While A. Lange & Söhne may be better known for their classically styled dress watches, the Odysseus is a sleek sports watch that departs from their usual oeuvre. First introduced in 2019, the piece is noticeably more versatile and relaxed, giving the appearance of a true sports watch, while still retaining much of the brand’s signature style. This reference is cased in white gold, making it an intriguing contrast between the athletic design of the watch and the precious metal used.

The name “Odysseus” is derived, naturally, from the classical hero of Homer’s The Odyssey, who spent nearly 10 years adrift at sea encountering all manner of challenges. In turn, this watch is intended for the wearer who enjoys a more active lifestyle. The pieces within the Odysseus series are all protected by a water-resistant case and a screwed-down crown and caseback, combining the best of classic and contemporary watchmaking. This example comes on a robust black rubber strap that further adds to the watch's utilitarian feel.

The watch has a satisfying depth to it, thanks to its three-part construction, which gives it a sense of complexity. In keeping the recent trend for integrated bracelet sports watches - spearheaded by the Royal Oak and the Nautilus - the Odysseus has a dark-grey dial, which contrasts attractively against the white gold case and that has a brushed centre portion and a ridged outer ring. A discreet sub-dial is placed at 6 o'clock, with white printed numerals.

The piece bears the brand’s signature framed, oversized date aperture at 3 o’clock. The day aperture at 9 o’clock is present in the same style, inspired by the Five-Minute Clock at the Semper Opera House in Dresden. The index markers, as well as the hour and minute hands are filled with Super-Luminova, to improve legibility in low light conditions. Two pushers are discretely integrated into the case, on the right hand side, allowing for adjustment of the big day and date displays.

This A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Ref. 363.179 is powered by the calibre L.155.1 Datomatic, which is beautifully finished and can be seen through the sapphire caseback. The architecture of A. Lange and Söhne movements are perhaps their most distinctive feature, with a three-dimensional aspect that is truly unique. Every bridge is ribbed, polished and chamfered, with a hand-engraved balance cock bringing an additional flourish.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus is in very good condition throughout. Light superficial marks are found on the case and lugs, most notably a graze on the bezel between the eleven and twelve o'clock position and towards the end of the top right lug. The dial, hands and movement are free from any signs of imperfection with the hallmarks and engravings on the caseback and buckle are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.