Since its launch in 2018, the TRIPLE SPLIT has defended its unique position in the field of mechanical chronographs: it is the only split-seconds chronograph in the world that can measure intermediate, comparative and overall times for as long as twelve hours. The first model version in 750 white gold with a grey dial was followed by a timepiece in 750 pink gold with a blue dial, presented in 2021. The range is now enriched with a third edition, also limited to 100 pieces, featuring a platinum case and a rhodié-coloured dial, graced with contrasting grey auxiliary dials.
Two additional dimensions in short-time measurement
Thanks to the extension of the rattrapante function to minute and hour counters, the chronograph can measure times from one minute up to twelve hours, thus considerablyenlarging the range of applications. For instance, during a marathon, the TRIPLE SPLIT can record the intermediate times of any number of runners (for example, after 10, 20 or 30 km) and determine the winner’s time as well as a second overall time. It also covers other interesting possibilities during a journey with a classic automobile. Multiple intermediate times can be measured, for instance at specific locations such as the head of a pass or a leg of the journey.
Moreover, with the option of additive time measurement, the entire driving time of the trip can be established while taking into account possible breaks or standing times. Additionally, the TRIPLE SPLIT boasts a flyback function. It allows stopping an ongoing time measurement with only a single actuation of the pusher at 4 o’clock, resetting all currently active chronograph and rattrapante hands to zero, and instantly restarting a new measurement by releasing the pusher.
Functioning of the TRIPLE SPLIT
A split-seconds chronograph has a mechanical storage, which allows the recording of intermediate times without interrupting an ongoing measurement. Whereas a classic split- seconds chronograph can perform intermediate and comparative time measurements of up to 60 seconds, the TRIPLE SPLIT is equipped with two additional rattrapante hand pairs for measuring minutes and hours.
In the passive mode, the three blued rattrapante hands are superposed with the respective rhodiumed chronograph hands. As soon as the measurement is started by actuating the pusher at 2 o’clock, they all begin to run simultaneously and synchronously until the rattrapante pusher at 10 o’clock is pressed to freeze an intermediate time. Then, the three blued rattrapante hands stop to display the intermediate time while the chronograph hands continue to run and measure the time. A second actuation of the rattrapante pusher causes the rattrapante hands to catch up with the chronograph hands and continue to run synchronously with them.
Lucidly structured dial design
The dial configuration, with its well-balanced hierarchy of displays, reflects the technical complexity of the TRIPLE SPLIT with exactitude. The largest display surface on the main dial is allocated to the chronograph and rattrapante seconds hands. The auxiliary dial at 4 o’clock is assigned to the precisely jumping minute counters that instantaneously advance by one increment – precisely after one minute has elapsed.
The display for the hour counters at 12 o’clock is slightly smaller while the Lange-typical UP/DOWN power-reserve indicator is located opposite at 6 o’clock: it occupies the smallest display segment and provides information on how much of the 55-hour power reserve still remains. The subsidiary seconds dial is arranged on the auxiliary dial at 8 o’clock. Within the scope of stop time measurement, the peripheral tachymeter scale makes it possible to determine average speeds over a distance of 1,000 metres.
Subtly nuanced colour composition
In the limited 950 platinum edition, the characteristic design makes its debut against a rhodié- coloured background. The grey auxiliary dials, the luminous hour and minute hands, the blued rattrapante hands alongside the red accents in the section housing the hour and minute counters as well as the UP/DOWN display create a harmonious interplay of contrast, functionality and technical aesthetics.
The case boasts a diameter of 43.2 millimetres and a height of 15.6 millimetres. The technical- elegant colour composition of a cool-toned platinum case, rhodié-coloured dial and darker, grey auxiliary dials is worn on a dark-brown alligator leather strap with a platinum deployant buckle.
A dedicated manufacture calibre with trailblazing constructions
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.
The stopped rattrapante hands as well as initiating the advancement of the minute counters invariably generates friction losses in the movement. The disengagement mechanism developed by A. Lange & Söhne ensures that sufficient power can be continuously delivered to the oscillation system nevertheless. Patented in 2005, the intelligent device disengages the friction-intensive processes on the seconds arbor as well as on the minute counter arbor and thus assures precise rate stability. Because it rotates slower and hence produces substantially less friction, the hour counter arbor does not need such a mechanism.
Exceptional complexity and mechanical beauty
The sapphire-crystal caseback allows intriguing insights into the exceptional complexity and architectural depth of the chronograph movement, elaborately finished in typical Lange style. A total of 567 minute components make up a perfectly harmonised entity. The upper sides of the levers, springs and rockers are decorated with straight graining and the circumferential chamfers are bevelled. Chamfer polishing of the acute internal angles is especially demanding. Five gold screwed chatons on the bridges made of untreated German silver that are embellished with Glashütte ribbing and the hand-engraved balance cock round off the precision mechanical masterpiece: they exemplify that its finish is undeniably commensurate with its technical sophistication.
“Until today, the TRIPLE SPLIT plays in a league of its own,” explains Anthony de Haas, Director Product Development. “Behind the triple rattrapante mechanism for seconds, minutes and hours lies the L132.1 calibre that was entirely developed in our manufacture, one of our most elaborate and equally most beautiful movements. The depth of the architecture calls for the utmost expertise, patience and dexterity, creating an extraordinary bond between the watchmaker and the movement. At the same time, incorporating the mechanism into a movement height that safeguards the wearing comfort presented a challenge. Hence, this movement underscores our ambition to also consistently follow our own path in the field of chronographs.”
The new edition of the TRIPLE SPLIT will be presented during this year’s Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace during the first weekend of September.
