What is the new Triple Split?
A. Lange & Söhne (Lange) has unveiled the Triple Split with a rhodié-coloured dial housed in a 43.2 mm platinum case. It is the third edition of the Triple Split, a groundbreaking chronograph that made its debut in 2018, featuring a grey dial housed in a white gold case, limited to 100 pieces. This was followed by a blue dial housed in a pink gold case in 2021, also limited to 100 pieces.
A successor to the brand’s Double Split, the Triple Split was the first split-seconds chronograph in the world that was able to “precisely measure and compare single and additive times, an unlimited number of intermediate and reference times, and two concurrently started events that last as long as twelve hours ‒ to an accuracy of one-sixth of a second.”
The new edition of the Triple Split will be be presented at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace (located just outside central London) this weekend.
What are its dial features?
It showcases a rhodié-coloured dial made from 925 silver. The subdials for the small seconds (8 o’clock) and rattrapante minute counter (4 o’clock) are dark grey-coloured.
The central hour and minute hands, small seconds hand (8 o’clock) and chronograph minute counter (4 o’clock) are made from rhodiumed 750 gold. The power-reserve hand (6 o’clock), central chronograph hand and chronograph hour counter (12 o’clock) are made from rhodiumed steel. The central rattrapante seconds hand, rattrapante minute counter (4 o’clock) and rattrapante hour counter (12 o’clock) are made from blued steel. The applied hour-markers are made from rhodiumed 750 gold.
How many parts does the movement consist of?
567! Along with 46 jewels and 5 screwed gold chatons. The Triple Split is powered by Lange manufacture calibre L132.1, a manually wound movement that drives the hours, minutes, small seconds with a stop seconds function, chronograph functions that include: “flyback chronograph with triple rattrapante for additive and intermediate time measurements between one sixth of a second and twelve hours; precisely jumping chronograph and rattrapante minute counters; continuous chronograph and rattrapante hour counters,” and the UP/DOWN power-reserve indicator.
It measures 30.6 mm (diameter) * 9.4 mm (thickness), beats at a luxurious frequency of 3 Hz or 21,600 vph and delivers a power reserve of 55 hours. Winding and time-setting are performed via the crown at 3 o’clock. Two pushers for the chronograph function and one for the rattrapante function.
“The L132.1 manufacture calibre is emblematic of A. Lange & Söhne’s ambition to transcend horological boundaries and emphasises the manufacture’s particular competence in chronograph construction. It accommodates the one-of-a-kind triple rattrapante mechanism – a technical masterstroke in precision watchmaking. It assures that the three chronograph hands and three rattrapante hands accurately perform their respective functions – among which starting, stopping, catching up and resetting to zero. For the watchmakers, the complex choreography of wheels, levers, springs, clutches and jumpers requires the ultimate in expertise. All components of the predominantly lengthy, and in part branched switching chains must be perfectly harmonised with each other: a horological marathon that hinges on perseverance, meticulousness and precision.”
What are its case features?
The case is made from 950 platinum, measuring 43.2 mm (diameter) * 15.6 mm (thickness). Dial side and caseback feature sapphire crystals (Mohs hardness of 9). It comes with a hand-stitched dark-brown alligator leather strap.
What do we think?
Relaunched in 1994, modern Lange is a relatively young brand at only 32 years old. Yet the impact they have had on horology is second to none. Their distinct design identity, watchmaking expertise and exemplary movement finishing across the spectrum won them a global collector following.
The brand makes around 5000 watches a year (not much when you think about it). Yet they are facing unprecedented global interest and demand, both from those new to the brand and loyal collectors. While the Triple Split in its third avatar will likely go to existing heavy hitters of the brand, its very existence will help serve as a reminder why the brand is such a special watchmaker.
Also Read: A. Lange & Söhne debuts the magnificent new Cabaret Tourbillon Honeygold®
Also Read: A. Lange & Söhne unveils a fantastic new “Lumen” grand complication
Additional Details
Name: Triple Split
Reference: 424.025F
Price: On Request
Limited to 100 individually numbered pieces.
Click here to learn more.
