cheap purchase. But, it has the most beautiful blue 'sunburst' dial I have ever seen on a watch, including watches at a far higher price point. And the watch build, movement etc is insanely high quality compared to watches at £10,000 plus. So I suggest that we should not value a watch based solely on price/brand.

If I only have that kind of money, I would’ve got one too

Lange❤❤❤

Really interesting perspective. Wearing it while cycling?!

Your parents like mine are probably War time Children when they grew up with next to nothing . I understand their reaction . 😊 mine would be the same .

Great video. 100% agree with everything you’ve said