A. Lange & Söhne’s first self-winding chronograph
In 2019, the A. Lange & Söhne watchmakers launched their first sporty-elegant timepiece, the ODYSSEUS, showcasing a unique design and a dedicated, manually finished movement. Now, the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH writes the next chapter of our manufacture’s story.
The newly developed L156.1 DATOMATIC calibre encased in stainless steel premieres: it is our manufacture’s first self-winding chronograph movement. Thanks to its innovative and dynamic function that resets both centrally positioned chronograph hands to zero, this timepiece emphasises our watchmakers’ aspiration to dauntlessly explore new avenues and advance the development of precision watchmaking. Given its horological complexity, the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH is available in a limited edition of 100 watches.
New horizons in design and function
Breaking new horological ground is a constant in the development of our timepieces. In 2019, our watchmakers redefined the category of sporty-elegant watches with the launch of the first ODYSSEUS. Regarding design and function, they ventured into uncharted territory ‒ and developed a new movement, especially for this timepiece ‒ the L155.1 DATOMATIC calibre.
Additionally, they struck a new and distinctive path when it came to designing the ODYSSEUS: its contemporary appearance is characterised by openness, lightness and the prominent features. The narrow bezel allowed for a comparatively large dial. Together with the lancet-shaped hands and the brand-typical displays for the outsize date and day of week, the well-organised dial assures superior legibility.
The challenge of a manufacture movement
To retain the characteristic dial design of the ODYSSEUS watch family, the manufacture developed a movement that positions both chronograph hands in the centre. As a consequence, the totalisers, which are conventionally arranged at 3 and 9 o’clock, could be dispensed with; the habitual positions of the outsize date and day of week could be maintained.
The dynamic reset-to-zero function of the chronograph hands is an epitome of sophistication. When the reset-to-zero button at 4 o’clock is actuated after a time measurement, a short but impressive spectacle ensues: if the minute counter has not reached the 30-minute mark yet, the minute counter jumps back to its starting position in the conventional way, while, at high speed, the red chrono seconds hand covers the entire distance travelled beforehand within a fraction of a second ‒ one full revolution for each measured minute.
If the minute counter has passed the 30-minute mark, both hands will advance to zero clockwise. As quick as lightning, the chrono seconds hand performs a full revolution for every minute required to reach the full hour.
Dual-function buttons
Safe and convenient operation of the timepiece is assured by the novel dual function of the specially sealed, tapered buttons. In the screw-down crown’s normal position, the buttons at 2 and 4 o’clock are used to start, stop and reset to zero. When the crown is pulled, the date and day of the week can be set with a newly developed mechanism.
Unique design
The ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH takes centre stage in a three-part stainless-steel case with a diameter of 42.5 millimetres that withstands a test pressure of 12 bar and is robust enough to accompany its wearer even during sports and leisure activities.
As with the other members of the ODYSSEUS watch family, the surfaces are matted and the edges are accentuated with a chamfer. The combination of brushed surfaces and chamfered edges creates an impressive light pattern and is echoed on the lugs and links of the solid stainless-steel bracelet.
Mechanics of the CHRONOGRAPH with central minute counter
The ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH is equipped with a dial whose special architecture creates an illusion of depth ‒ a feature shared by the previous ODYSSEUS models. The inner surface of the black main dial boasts a textured surface, the notched baton appliques made of white gold and the subsidiary seconds scale are underlaid with concentric circles.
A palladium-coloured flange ring with a printed two-part minute scale frames the dial. The scale for the fractions of a second is positioned on the outer circumference, while the scale for minutes and seconds is arranged further inside. Printed in red, the number 60 at 12 o’clock and the red chrono seconds hand accentuate the sporty-elegant appearance of the watch.
Anthony de Haas and Tino Bobe on the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH
Movement L156.1 DATOMATIC
The L156.1 DATOMATIC calibre is our manufacture’s first self-winding chronograph movement. Efficient winding is assured by the skeletonised and partially black-rhodiumed central rotor with a centrifugal mass in 950 platinum. When fully wound, the mainspring barrel delivers a maximum power reserve of 50 hours. The oscillation system is designed to ensure optimum rate accuracy: the balance, which beats at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour, was suspended beneath the balance bridge. Alluding to the water resistance of the watch and the possible applications in sports settings, it is hand-engraved with a stylised wave motive.
All manufacture movements, including the L156.1 DATOMATIC calibre, are assembled twice to ensure maximum precision. Many unique, traditional elements are incorporated, for example bridges and plates made of untreated German silver, the hand-engraved balance bridge or the gold chatons secured by blued screws. In addition, all components ‒ visible or concealed ‒ are, for the greater part, lavishly finished by hand.
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