At Watches & Wonders 2023, A.Lange & Söhne made heads turn with a single new release. The new introduction is the brand’s first automatic chronograph debuting in the Odysseus family. Collectors always expect something special from A. Lange & Söhne, which is why the watches have a rising demand in the pre-owned watch market. And the new calibre is no exception.
The brand produced the standout sports model ‘Odysseus’ in 2019.
The Maison not only added a chronograph movement to the sports watch but they also developed their very first automatic chronograph boasting several impressive features. The new Calibre L156.1 is aesthetically and mechanically special and features surprising twists.
Given the technical complexity of the timepiece, the new A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Chronograph is limited to only 100 pieces.
About The Watch:
The design of the Odysseus Chronograph is sporty yet elegant, with a stainless steel case and bracelet. The blue dial has a sunburst finish, which gives it a subtle texture and depth. The hour markers and hands are made of white gold and filled with luminous material for visibility in low-light conditions. The chronograph sub-dials are at 3 and 9 o’clock and the date window is located at 6 o’clock.
One of the most interesting features of the Odysseus Chronograph is the pusher at 10 o’clock. This pusher is used to adjust the date forward and backward, allowing the wearer to set it quickly and easily. This convenient and practical addition is helpful to those who frequently travel across time zones.
Here we will discuss the key features of the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Chronograph and why it is a must-have for watch enthusiasts.
Case & Design
The A.Lange & Söhne Odysseus Chronograph embodies the signature sporty look of the Odysseus collection. The watch features a 42.5mm stainless steel case with a polished finish. The edges are elevated with a prime-time chamfer. The blend of chamfered edges and brushed surfaces creates a light design. It offers a water resistance of 120 meters which is no joke for a high-end chronograph! The bezel is smooth and rounded, adding to the watch’s sleek aesthetic.
Dial
The Odysseus Chronograph has a finely textured black dial whose special architecture gives the illusion of depth. The black main dial has white gold button appliques, and the underlaid second’s scale is represented with concentric circles.
The 60-minute marker, seconds hand and ‘Odysseus Chronograph’ text are all red. The characteristic Lange date and day windows are at 3 and 9 o’clock, and the running seconds register at 6 o’clock. So far, it might seem like a regular chronograph, but this is where the brand’s technical mastery comes in.
The additional central hand with a Lozenge-shaped tip represents the minute counter and keeps track of the elapsed minutes. The crown is in its normal position, and the multifunctional pushers at 2 & 4 o’clock control the chronograph. Additionally, once you pull out the crown, you can quickly set the date and day.
The 4 o’clock pusher resets the chronograph. When you push the button, the chronograph’s minute hand will automatically return to its starting position. Moreover, the red central second’s hand covers the elapsed time in a lightning speed.
In conclusion, the fact that A.Lange & Sohne has successfully retained the original essence of Odysseus in the new chronograph is an achievement in itself.
Movement
The new L156.1 Datomatic movement is responsible for all the horological sorcery. You can see this new in-house developed movement functioning in all its glory through the sapphire case back. A large skeletonised and partially black-rhodium central rotor features a 950 platinum centrifugal mass with the term Datomatic engraved in full. The movement comprises 516 components, beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and offers a power reserve of 50 hours.
A nice example of A. Lange & Sohne’s unmatched artistry is the hand-finished bridge featuring a pattern of waves symbolising the water-resistance. The untreated silver plates, bridges, hand-engraved balance bridges, and gold chatons are all fitted with blue screws. Overall, watching this meticulous new chronograph movement in function is a treat.
Bracelet
The sporty-looking Odysseus chronograph fits a stainless steel bracelet featuring a safety deployment buckle with micro adjust.
FINAL THOUGHT
With the luxury watch brand introducing just one release at the event this year, the pressure was high, and now it’s safe to say that the famous German watchmaker did a fantastic job. The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Chronograph is a stunning timepiece combining classic design and modern functionality. As an engineering marvel from A.Lange & Sohne, it is certain to be a hit with watch fanatics. Furthermore, with only 100 pieces available, the demand is expected to be high.
Specifications:
- Brand: A.Lange & Sohne
- Reference: 463.178
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 42.5mm
- Dial: Black textured dial
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet
- Movement: In-house L156.1 Datomatic movement
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Water Resistance: 120 meters
- Additional Details: Only 100 pieces are available
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