A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 vs Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial
| Specification | A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | A. Lange & Söhne | Audemars Piguet |
| Collection | Saxonia | Royal Oak |
| Reference | 384.032 | 26331ST.OO.1220ST.01 |
| Category | Moonphase | Chronograph |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Caliber | Caliber L086.5 | AP 2385 |
| Power Reserve | 72h | 40h |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph | 21,600 vph |
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm | 41.0mm |
| Case Thickness | 10.2mm | 11.0mm |
| Case Material | 18k Rose Gold | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft | 50m / 164ft |
| Weight | 72g | 165g |
| MSRP | $33,600 | $33,200 |
| Market Price | $28,000 | $45,000 |
In-Depth Comparison
The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.
Heritage And Brand Prestige
A. Lange & Söhne and Audemars Piguet are both highly respected names in watchmaking. The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 comes from Germany, while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial originates from Switzerland. This particular Saxonia reference was introduced in 2016, while this Royal Oak reference debuted in 2017. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.
Movement And Mechanics
At the heart of the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 beats the Caliber L086.5 caliber offering a 72-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 47 jewels. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial is powered by the AP 2385 with a 40-hour power reserve operating at 21,600 vph featuring 37 jewels. The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 wins on power reserve with a 32-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.
Dimensions And Wearability
The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 features a 40.0mm case at 10.2mm thick with a 47.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18k Rose Gold. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial comes in at 41.0mm and 11.0mm thick with 47.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Stainless Steel. The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 72g, the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 is the lighter of the two.
Materials And Construction
The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 uses a Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal paired with a Fixed, polished bezel, while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed, octagonal with exposed screws bezel. On the wrist, the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 comes on a Dark brown alligator leather strap with 18k rose gold pin buckle, while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial is fitted with Stainless Steel integrated bracelet featuring AP folding clasp.
Water Resistance And Capability
The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial to 50m / 164ft. For water sports and diving, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial provides superior depth capability.
Pricing And Value
At retail, the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 lists for $33,600 compared to $33,200 for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial. On the secondary market, the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 trades around $28,000 while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial commands approximately $45,000. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial carries a 36% market premium.
The Verdict
Choosing between the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For dress occasions and smaller wrists, the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase 384.032 is more versatile. as an investment, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial shows strong value retention. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.