The new A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split ref. 424.038F is the first mechanical split seconds chronograph in the world that allows multi-hour comparative time measurements. Additional rattrapante hands on the minute and hour totalizers make it possible to stop lap and reference times of events that last as long as twelve hours. On 17 July 2016, German triathlete Jan Frodeno achieved a new world record for the triathlon long distance. In an amazing seven hours, 35 minutes and 39 seconds, he mastered the combination of swimming 3.8 kilometers, cycling 180 kilometers and running 42.2 kilometers. It took 20 minutes and 44 seconds longer for the runner-up, Joe Skipper of Britain, to reach the finish line. Among all mechanical rattrapante chronographs, only one would have been able to precisely record the times of the winner and the second-placed competitor in hours, minutes and seconds: the new Triple Split by A. Lange & Söhne.
The Triple Split is the only split seconds chronograph in the world that can measure additive and comparative times for as long as twelve hours and is in a league of its own. At the same time, it has broken the house record of the Double Split, which in 2004 allowed the first comparative measurements with an aggregate duration of 30 minutes and since then has defended its unique position. With a precisely jumping rattrapante minute counter and a continuous rattrapante hour counter, the new Triple Split multiplies the measuring range of the rattrapante function by a factor of 24. This covers many more diversified and interesting applications: for instance, the Triple Split can compare the times of two opponents in a Formula 1 race, a Tour de France leg or a marathon.
About the Watch
Available in a limited edition of 100 pieces, the new A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split is equipped with an 18K white gold case measuring 43.2 mm in diameter and 15.6 in thickness and it features a display case back that allows for full view of the incredible movement powering this feat of horology. The 18K white gold case is paired with a gorgeous solid silver grey dial with silvered bi-compax registers, rhodium plated gold applied markers and blued hands for the triple split chronograph hands.
The new A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split has a very well balanced dial layout with running seconds subdial at 9 o'clock, a 12-hour chrono register at 12, a 30-minute chrono register at 3 and a 55-hour power reserve indicator at 6 o'clock.
To keep things well balanced on the dial, A. Lange & Söhne opted to put their brand name on the tachymetric scale flange. Visually, the watch is very good looking and from a functionality standpoint, it really doesn't get any better.
The new A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split is also endowed with a flyback function that involves all three hand pairs as well. Thus, the chronograph can be reset and instantly restarted by pressing the lower chronograph pusher even during an ongoing measurement. Meanwhile, by pressing the third pusher located at 10 o'clock on the left caseband, one can split the time measurement and then have the first measurement catch up with the second one. The new Lange Triple Split can measure lap time measurements in the range between one-sixth of a second and twelve hours.
The Movement
The beating heart inside the new A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split is the new ALS in-house calibre L132.1 that significantly distinguishes itself from the calibre L001.1 of the Double Split. This manual wound movement composed of 567 parts and 46 jewels —5 of them in screwed gold chatons—, beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph to provide a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound. A glance through the sapphire-crystal case back reveals the chronograph movement finished to the highest Lange standards as well as the painstakingly choreographed interaction of wheels, levers, springs, clutches and jumpers that illustrates the stunning complexity of the project.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split wears true to its size and just like a dream. This is an impressive feat of horology that we like to refer to as "what watch dreams are made of". Having this incredible watch on your wrist feels very special and makes you understand even more why A. Lange & Söhne has become a force in the horological world in less than 25 years This new watch from Lange is available in a limited edition of only 100 pieces.
Sticker Price €139,000 Euros —approximately $170,000 USD. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
