When these watches were presented, we wrote the following: “On October 24, 2019, A. Lange & Söhne introduced something entirely new, a significant step for this typically conservative high-end watch brand; it was a sports watch made of stainless steel, with a bracelet - three unprecedented features for ALS that made these watches, the Odysseus, a subject of heated discussions.” Since then, the dust should have settled, but the Odysseus remains something strange and debated (including because of its availability). But a few months after the release of the steel version, the brand expanded the range with a more luxurious, less sporty version of its sports watch, now in white gold. We had a review sample in the office, and here’s what we learned about this A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus in White Gold model.
Two things can be said about the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus. It was a bold move by a usually conservative, typically German brand. And despite this, it was somewhat of an expected move. The reason is simple: luxury sports watches with integrated bracelets, watches combining the feel of haute horlogerie with robustness and casualness, are more relevant now than ever. A sports watch from ALS was a long-overdue concept, but it appeared at the right time. It should be noted that Lange approached the sports watch very much in a Lange way. There is no feeling of a Royal Oak or Nautilus here, the Odysseus is a watch unlike any other. And a watch that certainly sparked lively debates, as everything about it seemed unprecedented. At least it made an impression.
In brief, what is the Odysseus? Although the model was created to compete in a category dominated by AP, PP, and VC, Lange did everything its own way, not trying to be like the others, but to be Lange with sports characteristics. When we first tried on the watch, we said: “This is a Lange for every Lange owner, which you can wear in the shower, on the beach, in the pool, or on the yacht deck.” Finally, a Lange that can be worn without the fear that arises when wearing precious gold watches.” That is, the Odysseus is, first and foremost, an A. Lange & Söhne watch distinguished by its durability and ease of use. Period. But a few months later, another series appeared, this time in 18-carat white gold, without a metal bracelet. The perception changed.
Odysseus in White Gold
Let's return to the basics. The ALS Odysseus is a Lange in a waterproof round case, designed for everyday wear. A watch that successfully combines the mechanical beauty of all other Lange watches with the ability to be worn almost anywhere, anytime, with anything - except when tool watches are required. In this perspective, the use of stainless steel was not only entirely unprecedented for Lange (except for a few steel Lange 1 watches) but also largely contributed to the entire design of the watch.
But now a white gold case is available and without a metal bracelet. This is not surprising, as AP and PP have long been creating luxury sports watches in precious metals as well. The Odysseus model in 18-carat white gold is mostly identical to the inaugural steel version, although some design aspects have been updated. As for the case, aside from the use of gold, nothing has changed. The WG Odysseus still has a diameter of 40.5 mm, a height of about 11 mm, and retains the same water resistance of 120 meters. The crown screws down, and the watch is equipped with two sapphire crystals, both front and back.
The design of the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus watch is quite complex and well-balanced. First, it is a perfectly round case, accented by a polished bezel. However, much more complex lines are visible on the sides. On the right side, there is a module framing the crown, and although it is not the crown, it adds dynamism to the case and breaks the overall round design. These two elements are actually integrated pushers, used to adjust the date and day of the week. Although the case is made of gold, its finish remains the same, with a combination of polished accents and matte surfaces. Overall, despite the sporty nature of the watch, they fully correspond to the rest of Lange's products.
The connection to the brand's DNA was also created by the dial, designed in the Zeitwerk style. Instead of a traditional central HMS display, the brand decided to stay true to its roots and release a sports watch with a small seconds hand and two large windows for indicating the day of the week and the date, as always, with a double window and two-disc architecture.
What changed in this white gold release, apart from the obvious new gray color, is that the dial based on brass got rid of the concentric pattern on the hour ring and the granular central surface, to now display a much more classic - I dare say, traditional - combination of textures. The central part of the dial is matte and smooth, while the hour ring has embossed grooves arranged radially - almost like a guilloche graphic pattern. The same texture is present on the small seconds hand's periphery.
Under the sapphire case back ticks a movement that couldn’t be more Lange. The Odysseus model first came out with an exclusive movement developed specifically for this collection, and in the white gold model, it is fully retained.
Caliber L155.1 Datomatic beats at a frequency of 28,800 per hour (4 Hz) instead of the usual 3 Hz, which seems to be preferred for Lange watches. The higher beat frequency provides greater balance stability during shocks, making the watch more suitable for sports and increasing overall timekeeping accuracy.
The central rotor with the DATOMATIC inscription is equipped with a platinum centrifugal mass and has an openwork design. In addition to the classic 3/4 plate of German silver in the Odysseus model, there is a balance held by a cross bridge, instead of the traditional cock, again for increased shock resistance.
The watch, with a diameter of almost 33 mm, perfectly fills the space occupied by the case back and is decorated with the same exquisite finish as all Lange watches.
Finally, the last thing you need to know about this A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus model in white gold is that it is (at least for now) only available on straps - a black rubber one, as shown here, or a brown leather one. In both cases, it fastens with a prong buckle. And before you ask, no, you cannot remove the end-links between the lugs, and no, you cannot wear it on a classic strap.
Final Thoughts
When the stainless steel Odysseus was introduced, I (and most of the MONO staff) had mixed feelings, which is quite understandable, as the watch was indeed unprecedented. However, once the watch was on my wrist and once you threw the image of RO and Nautilus out of your head, I not only understood the whole concept of this watch but also truly enjoyed interacting with it.
Now, with the emergence of white gold, I may change my position. Of course, the following feelings are subjective and personal. And, to speak frankly, the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus in white gold is a beautifully executed watch.
However, now that the watch is made in precious metal, I somehow miss the casual attire of the original steel model, which really set these watches apart.
Moreover, the new gray dial, in my opinion, does not stand out as much as the dial used on the steel model. Not only is the gray color too timid, but the new patterns bring the watch back to classic territory, whereas they should have remained on the sporty side of things. The combination of granular and concentric textures was more dynamic, something that is no longer present in white gold.
The second point is related to comfort. Although the overall weight of the white gold watch is probably about the same as the stainless steel model on a bracelet, the weight distribution is completely different. The case size is still large, and from this side, I have no issues. However, due to the use of gold for the case and rubber for the strap, the watch feels heavy and somehow loses its natural balance. Perhaps this is just my opinion, and I encourage anyone interested in this watch to try it. You may feel completely different on your own wrist.
Availability and Price
More information can be found on www.alange-soehne.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – A. LANGE & SÖHNE ODYSSEUS
Case: diameter 40.5 mm x height 11.1 mm – 18-carat white gold, matte and polished – sapphire crystal front and back – shaped pushers for setting the date and day of the week – screw-down crown – water resistance 120 m
Dial: brass, gray – embossed grooves on the hour ring and small seconds hand, smooth central part – chamfered frame windows for date and day of the week – white gold hands, hours and minutes luminescent – applied gold hour markers with rhodium plating and luminescence
Movement: Caliber L155.1 Datomatic, in-house developed – automatic with unidirectional central rotor, platinum centrifugal mass – 312 components, including 31 jewels – 32.9 mm x 6.2 mm – balance with four screws – lever escapement – 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 hertz) – power reserve 50 hours – hours, minutes, small seconds hand (with stop seconds), day of the week and large date
Strap: Integrated black rubber strap with 18-carat white gold prong buckle (also available with a dark brown leather strap)
Reference: 363.068
Available: in boutiques/retail stores
Price: 42,400 EUR, USD 43,500, GBP 37,700