At Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, A. Lange & Söhne unveiled the new Odysseus Chronograph, the Maison's first in-house automatic chronograph. This model boasts exceptional functionality, a feature considered challenging to develop, making it a truly unique Lange model.
Four years ago, A. Lange & Söhne unveiled the Odysseus, the brand's first elegant sporty watch, featuring a newly developed, exclusive movement with exquisite finishes and a unique design. Now, the Odysseus Chronograph joins this acclaimed family. The stainless-steel case houses the newly developed caliber L156.1, A. Lange & Söhne's first automatic chronograph movement. Its innovative dynamic reset function demonstrates A. Lange & Söhne's commitment to boldly forging new paths and further advancing the mechanical watch. Due to its complex movement, the Odysseus Chronograph is limited to 100 pieces worldwide.
Breaking New Ground in Design and Function
A. Lange & Söhne continues to push the boundaries of modernity and elegance. In 2019, the Odysseus redefined the elegant sporty watch category. To develop this watch, the development team ventured into uncharted territory in watchmaking, creating an unprecedented and unique movement exclusively for this model: the caliber L156.1 DATOMATIC.
Furthermore, new and original advancements have been made in terms of design. The Odysseus's open, airy impression and distinctive form create a contemporary look that sets it apart from other sporty watches. Furthermore, the thin bezel expands the dial, and the spear-shaped hands and the Maison's signature date and day displays ensure excellent legibility.
A Movement Development Challenge
With this new addition to the Odysseus family, A. Lange & Söhne is entering uncharted territory and demonstrating the Maison's expertise in short-term timekeeping. Even today, the design and production of a chronograph calibre remains one of the greatest challenges in watchmaking, and only a handful of manufacturers possess the technical capabilities to develop and produce such complex movements. Since 1999, A. Lange & Söhne has developed 13 chronograph movements, all of which have been highly acclaimed. "The Odysseus Chronograph takes this modern and uniquely designed product family to the next technical level. It fulfills all the requirements of a versatile stopwatch without sacrificing any of the hallmarks of A. Lange & Söhne's mechanical watches," said Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development.
To support the Odysseus's distinctive dial design, a movement was developed specifically for this watch, positioning both the pointed minute counter and the red chronograph seconds hand in the center of the dial. This allows for the placement of outsize date and day displays at 3 and 9 o'clock, rather than counters. The increased measurement time from 30 to 60 minutes also broadens the chronograph's versatility. It also features an innovative dynamic reset function. After timing, pressing the reset button at 4 o'clock displays a brief but spectacular performance on the dial. While the minute counter hand performs its standard movement of instantly returning to its original position, the red chronograph seconds hand rapidly rotates backwards the same distance it has traveled. In other words, it rewinds one full revolution for each minute measured. If the minute counter hand has not yet reached the 30-minute marker, both hands move counterclockwise toward zero. If the minute counter hand has already passed the 30-minute marker, both hands return clockwise to zero. At this time, the chronograph seconds hand rotates lightning-fast in a single partial-hour revolution.
Dual-Function Push Button
To ensure maximum reliability and ease of use, the developers equipped the waterproof pyramid-shaped push button with an entirely new dual function. Two pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock operate the chronograph to start, stop, and reset the time when the screw-down crown is in its normal position. When the crown is pulled out to its mid-position, the pushers adjust the date and day.
Unique Design
The Odysseus Chronograph's 42.5mm, three-piece stainless steel case is water-resistant to 120 meters and robust enough for leisure and light exercise. Like other models in the family, the brushed case is accented with chamfered edges. The stainless steel bracelet features individual lugs and links with a brushed finish and chamfered corners, creating a beautiful play of light and blending seamlessly with the case. Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, the Odysseus Chronograph, like previous Odysseus models, features a uniquely structured dial with a sense of depth. The black main dial features a granular inner surface, and white gold grooved bar indexes, like the small seconds scale, are set on the outer concentric surface. The palladium-colored flange around the dial features two printed scales.
The outer scale displays fractional seconds, while the inner scale displays minutes and seconds. The red printed numeral 60 at 12 o'clock and the red chronograph seconds hand emphasize the elegance and dynamism of the Odysseus chronograph. In the Odysseus family, Lange's distinctive spear-shaped hour and minute hands stand out even more clearly against the background. Like the central bar indexes, these hands are coated with luminous material. The prominent day and date display also evokes a distinctive Lange aesthetic. This display, appropriate for today's digital age, was inspired by the five-minute clock of the Semper Opera House in Dresden, Germany, a historic landmark for A. Lange & Söhne. This famous stage clock was created by court watchmaker Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes for the opera house's opening in 1841, and digital displays were extremely rare at the time. A. Lange & Söhne's founder, Ferdinand Adolph Lange, studied watchmaking under Gutkaes and later married his daughter.
A unique finishing process in pursuit of perfection
The caliber L156.1 DATOMATIC, powering the Odysseus Chronograph, is A. Lange & Söhne's first automatic chronograph movement. DATOMATIC is a combination of the German words "Datum," meaning date, and "Automatik," meaning self-winding. A skeletonized, partially black-rhodiumed 950 platinum weighted central rotor ensures reliable winding. When fully wound, the barrel provides a 50-hour power reserve. The regulator is designed to maximize rate stability. To achieve this, the balance wheel, which vibrates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, is supported by a bridge plate with a hand-engraved wave pattern, a nod to the watch's waterproofness and the ability to be worn while exercising.
A. Lange & Söhne has always blazed a trail in the crafting and finishing of its movements. The caliber L156.1 DATOMATIC is assembled twice to ensure the utmost precision. It also features many traditional A. Lange & Söhne elements, such as German silver bridges and plates, a hand-engraved balance cock, and gold chatons secured with blued screws, all of which take advantage of the material's unique qualities. Furthermore, every component, even those that are hidden after assembly, is meticulously finished by hand, a feat that can be seen through the sapphire-crystal caseback.
"The Odysseus chronograph symbolizes our company's pioneering spirit, exploring uncharted territory and overcoming obstacles to develop new technologies. Innovation and creativity are A. Lange & Söhne's strengths. With these two strengths, we will continue to steer the world of traditional mechanical watchmaking in new directions," said Wilhelm Schmidt, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne.
About A. Lange & Söhne
When Dresden-born watchmaker Ferdinand Adolph Lange founded his manufactory in 1845, he laid the foundations of Saxon luxury watchmaking. His precious pocket watches remain coveted even today by collectors the world over. After World War II, A. Lange & Söhne was nationalized by the East German government and virtually disappeared. For a time, it seemed as though the brand name would fade from public memory. However, in 1990, Ferdinand Adolph Lange's great-grandson, Walter Lange, revived the brand. Today, the brand produces only a few thousand watches each year, primarily with gold or platinum cases. Every A. Lange & Söhne watch is equipped with a movement developed in-house, meticulously decorated and assembled by hand. With 71 in-house calibers developed since 1990, A. Lange & Söhne has established itself as a world leader. Signature models include the Lange 1, the first mass-produced model to feature an outsize date and the Zeitwerk, featuring a jumping numerals display. Featuring rare complications, the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon and Triple Split are timepieces that embody A. Lange & Söhne's dedication to further enhancing the watchmaking craftsmanship that has been passed down through the generations. In 2019, A. Lange & Söhne launched the Odysseus stainless steel model, which combines lightness and elegance. A new chapter in the history of A. Lange & Söhne.
#alangesoehne #langeodysseus #odysseuschronograph
#athomeinunchartedterritories
#watchesandwonders2023
© 2023 Richemont Japan Ltd.All Rights Reserved
Four years ago, A. Lange & Söhne unveiled the Odysseus, the brand's first elegant sporty watch, featuring a newly developed, exclusive movement with exquisite finishes and a unique design. Now, the Odysseus Chronograph joins this acclaimed family. The stainless-steel case houses the newly developed caliber L156.1, A. Lange & Söhne's first automatic chronograph movement. Its innovative dynamic reset function demonstrates A. Lange & Söhne's commitment to boldly forging new paths and further advancing the mechanical watch. Due to its complex movement, the Odysseus Chronograph is limited to 100 pieces worldwide.
Breaking New Ground in Design and Function
A. Lange & Söhne continues to push the boundaries of modernity and elegance. In 2019, the Odysseus redefined the elegant sporty watch category. To develop this watch, the development team ventured into uncharted territory in watchmaking, creating an unprecedented and unique movement exclusively for this model: the caliber L156.1 DATOMATIC.
Furthermore, new and original advancements have been made in terms of design. The Odysseus's open, airy impression and distinctive form create a contemporary look that sets it apart from other sporty watches. Furthermore, the thin bezel expands the dial, and the spear-shaped hands and the Maison's signature date and day displays ensure excellent legibility.
A Movement Development Challenge
With this new addition to the Odysseus family, A. Lange & Söhne is entering uncharted territory and demonstrating the Maison's expertise in short-term timekeeping. Even today, the design and production of a chronograph calibre remains one of the greatest challenges in watchmaking, and only a handful of manufacturers possess the technical capabilities to develop and produce such complex movements. Since 1999, A. Lange & Söhne has developed 13 chronograph movements, all of which have been highly acclaimed. "The Odysseus Chronograph takes this modern and uniquely designed product family to the next technical level. It fulfills all the requirements of a versatile stopwatch without sacrificing any of the hallmarks of A. Lange & Söhne's mechanical watches," said Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development.
To support the Odysseus's distinctive dial design, a movement was developed specifically for this watch, positioning both the pointed minute counter and the red chronograph seconds hand in the center of the dial. This allows for the placement of outsize date and day displays at 3 and 9 o'clock, rather than counters. The increased measurement time from 30 to 60 minutes also broadens the chronograph's versatility. It also features an innovative dynamic reset function. After timing, pressing the reset button at 4 o'clock displays a brief but spectacular performance on the dial. While the minute counter hand performs its standard movement of instantly returning to its original position, the red chronograph seconds hand rapidly rotates backwards the same distance it has traveled. In other words, it rewinds one full revolution for each minute measured. If the minute counter hand has not yet reached the 30-minute marker, both hands move counterclockwise toward zero. If the minute counter hand has already passed the 30-minute marker, both hands return clockwise to zero. At this time, the chronograph seconds hand rotates lightning-fast in a single partial-hour revolution.
Dual-Function Push Button
To ensure maximum reliability and ease of use, the developers equipped the waterproof pyramid-shaped push button with an entirely new dual function. Two pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock operate the chronograph to start, stop, and reset the time when the screw-down crown is in its normal position. When the crown is pulled out to its mid-position, the pushers adjust the date and day.
Unique Design
The Odysseus Chronograph's 42.5mm, three-piece stainless steel case is water-resistant to 120 meters and robust enough for leisure and light exercise. Like other models in the family, the brushed case is accented with chamfered edges. The stainless steel bracelet features individual lugs and links with a brushed finish and chamfered corners, creating a beautiful play of light and blending seamlessly with the case. Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, the Odysseus Chronograph, like previous Odysseus models, features a uniquely structured dial with a sense of depth. The black main dial features a granular inner surface, and white gold grooved bar indexes, like the small seconds scale, are set on the outer concentric surface. The palladium-colored flange around the dial features two printed scales.
The outer scale displays fractional seconds, while the inner scale displays minutes and seconds. The red printed numeral 60 at 12 o'clock and the red chronograph seconds hand emphasize the elegance and dynamism of the Odysseus chronograph. In the Odysseus family, Lange's distinctive spear-shaped hour and minute hands stand out even more clearly against the background. Like the central bar indexes, these hands are coated with luminous material. The prominent day and date display also evokes a distinctive Lange aesthetic. This display, appropriate for today's digital age, was inspired by the five-minute clock of the Semper Opera House in Dresden, Germany, a historic landmark for A. Lange & Söhne. This famous stage clock was created by court watchmaker Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes for the opera house's opening in 1841, and digital displays were extremely rare at the time. A. Lange & Söhne's founder, Ferdinand Adolph Lange, studied watchmaking under Gutkaes and later married his daughter.
A unique finishing process in pursuit of perfection
The caliber L156.1 DATOMATIC, powering the Odysseus Chronograph, is A. Lange & Söhne's first automatic chronograph movement. DATOMATIC is a combination of the German words "Datum," meaning date, and "Automatik," meaning self-winding. A skeletonized, partially black-rhodiumed 950 platinum weighted central rotor ensures reliable winding. When fully wound, the barrel provides a 50-hour power reserve. The regulator is designed to maximize rate stability. To achieve this, the balance wheel, which vibrates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, is supported by a bridge plate with a hand-engraved wave pattern, a nod to the watch's waterproofness and the ability to be worn while exercising.
A. Lange & Söhne has always blazed a trail in the crafting and finishing of its movements. The caliber L156.1 DATOMATIC is assembled twice to ensure the utmost precision. It also features many traditional A. Lange & Söhne elements, such as German silver bridges and plates, a hand-engraved balance cock, and gold chatons secured with blued screws, all of which take advantage of the material's unique qualities. Furthermore, every component, even those that are hidden after assembly, is meticulously finished by hand, a feat that can be seen through the sapphire-crystal caseback.
"The Odysseus chronograph symbolizes our company's pioneering spirit, exploring uncharted territory and overcoming obstacles to develop new technologies. Innovation and creativity are A. Lange & Söhne's strengths. With these two strengths, we will continue to steer the world of traditional mechanical watchmaking in new directions," said Wilhelm Schmidt, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne.
Technical Specifications
Odysseus Chronograph Ref. 463.178
Movement: Lange manufacture calibre L156.1 DATOMATIC®, automatic, in accordance with Lange's highest quality standards, assembled and decorated by hand, adjusted in five positions, unidirectional winding central rotor with platinum 950 weight, hand-engraved balance plate
Number of movement components: 516
Number of jewels: 52
Screwed gold chatons: 4
Escapement: Anchor escapement
Regulator: Adjusting screws Four-wheel and shock-proof balance, top-quality in-house hairspring, 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), speed adjustment device with cam and swan-neck spring
Power reserve: 50 hours when fully wound
Functions: Time display with hours, minutes and small seconds with stop-seconds function / Date and day display / Chronograph with central chronograph seconds hand and 60-minute totalizer hand
Controls: Screw-down crown for winding and time adjustment / Two pushers for date, day and chronograph adjustment
Case dimensions: Diameter: 42.5 mm, Height: 14.2 mm
Movement dimensions: Diameter: 34.9 mm, Height: 8.4 mm
Case: Stainless steel
Water resistance: up to 12 bar (120 m)
Dial: Brass, black
Hands and applied indexes:
Hour and minute hands: White gold, luminous material
60-minute counter: Rhodium-plated steel, luminous material
Chronograph seconds hand: Aluminum
Indexes: White gold, luminous material
Crystal and case back: Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)
Band: Stainless steel
Buckle: Adjustable buckle with safety mechanism
Limited edition: 100 pieces, individually engraved with limited edition number, exclusive to boutiques
Odysseus Chronograph Ref. 463.178
Movement: Lange manufacture calibre L156.1 DATOMATIC®, automatic, in accordance with Lange's highest quality standards, assembled and decorated by hand, adjusted in five positions, unidirectional winding central rotor with platinum 950 weight, hand-engraved balance plate
Number of movement components: 516
Number of jewels: 52
Screwed gold chatons: 4
Escapement: Anchor escapement
Regulator: Adjusting screws Four-wheel and shock-proof balance, top-quality in-house hairspring, 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), speed adjustment device with cam and swan-neck spring
Power reserve: 50 hours when fully wound
Functions: Time display with hours, minutes and small seconds with stop-seconds function / Date and day display / Chronograph with central chronograph seconds hand and 60-minute totalizer hand
Controls: Screw-down crown for winding and time adjustment / Two pushers for date, day and chronograph adjustment
Case dimensions: Diameter: 42.5 mm, Height: 14.2 mm
Movement dimensions: Diameter: 34.9 mm, Height: 8.4 mm
Case: Stainless steel
Water resistance: up to 12 bar (120 m)
Dial: Brass, black
Hands and applied indexes:
Hour and minute hands: White gold, luminous material
60-minute counter: Rhodium-plated steel, luminous material
Chronograph seconds hand: Aluminum
Indexes: White gold, luminous material
Crystal and case back: Sapphire crystal (Mohs hardness 9)
Band: Stainless steel
Buckle: Adjustable buckle with safety mechanism
Limited edition: 100 pieces, individually engraved with limited edition number, exclusive to boutiques
About A. Lange & Söhne
When Dresden-born watchmaker Ferdinand Adolph Lange founded his manufactory in 1845, he laid the foundations of Saxon luxury watchmaking. His precious pocket watches remain coveted even today by collectors the world over. After World War II, A. Lange & Söhne was nationalized by the East German government and virtually disappeared. For a time, it seemed as though the brand name would fade from public memory. However, in 1990, Ferdinand Adolph Lange's great-grandson, Walter Lange, revived the brand. Today, the brand produces only a few thousand watches each year, primarily with gold or platinum cases. Every A. Lange & Söhne watch is equipped with a movement developed in-house, meticulously decorated and assembled by hand. With 71 in-house calibers developed since 1990, A. Lange & Söhne has established itself as a world leader. Signature models include the Lange 1, the first mass-produced model to feature an outsize date and the Zeitwerk, featuring a jumping numerals display. Featuring rare complications, the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon and Triple Split are timepieces that embody A. Lange & Söhne's dedication to further enhancing the watchmaking craftsmanship that has been passed down through the generations. In 2019, A. Lange & Söhne launched the Odysseus stainless steel model, which combines lightness and elegance. A new chapter in the history of A. Lange & Söhne.
#alangesoehne #langeodysseus #odysseuschronograph
#athomeinunchartedterritories
#watchesandwonders2023
© 2023 Richemont Japan Ltd.All Rights Reserved
