A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 vs Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516

SpecificationA. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516
BrandA. Lange & SöhneVacheron Constantin
CollectionOdysseusPatrimony
Reference363.1794000U/000R-B516
CategorySportsDress
Movement TypeAutomaticAutomatic
CaliberCaliber L155.1Caliber 2460 R31R7
Power Reserve50h40h
Frequency28,800 vph28,800 vph
Case Diameter40.5mm42.5mm
Case Thickness11.1mm10.5mm
Case Material18k White Gold18k Rose Gold
CrystalSapphire with anti-reflective coatingSapphire with anti-reflective coating
Water Resistance120m / 394ft30m / 98ft
Weight120g95g
MSRP$41,000$41,500
Market Price$58,000$36,000

In-Depth Comparison

The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 and the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

A. Lange & Söhne and Vacheron Constantin are both highly respected names in watchmaking. The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 comes from Germany, while the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 originates from Switzerland. This particular Odysseus reference was introduced in 2020, while this Patrimony reference debuted in 2015. The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 beats the Caliber L155.1 caliber offering a 50-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 34 jewels. The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 is powered by the Caliber 2460 R31R7 with a 40-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 27 jewels. The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 wins on power reserve with a 10-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

Dimensions And Wearability

The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 features a 40.5mm case at 11.1mm thick with a 48.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18k White Gold. The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 comes in at 42.5mm and 10.5mm thick with 50.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18k Rose Gold. The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 95g, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 uses a Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal paired with a Fixed, brushed with polished bevel bezel, while the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 features Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal with a Fixed, polished bezel. On the wrist, the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 comes on a Blue rubber strap with 18k white gold folding clasp, while the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 is fitted with Dark brown alligator leather strap featuring 18k rose gold folding clasp.

Water Resistance And Capability

The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 is rated to 120m / 394ft and the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 to 30m / 98ft. For serious diving or water activities, the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 offers a meaningful advantage.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 lists for $41,000 compared to $41,500 for the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516. On the secondary market, the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 trades around $58,000 while the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 commands approximately $36,000. The A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 trades at a 41% premium over retail, indicating strong demand and investment potential.

The Verdict

Choosing between the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 and the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 ultimately comes down to personal priorities. As an investment piece, the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold 363.179 has proven market demand. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.