A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 vs Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR
| Specification | A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | A. Lange & Söhne | Audemars Piguet |
| Collection | Datograph | Royal Oak Concept |
| Reference | 740.056 | 26228OR.OO.D101CR.01 |
| Category | Tourbillon | Tourbillon |
| Movement Type | Manual | Manual |
| Caliber | Caliber L952.2 | AP 2964 |
| Power Reserve | 50h | 72h |
| Frequency | 18,000 vph | 21,600 vph |
| Case Diameter | 41.5mm | 38.5mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.6mm | 11.0mm |
| Case Material | Platinum 950 | 18k Rose Gold |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft | 20m / 66ft |
| Weight | 130g | 85g |
| MSRP | $295,000 | $167,000 |
| Market Price | $350,000 | $150,000 |
In-Depth Comparison
The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR 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 Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 comes from Germany, while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR originates from Switzerland. This particular Datograph reference was introduced in 2016, while this Royal Oak Concept reference debuted in 2018. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.
Movement And Mechanics
At the heart of the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 beats the Caliber L952.2 caliber offering a 50-hour power reserve running at 18,000 vph with 43 jewels. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is powered by the AP 2964 with a 72-hour power reserve operating at 21,600 vph featuring 25 jewels. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR wins on power reserve with a 22-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.
Dimensions And Wearability
The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 features a 41.5mm case at 14.6mm thick with a 49.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Platinum 950. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR comes in at 38.5mm and 11.0mm thick with 45.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18k Rose Gold. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 85g, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is the lighter of the two.
Materials And Construction
The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 uses a Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal paired with a Fixed, polished bezel, while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed, octagonal with exposed screws bezel. On the wrist, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 comes on a Black alligator leather strap with Platinum folding clasp, while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is fitted with Brown alligator leather strap featuring AP folding clasp in rose gold.
Water Resistance And Capability
The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR to 20m / 66ft. For serious diving or water activities, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 offers a meaningful advantage.
Pricing And Value
At retail, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 lists for $295,000 compared to $167,000 for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $128,000 at retail. On the secondary market, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 trades around $350,000 while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR commands approximately $150,000. The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 trades at a 19% premium over retail, indicating strong demand and investment potential.
The Verdict
Choosing between the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon 740.056 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. for dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is more versatile. 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.