With the launch of its first stainless steel model, A. Lange & Söhne has entered the world of luxury sports watches. How did the Odysseus, named after the legendary hero of Greek mythology, perform in this test?
Automatic winding (Cal. L155.1). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40.5 mm, thickness 11.1 mm). Water resistant to 12 bar.
Text by Jens Koch
Edited by Yuzo Takeishi
(Article published on October 9, 2020)
Like many things in life, sports involve preference and talent. Some people consider participating in an Ironman race to be a sport, while others consider chess to be a sport. Of course, the latter is correct, as the International Olympic Committee agrees.
A. Lange & Söhne supports both perspectives, advertising its new Odysseus as a "sporty and elegant watch for active people." As an elite manufacturer, A. Lange & Söhne has enhanced this model with numerous functions, increasing its robustness and broadening its range of applications.
The stainless steel case is more scratch-resistant than the gold and platinum precious metals typically used by A. Lange & Söhne, making it ideal for everyday wear. This model also features a stainless steel bracelet, which means it's perfectly suitable for use on lakes and other active activities, without the risk of needing to be replaced like a high-quality leather strap.
Flexible stainless steel bracelet with a polished clasp
While warm temperatures or vigorous exercise can cause slight swelling in the wrist, the Odysseus's sophisticated adjustment mechanism on the clasp makes this a breeze. By depressing the circular logo on the clasp, you can precisely adjust the length of the bracelet, extending it up to 7mm. Conversely, to shorten it, simply push the bracelet back into the clasp. This mechanism is extremely practical, and I found myself using it more often than I initially expected.
The stainless steel case and bracelet, along with increased water resistance, made this model suitable for a wide range of activities. The Odysseus was the brand's first model to be water resistant to 12 bar, equivalent to a depth of 120 meters. Strictly speaking, even A. Lange & Söhne's standard 30 meters of water resistance was not suitable for showering or swimming in a pool.
However, thanks to its screw-down crown, the Odysseus could withstand even a dive from the deck of a yacht. Sporty models also require high visibility in both bright and dark environments, and the Odysseus meets this requirement by applying luminous paint to the hour and minute hands and large indices. The only thing that cannot be seen in the dark is the second hand.
With all these new features, will the Odysseus still be recognizable as an A. Lange & Söhne timepiece? Of course, the manufacturer has stuck to the key points, so there's no need to worry.
This can be seen in details such as the spear-shaped hands, the seconds hand with its skeletonized counterweight, the font used for the scale, the shape of the lugs, and the polished bezel. Although it takes some time to get used to the width of the bracelet on the lug side and the delicate hand for the small seconds, it is clear that A. Lange & Söhne has skillfully combined old and new design elements.
