Back in 2019 haute horologists A. Lange & Söhne threw out a curveball when they suddenly decided to take a plunge into the arena of sports luxe with the original Odysseus. Then, in 2020 they showed that actually they weren’t that interested in the ‘sports’ aspect of it and released it in white gold. However, for Watches & Wonders 2022 they’ve announced a new take on the Odysseus that harks back to its sporty roots with the brand’s first ever titanium case.
In terms of the Odysseus Titanium Ref. 363.117’s design, it follows closely in the footsteps of its predecessors. The case has a 40.5mm diameter with a height 11.1mm with prominent tapered buttons, except that now of course it’s made from titanium. Titanium is a high performance material that’s approximately 43% lighter than steel while also more robust and corrosion resistant. It’s a natural fit for a sports watch and has also been used for the sporty bracelet. Although it’s worth bearing in mind that some collectors prefer the extra heft of steel as the extreme light weight can mean a slightly ‘cheaper feel’.
Aside from the updated case, the dial has also undergone some alterations. Most notably it’s a new colour, which A. Lange & Söhne describe as ice-blue. However, from the pictures it only looks the faintest bit blue when directly compared to the grey dial of the 2020 white gold edition, otherwise light grey is a far more apt description.
As further proof that the titanium Odysseus is a return to its sports luxe roots, the finishing on the dial is almost identical to the original steel Odysseus not the revamped dial of the gold version.
The only area that hasn’t been changed at all is the movement, which is still the L155.1 DATOMATIC. It’s an automatic calibre with a 50-hour power reserve wound by a platinum rotor. Plus, the whole movement is immaculately finished with manual engraving and Glashütte stripes. The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Titanium is limited to 250 pieces at £48,600.
Price & Specs:
Model: A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Titanium
Reference: 363.117
Case/dial: 40.5mm diameter x 11.1mm height, titanium case, brass ice blue dial
Water resistance: 120m (12 bar)
Movement: Lange manufacture calibre L155.1 DATOMATIC®, automatic, 31 jewels, 312 parts
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 50h
Functions: Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds, date/day
Strap: Titanium bracelet
Price/availability: £48,600, limited to 250 pieces
More details at A. Lange & Söhne.
