Horological brilliance begins with taking chances and doing things that other watch manufacturers have not done. Technical advancement is a critical step and one that A. Lange Sohne has mastered. The double chronograph triple split watch is one example of that mastery. While the name might be a bit confusing to those not familiar with the terminology, the timepiece is a double chronograph because it was built with two 12-hour chronograph mechanisms within one movement. While previous timepieces bearing that same name existed, they were in actuality split-second chronographs that contained one full function complication and a corollary one.
This new creation was crafted from the double split, and bears a striking resemblance, with the new timepiece adding an additional sub-dial to the layout. Measuring 30 minutes instead of 60 seconds, the brand was able to deliver this by including a hidden secondary minute counter hand in a similar manner that the split-second hands stack. So while this had hidden hands, the new timepiece takes it another step further and that extra sub-dial has a split hour hand, so now there are three splitting hands, and how this new watch earned the name.
A. Lange & Sohne features an in-house made caliber movement that is visible from the case back. This movement is intricate and exquisite, hand-finishing that is detailed and precise, and one of the most complicated chronographs produced. The movement contains 567 components, all hand finished, then the brand builds, disassembles, checks and proceeds to rebuild each timepiece. What might seem a very detailed process, it is one that is necessary to bring such elegance to the finished product.
While the Triple Split is almost identical to the Double, it is actually thinner with a larger mainspring barrel, real innovation and engineering excellence. The time and chronograph system are featured on the dial along with a power reserve indicator and 10 hands. The main hands are a hued blued steel, and the hidden hands are a soft silver tone. The timepiece is sporty, and has the lume-painted hour and minute hands. The timepiece debuted with a matte anthracite-toned dial, and two white sub-dials with a snailed pattern. In staying true to the chronograph history, the tachymeter scale is located around the periphery of the dial.
A. Lange & Sohne Double Chronograph Triple Split watch is a dream in the world of sports where mechanical watches are the top for competition. Limited editions and artistic execution make this timepiece a collector’s status piece, it is for those who want unique and exquisite in one magnificent watch.
