The A Lange & Söhne Triple Split Now In Rose Gold

In 2018, A Lange & Söhne presented the world’s first mechanical split-seconds chronograph that allows multi-hour comparative time measurements. Aptly named the Triple Split, it is capable of measuring additive and comparative times for as long as twelve hours. Initially released as a 100-piece limited edition available exclusively in white gold with an understated, grey dial, Lange is answering the prayers of collectors this year with a new version of the Triple Split wrapped in warm 18k pink gold and paired with a deep blue dial. An undeniable head turner for more reasons than one, it’s not hard to see why this model is already high on the wish list of every aficionado of the brand.

The Triple Split
To understand what makes this model so special, you first need to understand a little about the complication it houses. The basic split-seconds (or rattrapante) chronograph works by having two seconds hands for the chronograph function. Both advance together but the extra hand can be stopped and started independently (by pressing a pusher) in order to record lap times. When restarted, the additional seconds hand will ‘catch up’ to the main chronograph seconds hand (hence the name ‘rattrapante’, which is taken from the French ‘rattraper’, meaning ‘to catch again’). Traditionally, however, the rattrapante function was only used for events totalling 60 seconds maximum. That was until 2004, when Lange introduced the Double Split (the only split-seconds chronograph that can measure comparative events over an aggregate duration of 30 minutes).

The Triple Split develops the full potential of the rattrapante function with the addition of a third separately stoppable hand pairing for the 12-hour counter. For clear legibility, the rattrapante hands of the sweep seconds, jumping minute counter, and continuous hour counter are crafted from rhodiumed steel. At the press of the pusher at 10 o’clock they will instantly stop in place while the gold hands continue tracking the ongoing event. Another press and the three steel hands catch up and synchronise to their respective counter parts. The 4 o’clock pusher applies the ‘flyback’ function (stop/reset/restart) to all three hand pairs.

This new version of the Triple Split is housed in a 43.2mm diameter by 15.6mm thick case crafted from 18k pink gold. Rhodiumed gold is used for the hands that display the time and the applied baton hour markers set against deep blue solid-silver dial encircled with a tachometer scale in white. The dial is finished with a Lange-typical up/down indicator for the 55-hour power reserve. In total, the dial features an astonishing 10 hands, yet it remains impressively legible and perfectly balanced. Both hallmarks of Lange’s unique approach to watch making.

Inside and visible through a sapphire display back is the manufacture calibre L132.1, comprised of no less than 567 parts, all assembled by hand. Twice. At three rattrapantes, the Triple Split confronted the calibre designers with formidable technical challenges – each rattrapante has two hands attached to arbors that run one inside the other. Superb dexterity and extreme patience are required to both assemble and adjust the various components – hence the reason this new rose gold version of the Triple Split will also be limited to a 100-pieces only. As you would expect all components, from the German silver bridges to the gears, levers and springs, have been finished and decorated by hand.

Paired with a blue alligator leather strap, the new Triple Split in 18k pink gold makes an undeniable statement on the wrist.

Viewing of this exclusive timepiece will be strictly by appointment only at the A Lange & Söhne boutique in Sydney. Please contact us today to arrange your visit.