[VIDEO] Hands-On With The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus, Now In Titanium

A. Lange & Sohne took the opportunity to update a few of their collections this year with subtle but high impact changes that refine and elevate their already considerably elevated watches. One such update comes in the form of a new Odysseus, which welcomes a full titanium reference alongside the existing white gold and steel models. The latest example does a lot more than simply swap the case material, however. Like the existing Odysseus watches, this one gets a unique dial, case, and bracelet that shift the personality of the watch considerably. 

Taking a step back, the Odysseus was released in 2019, filling a sport watch gap in the A. Lange & Sohne portfolio. This was their first foray into such territory, and the Odysseus represented their core values and techniques in slightly less formal diggs. Still, this isn’t a watch that reads as sporty tool watch in the same way a Seiko SKX, or even a contemporary like the Royal Oak. The large date and day apertures feature their classically styled typefaces presented in grand fashion that undercuts any real claim to toned down sportiness.

The Odysseus is not Lange’s attempt at creating their own Royal Oak, however. It’s their take at expanding their own design language and existing watchmaking techniques into a wholly unique sport watch of their own. At that, the Odysseus is unapologetic, and even the brand recognizes the somewhat ‘love it or hate it’ territory it falls within. The Odysseus in titanium is, to my eye, the most successful expression of this ethos. Unfortunately, just 250 examples will be produced, and they aren’t exactly accessibly priced. 

Lange is using their L155.1 DATOMATIC movement in the new Odysseus, as we’ve seen in the prior models. It’s still finished beautifully, and on full display around back. This movement gets a full balance bridge that’s just as nicely decorated as you’d find on their formal references, just more robust in nature. Complications are day and date windows, shown through oversized apertures, and manipulated via two pressers integrated to the case above and below the crown. The pushers are finished in the same manner as the rest of the case and bracelet, which is to say, heavily textured at the surface with polished chamfers at their edges.

The titanium case measures 40.5mm in diameter and 11.1mm in thickness, and wears beautifully with its newfound lightness (just 104 grams). The bracelet carries this finishing technique throughout, and requires each piece, fully disassembled, receive a considerable amount of attention prior to being fitted together. This is a big reason for the limited production, but the end result makes a rather compelling impression. It livens up the case and bracelet without feeling overly reflective or shiny. 

The dial gets an equal amount of attention in terms of finishing, with small details creating a whole greater than the sum of the parts. The center section gets a mildly aggressive “irregularly structured” surface done in a gray that shifts to blue depending on the light and angle. The most interesting component of the dial is the out ring containing the applied hour markers. This ring features fine concentric circles that look to ‘react’ to the hour makers themselves, as if they’ve been pressed into a soft surface and left impressions on the surrounding ground. It’s very subtle, but adds a level of visual interest that will have you carrying a loupe with you all times just to fully appreciate. 

The A. Lange & Sohne Odysseus is available exclusively through the brand’s boutiques, and is limited to 250 examples. Price is on request. A. Lange & Sohne.