A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus: A Collector's Perspective on Availability

Key Points from the Discussion

• A. Lange & Söhne appears to prioritize existing clients for the Odysseus, making it challenging for first-time Lange buyers to acquire the reference.
• Some boutiques require a prior purchase, often of a significant value (e.g., $25,000), directly from a boutique, not an authorized dealer, to qualify for the Odysseus waitlist.
• The brand's shift towards boutique-centric sales means purchases from ADs may not count towards eligibility for high-demand pieces like the Odysseus, creating hurdles for international buyers due to exchange rates and duties.
• The scarcity of the Odysseus on secondary markets like Chrono24 suggests that 'flippers' are not heavily involved, reinforcing the idea of controlled distribution to loyal clients.
• There is speculation that the white gold Odysseus might be more accessible than the steel version, potentially opening avenues for non-Lange customers.
• The increasing difficulty in acquiring sought-after watches, even from esteemed brands, is a growing source of frustration for many watch enthusiasts.
• Despite its sports watch characteristics, the Odysseus was not intended to directly compete with other sports watches, yet market perception often places it in that category.