Brand new for 2020, prestigious German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne have just released two brand new models, rounding out either end of an already impressive line-up of watches. However, despite finding themselves at either extreme of the ALS catalogue, both these watches share one precious detail – white gold.
The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus in white gold
The first is an update to a watch which we were only introduced to in October 2019, the Odysseus. The very first all stainless-steel wristwatch from the brand, as well as its first foray into the world of integrated bracelet sports watches, the Odysseus was divisive to say the least. However, as the dust settled and we were able to move past the press photos and see the watch in the metal, the views of many quickly changed. And now six months later, the Odysseus is available in white gold and with an integrated rubber or leather strap.
One of the main gripes many seemed to have with the Odysseus was its integrated steel bracelet. It was clearly impeccably finished, and featured a rather clever extension system, however many couldn’t quite get past those initial photos. Well now those worries are no more. And this latest version of the Odysseus features either an earthy brown leather strap with grey stitching, or a dual channelled silicone rubber strap, stepping up its sports game.
As mentioned, the biggest change is that the 40.5mm case is now also available in 18k white gold, while the wonderfully textured dial is also now in grey. Everything else remains the same. It’s still water resistant to 120 metres with a screw down crown, and features the same sweeping angular pushers on its side which control both the oversized day and date displays on the dial. While lume filled hands and markers also adorn the dial.
Inside the movement is also unchanged. The L155.1 Datomatic calibre boasts a power reserve of 50 hours, and has been expertly finished with a wave pattern and made every bit as robust as the original, specially designed and made exclusively for the Odysseus.
The A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater in white gold
The next new release by the German manufacture comes in at the other end of the spectrum, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater in white gold.
It’s been five years since A. Lange & Söhne first released the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater. However, in all that time, it has only ever been available in platinum. This year that changes, with the grail-worthy timepiece now available in white gold.
Stylistically the only change has been made to the solid silver dial, which is now a striking deep blue colour. With the dimensions of the 44.2 mm wide by 14.1 mm high case remaining the same, the only change being the material. However, there isn’t really much else that needs changing. Everything about the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater is adored the world over. From the symmetry of the dial, with its ingenious digital time display, twin hammers and gongs, and power reserve indicator, to the complexity and genius of the L043.5 calibre movement within. There’s a lot to appreciate.
A. Lange & Söhne took a considerable amount of time and thought when designing the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, and it takes an incredible amount of complexity to create the simplicity of the Zeitwerk’s dial. With its movement consisting of 771 parts. That simplicity is nowhere more evident than in the digital time display, where it is clear that function reigns supreme. Which is something also shown by the single red dot on the power reserve indicator, which marks the first 24 hours of the movements 36-hour reserve, as the minute repeating function of the Zeitwerk is unable to be used in the final 12 hours. However, the movement can be easily hand-wound and recharged at any time.
Strictly limited to 30 pieces worldwide.
