A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Replica Watch Review

Today, we are talking about sports. To be more specific, about the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus sports replica watch. And it doesn’t matter which sport you associate more with, be it a dynamic one like tennis or an intellectual one like chess, this watch resonates with both categories.
The previous year, the brand promoted the Odysseus watch fairly actively, which is, by the way, the first sports model in stainless steel in the brand’s catalog. We can say that A. Lange & Söhne has seriously advanced in a little-known field for it, given the fact that all previous watches were made of any luxury material you want, except stainless steel. And here it is: a stainless steel hero, with a robust case and a hypnotically beautiful dial: the Odysseus. It is unnecessary to emphasize the greatness of its mythological name. The name “Odysseus” comes from Greek history, having a strong echo up till nowadays.

I am happy to inform you that we have this replica model in stock. Right now, I’m holding it in my hand and exploring it from all angles. I know you are curious to find out how much it resembles the original version and that’s why I won’t keep you in suspense too much. Let’s get to work.

General overview of the genuine model

So, first of all, you already know that we are dealing with the first stainless steel model from the brand’s entire collection. It took the brand some time to decide on this step. But I greatly appreciate A. Lange & Söhne’s attempt to experiment with new materials. The company succeeded wonderfully.
The brand positions this watch as a combination of sporty and elegant styles, and addresses the model to the public with an active lifestyle. Accordingly, the choice of the brand to use stainless steel for its manufacture is also logical. This material is significantly more resistant to any type of impact in comparison to rather sensitive platinum or gold. Another specific feature of this model is the fact that the brand has paired it with a bracelet made of the same material, giving up for the moment the traditional leather straps. What to say? This a brave step in the right direction for the brand! But don’t worry A. Lange & Söhne, the public appreciated your effort at the highest level possible!

Specifications of the replica watch strap versus the original strap

The first and probably the most obvious difference between the replica model and the original Odysseus is the bracelet. And I’m not talking specifically about the design, but more about the adjustment system from its clasp.
The original bracelet has a very smart mechanism that allows you to extend its length just by pressing the circular logo on the buckle. Similarly, you can do the reverse and shorten the length of the bracelet.

The idea is to be able to adjust the length depending on the comfort or discomfort you feel at the wrist. It is not unusual for active people to have swollen wrists during physical activities, especially with high temperatures. In such circumstances, the blood circulation intensifies and the wrists (and not only) dilate, generating discomfort in the wrist area. Lange foresaw this pain point and came up with the solution of the intelligent adjustment mechanism.

Instead…

The Odysseus knockoff, at least in the given release, comes with a “normal” clasp, so to speak. The architecture of the bracelet is identical to the original one, but the clasp is deprived of the specific mechanism found in the original version. In the same context, I want to emphasize that the bracelet of the replica watch is arranged as well as possible. I don’t feel it is “too heavy” on the wrist. On the contrary, I feel it is comfortable and firm. I am eagerly waiting for the next release of this replica, to see if the manufacturers have reproduced the specific mechanism of the authentic bracelet. Fingers crossed!

Technical details: Odysseus original vs replica

Another, probably painful, difference for diver watch lovers is the water resistance profile of the fake Odysseus. A. Longe & Sohne has integrated a mechanism that can withstand the pressure of up to 120 meters in depth. By the way, it is the first model with such capacity from the brand’s entire portfolio. As expected from a watch from the diver class, its brightness and readability are ensured by a generous layer of lume, which makes it extraordinarily visible in dark circumstances. All markers light up expressively, only the second hands are deprived of the lume layer.

In comparison…

The Odysseus replica watch has a water resistance of up to 50 meters. According to the manufacturers, the watch is equipped with a screw-in system that should theoretically protect it from water. I say “theoretically”, because I have not tested the water resistance of the watch in practice. For this reason, I cannot assure you that the watch is 100% resistant, I do not rule out that it could be sensitive to water impact. You could possibly wear this replica watch while showering or swimming. However, I recommend you be cautious and not exaggerate with water.
As for the lume layer, the replica watch looks just as bright and expressive in the dark as the authentic model. Just like the original watch, the replica watch lacks the lume coating on the second hand.

The blue dial of the replica watch – a rare beauty

The brand has worked hard to make the dial look so fabulous. The entire face of the watch is a delicate interplay of textures and supple shapes. The hour markers are extremely elegant, made of stainless steel covered with a layer of white gold, to look as close as possible to the authentic version. They form a phenomenal contrast with the satin-finished minutes scale. The texture of the dial waltzes between grooved and rough surfaces. At the same time, the outer edge of the dial features a circular pattern of extraordinary finesse. The seconds subdial is accurately integrated into the whole picture, repeating the same texture of the dial and the same supple circular pattern around it.

At the 3 and 9 o’clock hour markers, you will find 2 symmetrical apertures that refer to the day of the week on the left and the date of the month on the right. Their frame is also made of stainless steel polished with white gold, and the shape is extremely thin to keep the elegant and refined spirit of the watch.

On the whole…

The dial plate is a piece of art if I can call it that. That’s because it involves a subtle design of refinement and attention to detail. The difference that I notice between the dials of the replica watch and the original one is that the latter has a specific radiance that the fake version lacks. In its absence, the replica dial is a little more matte. Also, the hour markers are more “airy” in the original version. In contrast, they look flatter on the fake counterpart.

Case specifications

The proportions of this replica model include 40.4mm in diameter and 11.1mm in height. Someone thinks that this model is a bit unbalanced, the 11.1mm being too high for a diameter of 40.5mm. But this is just pure theory because when you put the watch on your wrist, the relatively narrow bracelet calibrates the proportions of the case. As a result, the watch looks extremely balanced in terms of proportions.

The beautiful part of the case and the bracelet consists of an extraordinary combination of finishes. Here and there, you notice beveled and polished surfaces, which lead to an attractive contrast between satin and flashy areas. The same finishing concept also applies to the bracelet. The 5 links that form the structure of the bracelet look fabulous in different types of finishing.

Pros and Cons of the Odysseus replica watch

Without a doubt, this replica watch looks phenomenally good. If clean dials full of aesthetic details fascinate you, know that this watch is worthy of your attention. You will be more than satisfied with the transitions of texture and finish in this replica watch. The small differences in radiance between the original watch and this fake do not compromise too much the fine and delicate appearance.

The Oddyseus replica is of course not the most suitable model for water activities. But in the end, I think we can forgive this shortcoming, considering the advantageous price of this replica. Instead, with this watch, you have a resistant stainless steel construction that will withstand any type of impact. The major benefit of this replica model is the fact that it refers to a watch that made history in the authentic A. Sohne & Lange collection. It is the first model with an extremely water-resistant capacity, the first from the brand’s stainless steel portfolio, and the first to come with an intelligent bracelet extension mechanism. By wearing this replica, you are actually wearing a history on your wrist.