Review: A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Stainless Steel Reference 363.179
With ingenious design, meticulous attention to detail, artisanal craftsmanship, understated elegance, and brand prestige, the Lange Odysseus stands in a league of its own.
I received the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Stainless Steel almost two years ago. Looking back, I’m surprised I hadn’t written a review sooner or posted pictures on Instagram. With how highly sought-after and hyped this watch was, I guess I avoided showing off my good fortune.
Now, three years after watch prices hit their peak, the values of hyped models, including the Odysseus steel version, have finally settled closer to their list prices. It feels like the right time to review this watch based on its own merits, free from the influence of market hype.
My Odyssey in Pursuing the Steel Odysseus
My first Lange watch was a Saxonia Outsize Date in rose gold, which I purchased from Jomashop, out of all places, in early 2019. The watch was brand new, with warranty paperwork indicating a South American authorized dealer. I managed to register the watch with Lange directly and received a cleaning cloth marked with the movement number.
In October 2019, the steel Odysseus was launched, introducing a new family of sporty, elegant timepieces for Lange. I fell in love with it right away. However, it was nearly impossible to even catch a glimpse of this novelty—not just for me, but also for the sales staff at a local multi-brand Lange AD.
Around December 2020, after making no progress, I reached out to Andy, a contact I made on Instagram who happened to be a client director at a Lange boutique in Asia. Andy advised me to stop day-dreaming about the steel Odysseus but focus on the white gold version which was much more accessible. He then connected me with Juel (not his real name) at a Lange boutique in Southern California, an hour’s flight from my home.
Juel kindly treated me as an existing customer, thanks to my ownership of a Saxonia Outsize Date. Sure enough, the white gold Odysseus was delivered about two months after the order. Juel made sure I was able to pay for it just before the annual price hike and even included a second leather strap for free.
It was a marvelous timepiece with the Odysseus aesthetic and a hefty weight. It did feel like a different watch compared to the steel Odysseus, due to the differences in dial color and texture, case material, and bracelet/strap design.
As I went down the Lange rabbit hole, the 1815 chronograph stood out to me, particularly the model with a pink gold case and argenté dial, featuring a stunning movement. Juel mentioned that purchasing an 1815 chronograph would allow me to get in line for a steel Odysseus, my first love. Since the pieces in the "bundle" was exactly what I wanted, the proposition seemed like a no-brainer.
Shortly after receiving the 1815 chronograph, I got an email confirming the Odysseus allocation. Part of the email read: "It is our utmost pleasure to hereby inform you that you are on the ODYSSEUS request list." and "We therefore kindly ask for your patience while every piece of this watch is created by the hands of an artisan watchmaker."
The wait took exactly two full years—the longest I had ever waited for a watch by then. During that time, Juel left Lange and moved out of state, leaving me with another boutique team member. I have to admit, I occasionally doubted if the watch would ever arrive. But when the call finally came, I was over the moon!
For me, I couldn’t ask for more. I now have in my collection an ultimate chronograph, the 1815 chronograph, and an ultimate steel sports watch, both from one of the most prestigious watch brands. I wasn’t a high spender by Lange standard, but the Lange team members treated me with genuine care and professionalism.
Standout Features of the Steel Odysseus
What is the greatest appeal of the Lange Odysseus? Different people may have different answers. To me, as an engineer by training, the most impressive aspect of this watch is the German engineering feats and innovations embedded in this small horological wonder. Here are the top standout features of the steel Odysseus.
Big Date/Day Display & Pushers
The outsize date, three times as large as those found in watches of comparable dimensions, is an iconic Lange feature. The big date display stands out from the beautiful dials of the Lange 1, Datograph, Saxonia Outsize Date, and many other models. For the first time, both the date and day of the week are displayed in large format on the Odysseus dial. Facilitated by three discs, the date-day display is hard to surpass in terms of legibility.
Rather than being adjusted by the crown, the date and day are controlled by two hidden pushers that also function as crown guards. The pusher at 2 o’clock controls the date, while the pusher at 4 o’clock manages the day of the week. It takes a bit of pressure to activate the pusher, which helps prevent accidental operations.
This ingenious and distinctive design requires only a single push when it’s time to advance the date at the end of February, April, June, September, and November each year. This is truly a textbook example of form following function and offers the best in everyday usability.
All New Movement L155.1
The Odysseus, both the steel and white gold models, features the caliber L155.1 Datomatic, specifically designed with sports and leisure activities in mind. In line with Lange’s tradition, all parts are beautifully hand-finished and the movement is assembled twice.
Unlike the movements found in Lange’s dress watches, this 312-part caliber introduces several key advancements. The balance wheel is suspended by a sturdy bridge rather than a cock, enhancing shock resistance and durability. Its oscillation system beats at a higher frequency of 4 Hertz, compared to the usual 3 Hertz, improving rate stability. Additionally, the movement is self-winding and offers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.
The timing performance of the Odysseus steel model has proven to be remarkably accurate. Measurements taken with a timegrapher consistently showed precision within the range of +1 to -1 seconds per day.
Impressive specs aside, the solidly built Odysseus movement is a beauty to behold. Holding the watch and giving it a fast shake, the rotor spins at high speed for several seconds, producing a satisfying whir that accompanies its motion. It is truly a mechanical marvel — the fantastic result of 10 years of planning and 4 years of intensive development.
Adjustable Steel Bracelet
At first glance, the stainless steel bracelet on the Odysseus may not look particularly special or out of the ordinary. However, this bracelet is exceptionally comfortable to wear. Its solid weight provides a nice balance to the watch, allowing it to sit securely on the wrist.
More importantly, the bracelet length can be adjusted in small steps of up to 7 millimeters thanks to an impressive deployant buckle. By pressing the pusher embossed with the Lange signature, the bracelet can be pulled or pushed to achieve the desired length.
It is not necessary to open the buckle when making adjustments. I use my index finger to hold down the pusher, while using my thumb and middle finger to move the bracelet in or out, all while the watch is on the other wrist. I simply have not encountered a smarter design for on-the-fly bracelet adjustment.
If needed, the bracelet can also be extended by adding or removing links. Two pushers are provided, along with a video tutorial explaining how to operate the bracelet. For me, one link had to be removed to fit my 18 cm wrist size.
The Odysseus steel bracelet is integrated but not interchangeable, which some consider a drawback. However, this steel bracelet, with its 36 mm lug-to-lug distance, has truly grown on me with its fit, balance, micro-adjustment, and good looks. I genuinely have no desire to switch to a rubber strap.
Additional Features and Specifications
Here are some notable features and specifications:
Screw-down crown that operates smoothly, ensuring 120-meter water resistance.
Hacking function for precise time-setting.
Green lume on the hour and minute hands, as well as the hour markers.
Self-winding movement with a 50-hour power reserve.
Unidirectional winding central rotor with a platinum centrifugal mass.
Case diameter: 40.5 mm.
Case thickness: 11.1 mm.
Reference: 363.179 / LSLS3635BA.
List price at the 2019 launch: $28,800; current price: $39,100.
In summary, the steel Odysseus is a meticulously constructed sporty-elegant timepiece, impressive from every angle and judged by every detail. It is a watch that not only excels in specifications but also meets the bars for satisfying daily wear with flying colors.
It keeps incredibly accurate time, with an error of just 1 or 2 seconds per day, while also offering intricate wave-themed engraving on the balance cock, best appreciated under a loupe. As a versatile timepiece for all occasions, it truly ticks all the boxes.
After all, the Odysseus steel is the first model of a new collection, created from the ground up by Germany’s most skilled watch designers and artisans, drawing inspiration from the aesthetic and horological legacy of a prestigious brand. It must have been an Odyssean endeavor spanning multiple grinding years, overcoming countless technical hurdles, to achieve this final dazzling creation.
Paving the Way for a New Family
According to Lange, the complexity of the Odysseus movement L155.1 rivals that of the Lange 1. With a limited number of experienced watchmakers at the Lange Manufacture, the production volume of the Odysseus movement remains low, resulting in long wait times for the watches.
The scarcity of Odysseus has only heightened demand. At its peak, secondary market prices for the steel Odysseus were about three times the introductory list price. Yet, many Odysseus owners held on to their watches. Who can blame them? The Odysseus is a versatile timepiece that ticks all the boxes.
The Odysseus steel model marked the debut of an entire family of timepieces, paving the way for the broader success of the Odysseus collection. Following the introductions of the Odysseus in white gold and titanium, the groundbreaking Odysseus Chronograph was unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023 to rave reviews.
Today, Odysseus has firmly established itself as the sixth family in Lange’s prestigious watch collections.
In A League of Its Own
So, how does the steel Odysseus with its dark blue dial measure up against the esteemed competition in the crowded field of steel sports watches? Within its price range and celebrated brand heritage, its most direct rivals are the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Vacheron Constantin Overseas.
With this group, we are truly at the pinnacle of watchmaking, where the choice of which timepiece to pursue largely depends on personal taste and preference. Yet, the Odysseus manages to distinguish itself from the rest, a point made clear by the latest 2024 Swiss Watch Industry Report by Morgan Stanley.
In terms of average retail prices, all four brands fall within the same range, firmly establishing them in the ultra-luxury category. However, when it comes to yearly production volume, Lange is considerably smaller than the other three brands. Furthermore, the Odysseus is a much more recent introduction, separated from its competitors by 30 to 50 years.
These factors contribute to the fact that the Odysseus is a far rarer watch to encounter in real life. This rarity is convincingly demonstrated by the significantly lower number of listings on Chrono24, as shown in the table above.
Despite surging demand and the frustration of eager collectors, Lange has maintained a very low production volume for the Odysseus. The latest Odysseus Chronograph, for instance, is a limited edition of just 100 pieces due to its remarkable horological complexity. This deliberate control over production is reminiscent of F.P. Journe’s approach, resulting in a hidden gem that provides owners with lasting satisfaction and enjoyment.
The Odysseus emerged right before the explosive surge in watch prices driven by the pandemic’s pent-up demand. Now that the hype has subsided, and the watch market has returned to a more balanced, competitive landscape, the true heroes will endure and thrive. With its ingenious design, meticulous attention to detail, artisanal craftsmanship, understated elegance, and brand prestige, the Lange Odysseus undoubtedly stands in a league of its own.
How does the steel version compare to the white gold version as far as "wrist feel" given the weight differences?
Nice share! Btw, $28,800 at the 2019 launch price is in fact over $36k today, so at $39ish retail today, that isn't actually as wild a jump as it may seem to be...