I am Interested In Knowing

I've recently started face-lathering but bowl-lathered for the first two years. Generally, I would spend 2 to 3 minutes getting a lather where I wanted it to be. It would usually take longer if the load was on the "dry" side.

On a side note, one of the reasons I wanted to learn face-lathering was because I thought it might save time. Having spent the past two months face-lathering, my assumption seems to be wrong

I started out bowl lathering and did that for a couple of years then I switched to face lathering and was happy enough doing that for a few years. Now because of soaps like B&M Reserve and Declaration Grooming I've gone back to bowl lathering. I'm using a Captain's Choice lather bowl which I like although I'd like it better if it had a bigger knob/handle on the outside. I'm pretty sure I'll drop it at some point So what I'm finding now that I'm back to the bowl is that some soaps take longer to get where I want them and some take a little more water (or a lot) but I like that I have the control to get the lather just right. With face lathering, depending on the soap, I'd get it right by the third pass so each pass might have a slightly different lather. With the bowl, all three passes are the same. It usually takes me 2-3 minutes to get it where I want it. A little less if I'm using a cream.

I've recently started face-lathering but bowl-lathered for the first two years.  Generally, I would spend 2 to 3 minutes getting a lather where I wanted it to be.  It would usually take longer if the load was on the "dry" side.  

On a side note, one of the reasons I wanted to learn face-lathering was because I thought it might save time.  Having spent the past two months face-lathering, my assumption seems to be wrong

I’ve noticed that face lathering takes longer as well. I enjoy it, but I have sensitive skin and my face is irritated before the razor touches my face, so I just use a bowl.

I used to exclusively bowl-lather, and I still do so during the winter as I use a scuttle then. The rest of the year I face-lather, and I can't say that one method takes any longer than the other. At least, it's not a big enough difference for me to notice. Creams build up faster than soaps, but again the difference is minimal.

Last winter I used a scuttle. Never timed it, I'd guess about 2-3 minutes.

Lately I've been palm lathering, which I've found to be much quicker & easier than either face or bowl, maybe 30-45 seconds (starting fairly wet).

I bowl lather exclusively and have never really face lathered. But I do think there is a face lathering element to my routine. Whether I’m using a cream, crisp or soap, I first work the lather in a bowl until I get it to the right consistency. I slowly add water until it it has a nice sheen and no bubbles. Depending on the soap or cream will determine whether it has soft peaks or slightly sharp peaks. Once the lather is worked up I then spend a fair amount of time working the lather into my beard. I’ll use circular motions all over my face alternating with long sweeping across my face and neck from ear to ear. Once satisfied, I’ll paint a nice thick layer of leather onto my face. How long does all this take? I honestly don’t really know. But creams tend to go quickest, croaps just a little longer and hard soaps like MWF the longest. And I use boars for the harder soaps and badger or synthetics for creams and croaps.

I started bowl lathering, mostly because my brush a 21mm Muhle Synth wouldn't let me face lather, way too prickly.
After picking up some modern synths I mostly face lather now, I do find it faster and easier.
But when I want a luxury weekend shave, it's bowl all the way and my Zenith Dark Synthetic.
The time isn't an issue and what the OP is doing sounds a lot like my procedure.