A. Lange & Sohne Odysseus Honeygold

A. Lange & Söhne introduced the Odysseus line in 2019, marking a significant step for the esteemed German watchmaker into the realm of sporty, yet highly refined timepieces suitable for daily wear and active pursuits. The collection aimed to blend the brand's renowned mechanical complexity and meticulous finishing with a more robust and versatile character. Now, the Odysseus family welcomes a particularly striking member: the Reference 363.150, rendered in the company's proprietary 18-carat Honeygold alloy, paired with a deep brown dial and, for the first time in the Odysseus line, a matching solid Honeygold bracelet.



Before delving into this specific model, understanding the heritage of A. Lange & Söhne provides crucial context. Founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in the small town of Glashütte, Saxony, the company quickly established a reputation for exceptional precision pocket watches. Lange not only built watches but also helped establish Glashütte as the center of German watchmaking, introducing innovations like the three-quarter plate, screw balance, and precision measuring tools. The company flourished for generations, synonymous with the highest standards of horological craft.



The mid-20th century brought significant disruption. Following World War II, the company's assets were expropriated under the Soviet administration, and the A. Lange & Söhne name essentially disappeared from the watchmaking landscape for decades. The brand ceased to exist, its legacy seemingly confined to history books and the collections of discerning enthusiasts who cherished the antique masterpieces.



However, the reunification of Germany presented a unique opportunity. In 1990, Walter Lange, the great-grandson of the founder, alongside industry veteran Günter Blümlein, seized the moment to resurrect the legendary name. With a clear vision to restore the brand to its former glory and compete at the highest level of watchmaking, they re-registered the A. Lange & Söhne trademark and set about rebuilding the company in its ancestral home of Glashütte.



Their dedication culminated in 1994 with the presentation of the first collection of the new era, featuring four distinct models, including the now-iconic Lange 1. This launch signaled not just the return of a historic name but the arrival of a force that would redefine German high watchmaking. The focus remained squarely on mechanical ingenuity, unparalleled finishing, and a distinct design language often incorporating asymmetrical dials and the signature outsize date display.



This commitment to excellence paved the way for creations like the Odysseus. The line was conceived for individuals seeking a Lange timepiece that could accompany them beyond formal occasions, into the realms of sport and leisure, without compromising on the mechanical artistry expected from the brand. It needed to be robust, water-resistant, and practical, leading to the development of a specific case design and a dedicated movement.



The Odysseus Honeygold, reference 363.150, represents the fourth iteration in terms of material and color within the Odysseus family. Its defining feature is the use of 18-carat Honeygold for both the case and, crucially, the integrated bracelet. This specific gold alloy is exclusive to A. Lange & Söhne. Its unique formulation results in a warm, subtle hue, distinct from traditional yellow or rose gold, possessing a unique visual character. Beyond aesthetics, Honeygold is also notably harder and more scratch-resistant than other gold alloys, aligning perfectly with the Odysseus's intended purpose as a durable, everyday luxury sports watch.



The case construction embodies the Odysseus design philosophy. Measuring 40.5 mm in diameter and a relatively slim 11.1 mm in thickness, it strikes a balance suitable for various wrist sizes and activities. The design language is characterized by a dynamic interplay of forms, incorporating both rounded contours and sharp, angular facets. A narrow bezel maximizes the dial aperture, giving the watch a strong presence on the wrist.



Distinctive elements define the case profile. Tapered pushers, located at 2 and 4 o'clock flanking the screw-down crown, provide quick correction for the day-of-week and date displays, respectively. These pushers are integrated smoothly into the case middle, contributing to the watch's unique silhouette. The surfaces feature a sophisticated mix of finishes, with predominantly brushed areas contrasting sharply against meticulously polished chamfers. This interplay extends from the case middle to the lugs, creating a cohesive and visually intricate object. Ensuring practicality, the case is water-resistant to 12 bar (approximately 120 meters), suitable for swimming and water sports.



Turning to the dial, the Odysseus Honeygold features a rich brown color. This choice complements the warm tone of the Honeygold case and bracelet, creating a harmonious and sophisticated look. Legibility, a key Lange principle, is paramount. The watch features the brand's signature outsize date display in a double aperture at 3 o'clock and a similarly large day-of-week display at 9 o'clock. The numerals and letters for these displays are rendered in white against the brown background, standing tall at 2.4 millimeters for excellent clarity.



The dial's architecture is multi-layered and textured. The main hour track and the subsidiary seconds dial (located at 6 o'clock) feature an embossed groove structure, adding depth and visual interest. These textured areas contrast with the smoother, subtly gleaming inner surfaces of the main dial and the seconds sub-dial. Applied hour markers, crafted from Honeygold like the lancet-shaped hour and minute hands, feature notched detailing. Both the hands and the hour markers are treated with a luminous coating, ensuring readability in low-light conditions.



A subtle but effective detail is the peripheral minute scale printed on a sloped, gold-colored flange ring surrounding the main dial. This adds another layer of depth. Within this scale, the number "60" is printed in red, providing a small, sporty color accent that breaks the otherwise earthy tones of brown and gold. The overall impression is one of intricate detail, clear information hierarchy, and a warm, cohesive color scheme.



A significant development with this model is the introduction of the first solid 18-carat Honeygold bracelet for the Odysseus collection. Previously available primarily on straps or a stainless steel bracelet, this five-row metal bracelet is meticulously integrated into the lines of the case, appearing as a seamless extension. The design mirrors the case's finishing techniques, alternating brushed surfaces with polished chamfered edges on the links, enhancing the watch's luxurious feel and visual complexity.



Comfort and practicality were key considerations for the bracelet design. It features a safety deployant buckle, also crafted from 18-carat Honeygold. Incorporated into the buckle is a clever fine-adjustment mechanism. By simply pressing a pusher embossed with the Lange signature, the wearer can adjust the bracelet length by up to 7 millimeters without needing tools or even opening the clasp. This allows for quick adjustments for comfort throughout the day. For larger sizing changes, individual links can be added or removed by a watchmaker.



Powering the Odysseus Honeygold is the manufacture calibre L155.1 DATOMATIC, a movement specifically developed for the Odysseus family. The name "DATOMATIC" signifies the combination of the date mechanism (DATO) with automatic winding (MATIC), a designation visible on the movement's central rotor. It was engineered with robustness and reliability as primary goals, suitable for a watch intended for more active use than typical Lange dress pieces.



The self-winding system features a unidirectionally winding central rotor. To enhance winding efficiency, it incorporates a substantial centrifugal mass made of 950 platinum. The rotor itself is partially skeletonized and features black-rhodiumed elements, adding visual appeal through the sapphire crystal case back. When fully wound, the movement provides a respectable power reserve of 50 hours.



The L155.1 operates at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hertz). This higher frequency contributes to greater rate stability, especially when the watch is subjected to shocks or movement associated with physical activity. The balance wheel is regulated by four recessed screws set flush with the rim. This design minimizes air turbulence around the balance, which, combined with the freely oscillating balance spring manufactured in-house, enhances the movement's accuracy and energy efficiency.



Unlike many other Lange calibres that use a traditional balance cock (secured on one side), the L155.1 employs a balance bridge, secured at two points. This provides greater stability and shock resistance for the oscillation system. This bridge is meticulously hand-engraved with a wave pattern, a subtle visual cue nodding to the watch's water resistance and sporty character.



Observing the movement through the sapphire case back reveals the hallmarks of Lange craftsmanship. The plates and bridges are made from untreated German silver, which develops a unique golden patina over time. Other traditional finishing elements include thermally blued screws and a screwed gold chaton securing the bearing jewel for the escape wheel. As with all Lange movements, the L155.1 is assembled, tested, disassembled, finished, and then meticulously reassembled for a second time, ensuring the highest standards of quality and finish. The movement comprises 312 individual parts.



The finishing applied to the L155.1 DATOMATIC upholds the manufacture's reputation. While perhaps slightly less ornate than some of Lange's high-complication movements to emphasize robustness, the level of hand-decoration is exceptional. Edges are chamfered and polished, surfaces are decorated with Glashütte ribbing or perlage, and screw heads are polished. The hand-engraved balance bridge remains a testament to the artisanal skill involved in every Lange timepiece.



This combination of a robust, purpose-built automatic movement with high-end finishing ensures the Odysseus Honeygold performs reliably while offering the aesthetic rewards expected from A. Lange & Söhne. It successfully bridges the gap between functional durability and haute horlogerie artistry. The selection of materials, the considered design, and the dedicated calibre all work together to fulfill the promise of a truly versatile luxury sports watch from one of Germany's most revered watchmakers.



As Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid stated, "With the ODYSSEUS, we laid the foundation for our latest watch family in 2019, thus unfolding a creative potential for us that we further tapped into by developing this new model in honey gold. In a special way, the warm lustre emanating from this exceptional colour combination reflects our ambition to never stand still." This sentiment underscores the Odysseus Honeygold as both an evolution of the line and a reflection of the brand's ongoing drive for innovation within its established traditions.



The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Honeygold (Reference 363.150 / LSLS3636BA) is offered as a limited edition of only 100 pieces worldwide. This exclusivity, combined with the use of proprietary Honeygold and the introduction of the matching bracelet, makes it a highly sought-after piece for collectors and enthusiasts of the brand. Pricing is available upon request from A. Lange & Söhne boutiques and authorized dealers, reflecting its position as a high-end, limited-production timepiece crafted from precious materials with a sophisticated manufacture movement.



Case: 18-carat HONEYGOLD® material, 40.5 mm diameter, 11.1 mm thickness, sapphire glass case back, water-resistant to 12 bar.

Movement: L155.1 DATOMATIC self-winding movement, 312 parts, 50-hour power reserve, 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4.0 Hz) frequency.

Dial: Brown color, features outsize date and day-of-week displays, 18-carat HONEYGOLD® hands and appliques with luminous coating, embossed groove structure.

Strap: Integrated five-row bracelet in 18-carat HONEYGOLD®, 18-carat HONEYGOLD® safety deployant buckle with 7mm fine adjustment mechanism.

Price: Price upon request.

Reference Number: 363.150 / LSLS3636BA.

Notes: Limited to 100 pieces worldwide. First Odysseus model featuring a bracelet crafted entirely from Lange's exclusive Honeygold alloy. Designed for active use with enhanced robustness and water resistance.