A.Lange & Söhne is one of the most highly-regarded brands in the watchmaking industry. It has long been known for offering classic, sophisticated, and complex timepieces that boast unparalleled craftsmanship. However, a few years back, the brand showed the world that it could do more than just excellent traditional watches with the release of the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus.
The A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus was the brand’s first attempt at venturing into the contemporary sports watch market. Indeed, based on the positive critical reception from the public upon the Lange Odysseus’s release, it is safe to say that they managed to more than exceed expectations. With all that said, let us take a closer look at what the Lange Odysseus really has to offer.
A Brief Background on the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus
The A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus was introduced to the luxury watchmaking scene just back in 2019. It caused quite a storm among enthusiasts and connoisseurs because of how unique it is compared to other timepieces made by the renowned brand. While A.Lange & Söhne is known for making elegant, classic dress watches, the Lange Odysseus is like a breath of fresh air with its more sophisticated and sporty design.
On top of that, this series is also frequently regarded as the “Everyday Lange” because of its accessibility and versatility overall. It consists of models that are made out of precious metals and stainless steel, allowing for more variety in materials, design, and prices as well. This versatility and range offered by the Lange Odysseus make it a perfect choice for an everyday watch, hence its nickname.
Ultimately, the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus is most notable for being the first sports timepiece to be released by the German watch company, which definitely piqued the curiosity and interest of many.
A Closer Look at the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363117
Now that we know more about the Lange Odysseus, let us take a closer look at the most recent model in the series: the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363117.
Case and Bracelet
The A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363117 comes in a stunning and robust titanium case that looks incredibly professional. It measures 40.5mm in diameter and has a height of 11.1mm, which is a fairly standard size that allows it to fit almost all wrists quite nicely. This Lange Odysseus piece also does away with the watch lugs, giving it a sleeker, more compact look. Combined with its lightweight titanium build, this makes the Lange Odysseus incredibly easy to tote around. You could wear this watch all day without feeling any discomfort or heft.
On the right side of the case, you can find a small, short crown. Its edges are nicely grooved, giving wearers more purchase when they try to grip and turn the crown. On either side of the crown, you can also find nicely tapered buttons, which can be used to control the watch’s day and date functions. These buttons give the watch a lopsided, asymmetrical look, which adds a hint of quirky personality to the Lange Odysseus.
Flipping the Lange Odysseus around, an exhibition-style caseback is used to seal the back of the watch shut. The upper half of the caseback is covered by a steel construction that contains four striking blued steel screws and has the word “DATOMATIC” embossed on it. The rest of the caseback, however, gives you a clear and up-close view of the movement that runs inside the Lange Odysseus. The watch’s details are also engraved around the rim of the caseback, including its movement, case material, brand name, and model number.
The Lange Odysseus is also notable for being the first-ever water-resistant A.Lange & Söhne watch and this is made possible by its high-quality screw-down crown and caseback. They keep the Lange Odysseus’s case tightly sealed shut, preventing any moisture or dust from getting into the watch and damaging its inner mechanisms. Thanks to these elements, the Lange Odysseus is able to withstand water pressures of up to 100 meters, so you could easily bring this watch into the shower or to the beach for a quick swim.
Finishing off the Lange Odysseus’s handsome look is a five-link bracelet also made out of titanium, which adds to the watch’s comfortable and lightweight feel. It features a firm ratchet clasp, which keeps the strap securely fastened to your wrist. This clasp is embossed with the German brand’s signature logo, bolstering the watch’s refined vibe. The entirety of the Lange Odysseus’s exterior, from its bracelet down to its case and crown, is wonderfully polished, giving it a marvelous luster that simply shines under the light.
Dial
Moving on to the main attraction, the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363117 shows off a beautiful brass sector dial that is bound to captivate any who sees it. This model boasts two contrasting textures that manage to seamlessly flow together, creating a lovely visual experience. It also has a very neat, well-organized layout, managing to showcase many elements without looking too crowded or complex.
The outer circle of the dial comes in a smooth grey finish and is adorned with rectangular applique hour indices made of luxurious white gold. The center of the dial, on the other hand, has a rougher surface. It consists of white gold sword hands that sweep majestically across the dial. The hands and indices are all coated in lume, which allows for optimal legibility even in the dark.
The Lange Odysseus also comes with a number of additional complications. Overlapping both sections of the watch is the small seconds counter, along with the big date aperture at 3 o’clock and the day-of-the-week display at 9 o’clock. Both the day and date windows are outlined in silver, allowing them to stand out more clearly against the lovely grey backdrop.
Movement
Driving the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363117 is a powerful Caliber L155.1 DATOMATIC. This is a tailor-made automatic movement specially developed by the A.Lange & Söhne team. It comprises 312 parts and 31 rubies, with a diameter of 32.9mm and a height of 6.2mm.
This innovative movement incorporates a brand new escapement system, which gives it a high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and a substantial 50-hour power supply, making it incredibly efficient. This escapement system also enables the movement to be incredibly precise, with wearers reporting an outstanding accuracy rate of +/-1 second per day, matching that of Grand Seiko’s famous Spring Drive movement.
Price Range
Aside from being the most recent Lange Odysseus model released, the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363117 is also a limited edition timepiece, with only 250 units in existence. This makes it both exclusive and quite difficult to get, which means you can expect a high price tag to come with it.
Its retail price is set at a hefty $63,300 USD and it can potentially cost more when acquired from resellers.
Best A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Variations
Below are some of the other, best variations of the Lange Odysseus that are available in the market right now:
1. A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363038
First, we have the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363038, which was just launched back in 2020. As expected from a Lange Odysseus watch, it has a stunning exterior that consists of classic and sophisticated elements. While this Lange Odysseus model is clearly a luxury watch, it is also versatile enough to be used for more casual occasions.
The Ref. 363.038 is presented in a luxurious 40.5mm white gold case, coupled with a supple leather strap in dark brown. This is coupled with a brass grey sector dial that wonderfully blends two different textures. The outer ring of the dial shows off an embossed grooved finish and is furnished with applique hour indices. The inner section of the dial is smooth, comprising just luminous sword hands in white gold. This watch also contains a day-of-the-week complication, a big date window, and a small seconds sub-dial, which also bears the same smooth and grooved textures as the main dial itself.
Just like the other Lange Odysseus models, this watch runs on the L155.1 DATOMATIC Caliber. This is a well-crafted in-house movement that boasts exceptional accuracy, matching the impressive precision rates offered by the Grand Seiko Spring Drive movement. To top it all off, you can even catch a glimpse of this movement through the watch’s gorgeous exhibition caseback.
The A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363038 is priced at approximately $42,500 USD.
2. A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363179
Another variation of the Lange Odysseus comes in the form of the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363179. While it bears the same robust build as the other Lange Odysseus pieces, the design of this model is tweaked in such a way that it gives off a rather different vibe compared to its peers. The Ref. 363179 showcases a modern, dressier aesthetic that is simply perfect for any formal occasion or dinner party.
This Lange Odysseus watch is housed in a sturdy 40.5mm case made of scratch-resistant stainless steel, coupled with a matching five-link bracelet made of the same material. While the case of this watch is carefully polished, its bracelet shows off a sleek, brushed finish. The differing textures offer an appealing dichotomy, giving a bit of an edge to this Lange Odysseus watch.
The dial of the Ref. 363179, however, is easily its most stylish element. This sector dial boasts a lovely dark blue hue and, like the other Lange Odysseus watches, it intriguingly bears two different textures. The outer circle of the dial has a lovely, smooth finish and is decorated with silver applique hour indices. The inner section of the dial, which contains the white-gold hands, has a grainier texture which gives the watch a more sophisticated look. This luminous dial also consists of day-date displays and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock.
Inside this watch, you can find the iconic L155.1 DATOMATIC Caliber, which is known to power all Lange Odysseus watches. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and can last for up to 50 hours when fully wound.
This stylish model is one of the more affordable Lange Odysseus options. It sells at around $32,300 USD.
3. A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363068
Last but certainly not least, we have the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363068, which was also launched in 2020. As well-crafted as the other Lange Odysseus models, this watch possesses the most rugged, sporty look out of all the watches in the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus collection. It gives off a robust and masculine vibe, making it the perfect everyday timekeeper for men.
The A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363068 utilizes a 40.5mm case made of luxurious 18K white gold and a chick black rubber strap. Two vertical grooves run down this durable black strap, adding to its outdoorsy style. As with the other Lange Odysseus pieces, the grey sector dial of this watch has two different textures. The outer section of the dial has an embossed, grooved structure, while the center of the dial is smooth and clean. This dial is also adorned with a large date window, a day-of-the-week aperture, and a small seconds counter, along with white gold hands and applique hour indices that are filled with luminescent pigment.
Powering all of these functions is a well-crafted L155.1 DATOMATIC. This outstanding movement possesses a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and an outstanding precision rate of +/-1 second per day.
With its high-quality materials and stylishly athletic design, it is no surprise that this model comes with a price tag of around $45,500 USD.
Is the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus worth it?
Though it is not exactly the most affordable timepiece out there, the Lange Odysseus features many excellent qualities that make it worth every penny. If you are still not sold, here are some of the top reasons why you should keep the Lange Odysseus on your radar:
- Pinnacle of Luxury Watchmaking. The A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus is arguably one of the best luxury watches on the market. Aside from the fact that it comes from such a renowned brand, it is obvious that this timepiece showcases high-level craftsmanship. Every step taken to craft the Lange Odysseus was carefully done in order to ensure optimal performance and design. The brand even developed a new movement to drive this gorgeous sports watch. Ultimately, you are not only paying for the name but also for the superior watchmaking that comes with the Lange Odysseus.
- Simple Yet Unique. While these two words may seem to contradict each other, the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus is indeed simple yet unique. Despite its price, there really is nothing too flashy or over-the-top about this watch. However, it is extraordinary in its own way just because it is something quite different from the usual offerings by the German brand. Despite being best known for classy, quintessential timepieces that are great for lavish living, A.Lange & Söhne still managed to release an equally amazing model that offers a new and contemporary sports style.
- Iconic Timepiece. In relation to the previous point, the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus was once the talk of the town because of its uniqueness. This piqued the curiosity of many people which, in turn, helped in building the reputation of the watch. Even today, the Lange Odysseus continues to be one of the most popular series from the brand because of its sophisticated design, the excellent craftsmanship behind it, and its interesting background.
Who should buy the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus?
- A.Lange & Söhne Patrons. If you are a long-time fan of A.Lange & Söhne, you probably already know just how iconic the Lange Odysseus is. It serves as further testimony that even “traditional” watch companies can compete with contemporary players when it comes to creating modern watches. The Lange Odysseus represents the brand’s versatility and innovation when it comes to the watchmaking craft, making it a really special timepiece for both the A.Lange & Söhne and its loyal patrons.
- Luxury Sports Watch Collectors. While there are many different forms of sports watches available in the market, the A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus is one every watch collector should consider. It is elegant, beautiful, and versatile in the most subtle yet prestigious way possible. The Lange Odysseus can even be perceived as a representation of quiet luxury, with the exclusivity and class that it exudes. Ultimately, this is a timepiece that guarantees credibility amongst the elite.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, what started out as a groundbreaking contemporary timepiece has become a sought-after collection that comprises innovative yet elegant sports watches. The Lange Odysseus showcases the ideal fusion between traditional watchmaking and modern cues, making it stand out among all the A.Lange & Söhne offerings. If you want a durable and elegant sports timekeeper, you really cannot go wrong with the Lange Odysseus.
Photo Credits: A.Lange & Söhne Website & WatchShopping
Interested in more watch guides? Check out this piece on the rugged Seiko Monster!
Post comments
Leave A Reply
Your email address will not be published.