markieesq
232
Depends What You're Looking For
Jul 16, 2012,04:34 AM
I have the pleasure of owning both the Dato RG (original) and the 5960P Blue.
As far as chronographs are concerned, the Dato is at the summit of horology. Nothing comes close. As previously mentioned, just press the pushers on the Dato. They are so smooth and wonderful to the touch. In comparison, the 5960's pushers are very hard. I was stunned when I got that watch home and pressed them. I could not believe it. I know the Dato is a traditional manual wound chronograph but being limited to timing 30 minute intervals is very limiting. I like the 12 hour timing of the Patek especially for timing overseas flights or even parking meters, etc. The Patek is more practical.
If you look at the movement side the Dato wins. That movement is a real delight to look at. It does not have the pesky rotor in the way that the automatic 5960 has. The movement side of the Dato has no equal, IMHO.
When compared side by side the Dato is out of proportion, due to its thickness. But I guess that's the price to pay for such a deep beautiful movement which I still cannot get over. It is still amazing to look at.
The deployant (calatrava cross) on the Patek is very flimsy. I am always afraid that it will slide off or come undone damaging the watch. The Dato deployant, although an expensive option, is very secure and strongly locks into place.
When both held under a light, the 5960 is very difficult to see properly. The anti reflective coating is either non-existent or defective. I am very surprised at that very glaring error.
The 5960 offers more info than the original Dato. Day, month, PR, AM/PM indicator. I know the new Dato has a PR indicator as well.
They are both very comfortable on the wrist. No complaints with either one.
I wear suits to work every day and consider the RG Dato to be a dressier watch. If I wear it to work, I will usually change the watch later in the day when the suit comes off and the jeans go on. Conversely, I can wear the 5960 in blue all day long. Whether in a suit or jeans, it fits in very well.
For me, the 5960 gets the majority of the wrist time. Although the movement and pushers are far superior on the Dato, I wear the Patek almost every day. There is something about the face of the Patek that I find so much more attractive than the Dato. But that is my opinion. Yours may differ. It's all about what you like.
I am very interested in what decision you make. What a nice problem to have!
Regards - Mark