First Look

A. Lange & Sohne’s Collection

By Sarah Jayne Potter | 3 minute read

This year is most certainly an unusual year for us all. Due to the necessary measures and precautions needed in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Watches & Wonders show (formally SIHH) was cancelled and in place they launched a unique digital version in which the exhibiting brands could still showcase their new collections. This article in which we highlight our top pieces from the brands is part of our Watches & Wonders 2020 roundup.

A Lange & Söhne expands its sports-luxe portfolio with a white-gold version of its new and popular Odysseus.

A Lange & Söhne is justifiably renowned for its elegant, luxurious fine timepieces. The company was founded in Germany back in 1845, when watchmaker Ferdinand Adolph Lange began creating exquisite pocket watches that were coveted by collectors across the globe – and the ethos and reputation of the company hasn’t changed since then. Since its relaunch in 1990, the brand has created just a few thousand watches every year, always with the very finest materials. So it was with bated breath that collectors and enthusiasts waited for the new launches this weekend. However, as CEO Wilhelm Schmid says in a video introducing the new watches, it almost didn’t happen. ‘Since a few weeks ago, nothing is as it once was,’ he says. ‘And we have asked ourselves, is it appropriate to unveil new watches during such difficult times? But on the other hand we think it’s very important not to give up everything but to enjoy some of the beautiful things life has to offer. We hope this positive message comes across with our watches.’

We were given our first taste of this brand new watch family on 24 October 2019, exactly 25 years to the day after the debut of the first new-era timepiece collection by Walter Lange and Günter Blümlein, the Odysseus was designed for active people who wish to wear their Lange watch even in situations when a precision mechanical model would ordinarily be set aside. Its prominently sculpted design emphasises the dynamic personality of the watch.

Not only was the Odysseus a sports watch, but it was a stainless-steel one at that! From a company that has stuck resolutely to making watches in precious metals, this seemed almost outrageous. However, the new addition to the A Lange & Söhne line-up settled in quickly, and has since made itself countless fans. Some may have been expecting an extra complication, a chronograph version or perhaps a GMT to join the Odysseus family this spring. But instead the German watch house has opted for an 18-carat white-gold version with a dark grey dial, and with it comes another big first for A Lange & Söhne – a rubber strap option! When it comes to looks, it has all the sophistication that you would expect from the brand, including an elegant 40.5mm case, the classic Lange hands shape, plus prominent day and date displays. Through the back of the watch you can see the L155.1 Datomatic manufacture calibre, which was developed exclusively for the Odysseus.

This piece is also available on a leather dark brown strap for those that want something appropriate for everyday wear. Dark brown straps are a popular choice due to their versatility when it comes to its suitability, and we are sure that this style will be no exception to that rule.

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A. Lange & Sohne’s Collection

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