Manufacture A. Lange & Söhne is introducing the TRIPLE SPLIT split-seconds chronograph in a brand new edition, featuring a red-gold case and blue dial. The TRIPLE SPLIT was introduced in 2018 and remains the only rattrapante chronograph that can measure additive and comparative times up to a duration of twelve hours. Like its predecessor, the new version with a pink gold case is limited to 100 pieces.
With its TRIPLE SPLIT, A. Lange & Söhne extends the rattrapante function to the minute and hour counters. A “normal” split-seconds chronograph can only take split times within one minute. The TRIPLE SPLIT extends the rattrapante function to up to 12 hours, so that the times of two runners in a marathon can be compared, for example. It is also possible to record the times of events that start one after the other, which can be used to compare the duration of the outward and return flights of an intercontinental journey. Last but not least, it is possible to take any number of intermediate times during a measurement.
The 43.2 mm case is made of 18 carat pink gold. With a case height of 15.6 mm, the watch is one of the brand’s larger models. The polished surfaces are complemented by a brushed middle section. Also, it features angular, elongated lugs, three chronograph pushers, and a fluted crown with brand lettering. On the back, the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the complex mechanism and also bears the limitation number.
The blue dial of the A. Lange & Söhne TRIPLE SPLIT is made of solid silver and has applied indices in pink gold. In addition, there is a small seconds at 8 o’clock. The subdials for the minute and hour counters are located at 4 and 12 o’clock. The colour concept provides a clear distinction between the functions. While the time and the main chronograph are displayed with gold hands, steel hands indicate the splits of the rattrapante.
In addition, there is an AUF/AB power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, which has its own red-gold hand. In addition, the hour and minute hands and the indices at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock are filled with luminous material. Finally, a ring around the periphery frames the dial and carries a tachymeter scale, which can be used to determine speeds of 70 to 400 kilometres per hour.
The calibre L132.1 inside the watch enables the TRIPLE SPLIT function, incorporating 567 individual parts. Furthermore, the manually wound movement offers a power reserve of 55 hours. Controlling the chronograph’s three pairs of hands presents a special challenge. The two hands of a pair sit on arbors that run one inside the other, which requires enormous care in the construction. In addition, the rattrapante hands must be able to be stopped independently and then catch up with the main hands. This arrangement is used three times in the movement, and is complemented by two column wheels plus several clutches, rockers, levers, springs, and jumpers.
Last but not least, the flyback function allows the timekeeping to be stopped and restarted instantly. In addition, the manufacture equips the movement with a precise jumping minute counter. The minute totaliser of conventional chronographs jumps in smaller increments. By contrast, the minute hand here jumps exactly one graduation mark after 60 seconds. Furthermore, the watchmakers manufacture the movement by hand in accordance with the brand’s high quality standards. The movement has Glashütte ribbing and five screwed gold chatons, as well as a hand-engraved balance cock with a swan-neck spring.
The A. Lange & Söhne TRIPLE SPLIT comes on a dark blue leather strap with grey stitching and an 18-carat red gold folding clasp. The watch is limited to 100 pieces and costs 159,400 euros in Germany.
