Credits: Article and images by @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/06/23/why-i-bought-it-a-lange-sohne-odysseus-a-photofest-2/
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While I’m at it, just a few quibbles
I’ve now gotten used to the Odysseus nomenclature, even though it still reminds me of the Jaeger-LeCoultre model line of the same name from the 1990s. But I do wish that A. Lange & Söhne had chosen something a bit more reflective of users’ preferences and experiences rather than of Lange’s own journey to make the watch.
At some point I’m sure I’ll have a revelation as to why so many of the major brands seem fixated on nautical themes for their sport watches (Nautilus, Offshore, Overseas, Marine, and on and on); with the Odysseus, one outcome is the “wave-inspired” engraving on the balance bridge.
It’s certainly okay-looking, but for me it loses the connection with an important bit of Lange lore: the personalized engraving of each balance cock in a design unique to its engraver, and the fun as an owner of identifying (and even meeting) the artisan responsible for the engraving on your watch.
All the above are small potatoes, though. My one material issue with the Odysseus is visible in the photo below, at the point where the widest bracelet links meet the lugs and the curved links that in turn join the case.
The edge of the wide link is quite sharp, and the gap a bit wider than that between the other links, often creating a bright, sharp line that draws the eye away from the rest of the watch.
If the lugs and first link were a bit shorter or more curved, or the leading edge of the widest link more beveled, or the gap smaller, or if my wrist were rounder and larger, I wouldn’t have this issue; but at a minimum I hope that in future iterations of its steel bracelet watches Lange addresses this point.
Is the Odysseus right for you?
I wrote my check, but should you join the waiting list for this newest A. Lange & Söhne release? I’d say yes if:
- You are an A. Lange & Söhne devotee and, like me, you welcome the opportunity to have a go-anywhere watch that provides the satisfaction of wearing a Lange.
- The combination of quality design and construction, practical utility, and striking appearance make this a must-have for you.
- You’ve been looking for a more casual high-end watch but don’t want to follow the herd who are chasing the offerings from other major brands.
On the other hand, there are likely better places for you to focus your time and money if:
- The overall appearance of the watch isn’t to your taste.
- You have many other sporty/active pieces in your collection already and don’t see yourself giving this one substantial wrist time.
- The combination of benefits A. Lange & Söhne is offering with the Odysseus don’t make the price tag seem reasonable to you.
As collectors, we have the luxury of making our own choices and building collections that suit us; for me the Odysseus clearly fits into the mix, and I’ll look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below!
For more information, please visit www.alange-soehne.com/en/odysseus.
Quick Facts: A. Lange und Söhne Odysseus Reference 363.179
Case: 40.5 x 11.1 mm, stainless steel with integrated pushers, screwed caseback, and screw-down crown; water-resistant to 120 m
Bracelet: integrated design in stainless steel with micro-adjusting clasp and rapid-removal links
Dial and hands: dark blue dial with white gold applied luminous indices; white gold hands with luminous centers on the hour and minute hands; windows for date and day and seconds subdial
Movement: automatic Caliber L155.1, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency; shock-resistant balance with four poising screws, power reserve 50 hours
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; quick-set day and large date
Price: $28,800 (2019 retail price)
Production years: 2019 onward
* This article was first published on January 25, 2020 at Why I Bought It: A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus (A Photofest!).
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Credits: Article and images by @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/06/23/why-i-bought-it-a-lange-sohne-odysseus-a-photofest-2/