A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus: Expectations Vs Reality | A Week On The Wrist

The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus was released last October, which feels, now, in March of 2020, like a million years ago. The Odysseus was the first full production stainless steel watch from Lange, which prior to its launch confined itself almost exclusively to precious metal timepieces. The folks at Lange obviously put a lot of thought into making something that would clearly be a Lange watch - instantly identifiable as one, in fact - while at the same time breaking new ground.
In this episode of A Week On The Wrist, HODINKEE Editor-In-Chief Jack Forster lays out his thoughts on the Odysseus - and how it fares against the considerable levels of expectation the watch community had for this high profile release.
To read the full article, visit: www.hodinkee.c...

[@andrewbrown5636]

I’ll reserve judgment till I try one on.. remember the Royal Oak wasn’t Initially very well received

[@fxn]

Let's counter so much drama. This watch is AMAZING, it is GORGEOUS on the wrist. For my taste, the bracelet adds a certain presence, integrity, personality. And when you sweat in the summer no damage is done. You can also regularly clean this piece with water and mild soap to keep it as nice as it was on day one. Because you wear this watch every day. I do not agree that what you expect from Lange is a Lange 1, as said in the video. Lange has departed already into new directions with the Zeitwerk and Richard Lange families, for example. Now the Odysseus. I find that remarkable, because they are totally different designs, but you look at them and they are Langes.

[@davidofglenbrook4487]

It’s undoubtedly an important watch and there are aspects of it (e.g., movement finish) that are absolutely state-of-the art. But certain design flaws noted by others (e.g., bracelet proportions) keep it from being one of the “greats” like the Lange 1 or the 1815. However, I suspect that over time, the good aspects will be kept (and even improved) and the “not so good” aspects diminished. Let’s see...

[@loltanios]

This thing looks great on the wrist. The hand legibility in the distance wrist shots is amazing. Idk, I wasn’t a fan of this design at first but I find myself lusting after it. Might be a future classic.

[@jonathansmith283]

such a handsome , complicated wrist watch . I would love to own one. ~. JDS/CT

[@nadeemkhoury2254]

I think this watch is a perfect execution of Lange’s way of introducing a steel watch, it doesn’t have to be inspired by Genta’s design to qualify as a steel sports watch, I think people just like hating on anything new, lange introduced something new, certainly nothing like the BR05 or the alpine eagle by Chopard. This watch is original and I like that

[@leftclicky]

The more I see it, the more I like it.

[@pabloisaac6387]

Unpopular opinion: The watch is just beautiful, the strap, the dial, the pushers, the movement... I find it REALLY attractive and if I had the money would buy it no questions asked

[@nodidog]

I wish they'd make a stainless steel Zeitwerk, such an iconic design

[@hocly22]

I think this is the most masculine design out of all the luxury integrated sports watches (even more so than the RO). I like it a lot, those wrist shots changed everything for me. This is a watch that looks much better worn vs. sitting on a desk. I might be biased as I love going for less mainstream sleepers (I have a gen 3 overseas) But this just became one of my grail pieces.

[@ronhan1612]

When it was first launched, there were many who didn't like it. I'm glad I followed my heart. Today there's at least a 2 year waiting list and that subject to bundling of another watch.

[@joshbostic4917]

I love the positioning of the day and date and the perfectly symmetrical layout of the dial. One of the most beautifully-executed dials I've seen on a sports watch. As always, excellent in-depth reporting by Jack.

[@jerrywest3668]

I actually got to wear this watch at the Lange boutique, it's WAY better looking in person, the bracelet width is no issue AT ALL once you put it on...

[@ip_freely]

Me too - I was so surprised how fantastic it was in person. I wanted to purchase but my wife did not approve ....

[@jerrywest3668]

@@ip_freely Your AD would actually sell you one? My AD says the first 3 in 2020 are reserved for super VIP clients only.

[@ip_freely]

@@jerrywest3668 Yes, but we were in Singapore on holiday, mid-November. They were offering me it at around $40T or $35T Singaporean dollars; I can't remember exactly because I was doing the conversion in my head. It is a beautiful beautiful watch. I am generally not a fan of A&L's case and dial aesthetics (although I can def appreciate), but the Odysseus was a homerun. If it was a black dial, I think I would have bit the bullet ... absolutely fantastic.

[@jerrywest3668]

SOGANGSTA so the Sgp AD would actually sell to a stranger from overseas, interesting...

[@slojam81]

Lange has a definite history of sporty watches with their Flieger watch heritage, Lange being one of the 5 watchmakers officially appointed to produce them during WWII. They should've gone down that route instead of just slapping an overly wide bracelet on a dress watch head.

[@Boros777]

The bracelet integration seems to be the biggest problem many have with the watch, it doesn’t look up to AL&S standards (at least in the pictures). I’m very curious to see it in the metal...

[@tar1895]

The Odysseus is a once and future classic. It’s exactly what I’d want and expect from a Lange steel sports watch. Ignore the naysayers this ones a winner folks.

[@CJ-rb3do]

It’s still a no from me. It crossed that confusing line between dress and sports watch and neither is justified. The bracelet is too chunky and the small seconds just doesn’t make sense IMO. Even the Gods make mistakes - god has made a few here.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Well, despite the eccentric seconds hand, having zero real water resistance precludes the fact that it ain't no "Sports Watch", no?

[@christopherliang6879]

Tomasina Covell I thought it has 120 meters of water resistance

[@NegitiveFeedback]

@@christopherliang6879 it does. 120m 100%. Shock resistant too

[@stevehs4287]

The bracelet integration and design is so unaesthetic that it overwhelms the watch itself which I quite like. The bracelet quite frankly looks awful to my eyes.

[@srijantandon2698]

It does look much better on a leather strap yeah

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Exactly my comment.

[@jacopomezzadri9783]

It looks like a seiko 5 bracelet

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Well, despite the eccentric seconds hand, having zero real water resistance precludes the fact that it ain't no "Sports Watch", no?

[@tonihasler7772]

well i guess you can‘t really discuss about taste, in my opinion they did a great job with that bracelet

[@tobyt684]

hodinkee...you missed the point why they put the second hand in a subdial. it is to keep the dial uncluttered. no second hand passes the day and date windows.

[@brunonjezic6208]

Looks great on the wrist. I like that still it looks as Lange.

[@user-kd2ez2mb3c]

Lange has always been good at their own league. This one was an attempt of stepping outside the box a little.

[@geroldatlarge1841]

This watch is ALS's first sport model. That in itself makes it collectable and wanted. There are plenty of ALS fans world wide who will gladly buy this watch.

[@bernardibrahim]

perhaps I'm predisposed by its name, but the watch looks somewhat Hellenistic to me. It looks delicate yet stern, I really like it

[@conradbo1]

Great video Hodinkee. I love this watch a lot.

[@audemarspiguet2722]

I love the overall dial design and movement finish but hate the bracelet and price. Surely if you can’t get or don’t want a RO or Nautilus, the obvious alternative is a VC Overseas with a blue dial (which comes in several USDk less than this even at retail).

[@jonathanblackberry9512]

i really like that date button. This watch is unique. it is it's own thing. as a collector i would get it just because everyone does not like it. that means very few people will have it.

[@lipoff]

I didn't like it at first, but it's really grown on me.

[@IndeedBeni]

Still not sold on the watch, but always a pleasure listening to Jack.

[@luisrocha8779]

Simply beautiful

[@sghu11]

How hard is it to call it ugly?

[@TheNotoriousKID]

sghu11 it isn’t at all... u gotta call a spade a spade... the thing is ugly as shit.

[@MichaelMacco]

Nice video. Though it was mildly annoying that he kept saying “Lange and Sohne” sans the “A.”

[@Khanh.Nguyen369]

Finally am on the wrist review. I absolutely love this thing and it looked just as great in person. I feel it fell short because either them or the public tried to define it as an integrated bracelet sports watch. It’s not even close to integrated bracelet. It’s just an original and very nice sports watch.

[@111ImNumber1]

You can never go wrong with Lange

[@vincentluteijn]

Please make a video about Cartier tank a week on the wrist

[@sangyeung2368]

I like the dial, in particular the symmetric day-date window, but not the bracelet. Wonder if a rubber strap model in the future.

[@DaltonPeters1]

The finishing is amazing, the dial is awesome, the movement is great, and even the pushers are cool; but the half-assed integration of the bracelet is just unappealing. The lugs just don't fit well with the concept. Ironically it might look really good on leather.

[@joshbostic4917]

I agree. Absolutely amazing dial (which is a given with Lange) but the bracelet integration missed the mark, at least to my eyes. I too would like to see a few wrist shots on a leather or nice rubber strap.

[@tim462]

Great Watch! But for me the lug with to diameter ratio doesn‘t fit really 😅 Nonetheless a great review 👍🏼 Greetings from Germany :)

[@vidung1234]

Visual trick. You can see the lug width and bezel size did make the watch looks smaller on wrist.

[@Registered_Democrat]

The AD at the boutique quoted me 38K for this timepiece this past weekend?

[@ALSVCJK]

some rapid steep price increases these past three years. :(

[@medroastt9888]

The dial texture reminds me of a teflon pan :)

[@ksimon6775]

This watch reminds me of a Dolly Parton quote : "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap". Basically the code 11.59 of Lange.

[@eetulahti3223]

Agree, it doesn't look like they spent a lot of time in designing the Odysseus especially if you compare it to the Lange 1 that's next to it in the video.

[@TheNotoriousKID]

Dave Mendoza I can afford it, and it’s ugly.

[@raffaelschutzenhofer4222]

A slow release. First I hated it, I was annoyed by it. But know I'm in love with it. My new grail!

[@dlhussain81]

If only the end links were properly integrated

[@_tgreg1]

I don’t hate it as it’s own watch but next to the nautilus and royal oak in steel with blue dials I just don’t think they got close. Those are iconic.

[@abdullahalmoqbali2455]

Dear Hodinkee Would you please create a video special for all types and styles of metal bracelet? Vintage watches seems to have amazing bracelets

[@addj7093]

A stunning piece 👏🏻 👌🏻

[@ALSVCJK]

Very sad the newest steel models have been updated and the bracelet is now fully integrated and cannot be swapped out for a strap. Strap changes would've been killer on a watch like this

[@drewmcmahon2629]

I love this watch

[@gpearce11]

I like it, quite a lot, although I still prefer the VC Overseas. While I definitely agree that the design (especially the bracelet) left much to be desired in press photos, I have noticed it does look noticeably better on wrist and in video. I especially appreciate that they managed to add a bracelet, fully lumed dial, and 120m WR and still make it feel like a Lange; if I were to develop a Lange collection, I’d choose this over an Overseas or Nautilus, because it can hold its own against them, while still fitting in well within the collection. I still think it’s not perfect, however. Other than the imperfect bracelet integration (which came so close to being great), I’m also not throughly impressed by the movement. It’s obviously incredibly well finished, but I feel that a 50h PR and uni-directional winding is a left a little wanting for a movement released in 2019. I also think at $28K it’s overpriced compared to a $20K VC Overseas.

[@logwind]

$30k to spend on a watch; this wouldn't be it.

[@misteratoz]

True. You can't get one for even twice that now.

[@chateaubullion2560]

I've read somewhere this watch was ten years in the making. My first reaction was, "Really? Are you sure you're not trying to capitalize on the popularity of stainless sports watches?" I like Lange, especially 1815 and Grand Langematik but not this particular watch.

[@James-zy4nc]

That whole 10 years thing is pure marketing speak. What they mean is “we’ve been talking about making a steel sports watch in meetings for 10 years.”

[@nishantprakash5928]

@@James-zy4nc wrong. Lange has been trying to make a stainless steel watch for way over 10 years. They made a total of 4 designs, but rejected the other 3. The Odyessus was the 4th.

[@cliveb15]

Great review, I love the watch and will trade in my Lange 1 ASAP

[@jrlee1031]

The best sports model watch!

[@johnkollias6782]

I really think this is a beautiful watch. Unfortunately the price is out of my range and given it's a Lange, it's highly unlikely it'll ever be in my price range. It's make no difference because it'll still be admired by many watch enthusiasts whether they can own it or admire it. Enjoyed the video, thanks.

[@jimlittle5769]

I'll trade as many of my watches as I need to to get my Lange, be it a Lange 1 or this.

[@jayoungrn]

All the negative comments and now you would need 75K to buy it on the secondary market

[@NinjaFighter31]

Nice watch and luv luv that blue dial

[@sanghoonlee5171]

6:58 Maybe it would look cleaner if the bracelet were fully integrated, without hard angles? Of course then it would look like a Vacheron Overseas or Chopard Classic Fusion, but why not?? It's a good look.

[@103ii]

The concentric circles used does not set well with the overall design! I just wish it was smoother or something different.

[@TheNotoriousKID]

103ii everything about the watch design is a joke... I can’t take this watch seriously but I’m sure there’s a customer for it.

[@watchreviews4k]

Interesting content. Regards.

[@oldenglish91]

I wasn’t going to judge it until i had it on my wrist. Went to the ALS boutique on Madison Ave and tried on their sample piece. Did nothing for me but to each their own. I also think the price is outrageous.

[@TheNotoriousKID]

oldenglish91 I appreciate your honesty.

[@lewisjones3345]

The mistake is that they want $30k! There is no way I would rather have that at $30k, than a full collection of watches comprised of Rolex, Omega and JLC. (Example: new Rolex Batman, Omega Speedy, Omega aqua terra blue, JLC MUT for roughly $30k)

[@jameswestconsultant]

This piece needs a strap variant like the VC Overseas immediately. I know of what I speak as I’ve tried the Lange on at the boutique as a preferred client and I own the new Overseas. That’s all they have to do and it’s a winner. The rubber strap with deployant has transformed the VC into a piece that has the look and feel of an Aquanaut. The head now stands out instead of getting lost in the bracelet.

[@yvelf]

Exactly my thought.

[@markobjelanovic5444]

The impression of it being a cynical business move by L&S was really reinforced by the nice graph in the beginning with dollar signs showing how the market has gone up on these steel sport watches. Quite distasteful.

[@geralddorrian100]

My dream watch

[@NoOne-ki3bm]

I’m a big fan of A. Lange, and I’ve never handled an Odysseus yet so my opinion shouldn’t be given much weight. However, my feelings is the lug-to-lug distance seems like it may be a little too long and will create gaps between your wrist and the lugs/bracelet area. I’m guessing with the bracelet the distance across the wrist is +51mm, which is too long before is starts to curve down around your wrist. Plus the way the bracelet integrates with the lugs already makes me think this watch will wear larger than 41.5mm, which is already at the upper end of what I think an elegant sports watch should be.

[@NoOne-ki3bm]

Some positives though. I thought the asymmetrical case/pusher design and function was nicely done. I also thought they stayed true to their A. Lange DNA with the big Date and Day which balances the dial out well.

[@aleksandersiemaszko6027]

The bracelet seems to wide compared to the watch/dial size in general. I do like the dial, with the exception of the big day... Seems a bit off, tbh. I would definetely go for a different Lange.

[@TimG--]

Not there yet. Nice video mate

[@lowersaxon]

Stunning watch. Better looking than many others as well. You cant beat the craftmanship anyway.

[@Sams911]

for me in a similar price bracket... the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V is the way to go... just more class.

[@dellwright1407]

VCO reminds me of my old trusty Tissot PR100m. The AL&S is really something special.

[@Sams911]

@@dellwright1407 in terms of look/design sure.. but the finish work on a VC is order(s) of magnitude above a Tissot.. 🤣

[@dellwright1407]

@@Sams911 of course, that goes without saying. Hence the price. I just prefer that AL&S design in general... including the Lange 1 black dial moon phase. Gorgeous watches.

[@Sams911]

@@dellwright1407 gentleman will disagree... But if that's very possible when comparing anything to a Lange..

[@markdance574]

For a general sports watch Unless it’s a chronograph I feel a seconds hand should be mounted on a centre mounted single arm . Having a seconds sub dial just makes the watch look more formal than sporty . But taking into account the brand for their first attempt I think it’s ok .

[@sanghoonlee5171]

I'm sure it looks stunning in real life. The indices right next to day/date windows look very weird, though.

[@shaverray4462]

There’s something not quite right about those bracelet endlinks. But overall it’s a handsome watch, without doubt. Far too expensive, though, for what it is.

[@tkguindy]

It is a formidable timepiece and Lange has started the sports watch race with a statement. The Classic Lange Date and Day are a reminder that on the case back lays the superiority in watchmaking. The blue dial is well executed but if they had gone gray it would have been a nice push against the trend. The price is contradicting the brand strategy since a Lange 1 is not far away. For 20k yes, for 30k no, give me a Lange 1 for the stretch!

[@Aneosody]

Jack- "Is it the vibe?"

[@TheBarts27]

Beautiful watch. I would buy it, if I could afford it. The caseback is stunning and the dial is also a real Lange. The bracelet is not the strongest part of the watch. The glasp is great but the bracelet itself is a bit busy/dated and too wide (or it looks too wide) in comparison to the size of the case. I don't like the fit to the case (bracelet between the lugs). The big date and big day date are great but it is a pitty that on the days until the 10th of each month the first date window is a blank. It shoudl be 01 etc. This would look better for the balance of the dial. I would also like to see this watch in black and with a GMT hand.

[@drnattee]

Beautiful

[@jfrschnell]

My initial approach was this is not a ALS watch. As I start to see this watch a little everywhere on videos(watch media) my perception is changing. Still something is missing but it is still a ALS watch.

[@finkejak]

I actually really like the watch, including the bracelet... For me, the bigger question was the availability, and, to a certain degree, whether that price is justified.

[@anilchamba007]

Beautiful time piece

[@astrostl]

Looks way thicker on the wrist than I expected against an 11mm spec.

[@blingblingstarmie-5294]

a completely new watch from a brand you have certain expectations of ís like seeing a new aspect of an old friend. These watches often recieve hate (*cough* CODE 11:59 *cough*), but once people adjust these are liked more and more. These century old companies dont think in terms of weeks or months but in terms of years and decades. People who very vocally hate on the odysseus and the code 11:59 have forgotten that that was the exact reaction to the nautilus and royal oak when the first came out. I'm looking forward to what the coming years will bring to these models.

[@roberthiers5606]

Is it available?

[@redbird963]

The multiple dial finishes in blue reminds me of the Polaris.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Take out that horrible 400 $ Tissot looking bracelet and put in on a decent leather strap and this looks ten times better. I honestly can't think of one expensive watch being so ruined by an ugly bracelet.

[@TheNotoriousKID]

SpaghettiKillah a leather strap would save the watch as far as winning some wrist time, but it won’t win it any design awards.

[@michaelbishop9157]

Aquanaut 5167 or Omega SMP 300

[@Wa-wk6qk]

Well it wouldnt be a sports watch anymore..

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Ben A yeah I know, but at least it would look decent. Not that you're doin' any "sports" with a Lange anyway.

[@lifematch]

The bracelet is amazing quality. U just don’t like the design.

[@jwhard2385]

AP CODE 11.59 became appealing compares to this

[@NickJamesonASMR]

at first I thought WE stands for WEEKEND :D

[@non527]

Very nice to see A.Lange appealing to the budget market with this visually entrancing piece! I'm picking up some strong vibes of Tissot blended with microbrand shitter aesthetics. Brave!

[@miroslavrnjakovic8850]

Not my cup of tea, but yet, I find your review quite rewarding. Some of us may dislike the aesthaethics, but, it's still a Lange, and certainly, none of us would deny wearing one. Buying one? Not me, that is for certain.

[@08680868]

I really like this watch , it fits the brand identity so well but still seems so refreshing

[@humanbeing1675]

Yes. I still think that the bracelet is the weak point of this watch. But it starts getting better and I still believe you have to see and feel it at an AD for a final jugdement.

[@cecedabo]

the more I see it the more I love it

[@123AngelosOnline]

Can you please do the Alpine Eagle?

[@TuEIite]

I like it. I'd take it over an Overseas, but I'd also take a RO over both.

[@MadMan-cp6tn]

Next: Odysseus LE for Hodinkee...

[@JA-oi4vj]

absolutely grail watch for me

[@Norman-mn7gp]

Thanks for making these times a little more confirtable. Today, the great heroes are doctors, doctors and scientists. Antimagnetic watches are very useful for them. IWC Ingenier, Rolex Milgauss, Baume Mercier Baumatic, Omega Aqua Terra 15 gauss and Railmaster, Sinn and BALL and Alsta have models with these characteristics. could you talk about them my greetings from Nicaragua ...

[@maheshpoy3924]

Are we supposed to keep crown down?

[@dso1986]

Imagine this watch with a flatter version of the vacheron overseas bracelet, where the middle is slightly wider

[@ultimaetsolder]

Please present the Invicta 8926.

[@impexRQ]

I love it 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@anacquiredtaste3582]

I want one