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In 2019, we discovered the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus equipped with the L155.1 DATOMATIC caliber. But in 2023, Odysseus acquires the chronograph complication. First of all, it is good to remember that since 1999, the A. Lange & Söhne factory has developed 13 chronograph calibers. Each time the same technical constraints, and today more than ever, how to add a chronograph caliber to the Odysseus that we all appreciate without affecting its identity? The answer is clear: create a bespoke movement with its own display, and make it the brand’s first automatic chronograph caliber. You understand it at first glance, the two chronograph hands, seconds and minutes, are in the center. That of the seconds is redthat of the minutes silver with a diamond-shaped end. The result keeps the large date and day of the week display.
Rare are the manufactures to push the exercise so far. But here nothing surprising when we speak of A. Lange & Sohne.
The identity of the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus also stems from the design of its caseband edge on the crown side. Here, the edge has “transformed” into two push buttons, more useful than decorative, and having a rather crazy double function. In the normal position with the crown screwed down, they will serve you very conventionally to start the chronograph, stop it and reset it to zero. On the other hand, the crown once unscrewed, they will be used to correct date and day. Gorgeous !
While the “simple” version of 2019 unveiled a 40.5 mm steel case, the size here has been pushed to 42.5mm, while maintaining water resistance to 12 bar, always practical for a so-called sports watch. Fans of the original model will be satisfied, the architecture of the dial is similar. We find in the precise examination of the dial all the details and finishes that we love at A. Lange & Söhne. The outer part of the dial is snailed, punctuated by the serrated gold indexes, a finish echoed in the small seconds. The most impressive here is the contrast between these snailed parts and the “irregular” matte finish found in the center of the dial and the small seconds. Without forgetting the lanceolate-shaped hands that fly over this magnificent set.
As usual, another kind of spectacle takes place on the back of the watch, where we discover the new chronograph caliber L156.1 DATOMATIC and always the same exceptional finishes. The bridges and plates are made of untreated nickel silver, we find the chatons in gold and their blued screws. All the components of the movement, including the parts hidden once the movement is assembled, are finished in the most beautiful way, as you can admire with the angle as a rule of bridges. The skeletonized central rotor is very flat, black rhodium-plated, with a platinum band around its periphery to improve its inertia. A watch which, once rewound, delivers 50 hours of power reserve. Last pleasant detail of this fantastic movement, the engravings of the balance bridge, here less floral than usual, but of maritime inspiration to recall the sporting uses of this new Odysseus. Although I doubt that many will take him to the pool.
So much for this little marvel, full of coherence in the A. Lange & Söhne family, which accustoms us to the best, at a sustainable pace.
A. LANGE & SÖHNE ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Movement : Caliber L 156.1 DATOMATIC
Power reserve : 50 hours
Dimensions : 42.5mm in diameter
Housing : Steel
Waterproofing : 12 bar
Dial : Black Brass
Bracelet : Stainless steel, with folding clasp and fine size adjustment
Price : Limited edition of 100 copies
