A. Lange & Söhne introduces the Odysseus Chronograph featuring innovative functions that highlight the brand’s horological complexity and craftsmanship
At a time when watch brands are launching a few novelties at Watches and Wonders 2023 in Geneva, A. Lange & Söhne surprised with one groundbreaking timepiece. The Odysseus Chronograph marks a significant milestone for A. Lange & Söhne as it introduces the self-winding chronograph. This follows on the heels of the success of the original Odysseus, launched four years ago.
The Odysseus Chronograph, equipped with the L155.1 Datomatic calibre, revolutionises the world of sporty-elegant watches. This movement, the first self-winding chronograph by the manufacturer, seamlessly merges the concepts of “date” and “automatic”, resulting in a timepiece that pushes boundaries and redefines the genre.
Designing and building a chronograph calibre is considered one of the toughest tasks to do as the watchmaker is required to retain the distinctive dial design of the Odysseus. To do this, the factory developed a customised movement that positions both chronograph hands in the centre, the minute counter with a lozenge-shaped or diamond-shaped tip and the red chrono seconds hand. The small dials that keep track of time can be moved to different positions to make the date and day of the week easier to read. Typically, these dials are located at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions on the watch face.
The skeletonised design of the watch features a partially black rhodium central rotor made of 950 platinum, facilitating effortless winding. When fully wound, the mainspring barrel provides a maximum power reserve of 50 hours. The oscillation system is meticulously crafted to ensure optimal rate accuracy. In pursuit of this goal, the balance, which vibrates at 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4Hz), is suspended beneath the balance bridge. It is meticulously hand-engraved with a stylised wave pattern, symbolising the watch’s water resistance and potential in sporting activities.
This watch is made all the more special as the watchmakers at A. Lange & Söhne have always taken pride in crafting and perfecting their movements. The L155.1 Datomatic calibre is assembled twice to ensure maximum precision. Many unique, traditional elements are incorporated, for example, bridges and plates made of untreated German silver, the hand-engraved balance bridge, or the gold chatons secured by blued screws. Additionally, all components, even those that are no longer visible once the movement is fully assembled, are, for the greater part, elaborately finished by hand. This can be admired through the sapphire-crystal case back.
Anthony de Haas, director of product development, says: “The Odysseus Chronograph transports the contemporary and one-of-a-kind design of the watch family to a new technical dimension. It meets all the requirements of a stopwatch suitable for many fields of application without relinquishing the hallmarks of Lange precision watchmaking.”
This attractive wristwatch features a 42.5mm three-part stainless steel case that can withstand a test pressure of 12 bars, making it durable enough to be worn during sports and other leisure activities.
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Tech specs
Odysseus Chronograph Ref. 463.178
Movement
Lange manufacture calibre L156.1 Datomatic, self-winding, crafted to the most exacting Lange quality standards, decorated and assembled by hand; precision-adjusted in five positions; unidirectional winding central rotor with 950 platinum centrifugal mass; balance bridge engraved by hand
Movement parts
516
Oscillation system
Shock-resistant cam-poised balance with four poising screws, superior-quality balance spring manufactured in-house, frequency 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4Hz), precision beat adjustment system with cam and whiplash spring
Functions
The time is indicated in hours, minutes, and subsidiary seconds with stop seconds; date and day-of-week displays, chronograph with central chrono seconds hand and 60-minute counter.
Operating elements
Screw-down crown for winding the watch and setting the time; two buttons for correcting the date and day of the week as well as operating the chronograph
Hands and appliques
Hours and minutes: white gold, luminous; subsidiary seconds: white gold; 60-minute counter: rhodium steel, luminous; red chrono seconds hand: aluminium; baton appliques: white gold, luminous
