The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split 424.037 is a timepiece that genuinely showcases Lange’s dedication to the chronograph complication. As brands develop and mature, each tends to focus on specific directions to take the evolution of its watches. The Triple Split is the latest development in A. Lange & Söhne’s storied pursuit of the perfect chronograph. Beyond that, this rose gold blue dial version is also a beauty to behold.
History
The origins of A. Lange & Söhne’s start in the world of chronographs started in 1999 with the introduction of the Datograph. This piece came just five years after the refounding of the company and was one of its most influential in establishing the brand as a top-tier watch manufacturer. Before then, most of the high horology brands used outsourced chronograph movements. Lange did not stop there, though, because, in 2004, the brand introduced the Double Split, the world’s first chronograph that could split the seconds and the minutes. The significance of this was allowing the user to time two events more than 60 seconds apart effortlessly. In 2018, A. Lange & Söhne went beyond this feat by introducing the Triple Split, the first chronograph that splits the seconds, minutes, and up to 12 hours. This first version was a white gold grey dial piece limited to 100 pieces, and in 2021 Lange released this version in rose gold with the blue dial, also limited to 100 pieces.
Design Details
Several aspects stand out about the looks of the Lange Triple Split. First and foremost has to be the striking color scheme between the rose gold and contrasting brilliant blue dial. The blue is not overpowering because it is broken up with the silver sub-dials and the crisp white print for the logo and tachymeter on the flange. Also, subtle hints of red are spread throughout the dial on several indicators. The baton-style hour indicators that reduce in size as they near other objects on the dial give it a very balanced feel. With this much information displayed, the Triple Split is legible with its large luminous Alpha Hands. Even the chronograph hands are ingeniously color coordinated with a white gold hand on top for each of the seconds, minutes, and hours registers and with a rose gold hand beneath, which enables the user to quickly tell apart the two recorded times.
Another stand-out aspect of this Triple Split is the bold size of the timepiece. This piece has a 15.6mm case thickness. Between the dome-shaped high polished bezel, the brushed finished center case, and the lip that slopes back on the case back, it does hide this thickness reasonably well. The Triple Split has a 43mm diameter case, yet it still does not feel overly large, probably due to the wide stance of the polished turn-down lugs. This allows for a shorter lug-to-lug fit which means the timepiece does not extend too far across the wearer’s wrist. The broader gap between lugs also means it has a wider strap that feels and looks more appropriate for this timepiece. This one has a blue alligator strap and is fitted with the larger Lange deployment buckle that features a locking mechanism.
Inner Workings
Lange Chronograph movements are some of the best-looking movements among all watches, and the L132.1 Caliber takes that even further. Many collectors make the analogy of looking like a small city due to the intense depth of this 567-part movement. The top bridges with the Glashütte ribbing finish hold together the mechanisms controlling the splitting functionality. Under that will be all the complex system of levers, bridges, column wheels, etc., that control the essential flyback chronograph functions, which is also integrated with the timekeeping. This movement differs from many Lange calibers as it does not have a base plate, much less the three-quarter base plate the brand prefers. It does allow for an incredibly pleasurable viewing experience. At a glance, one can see a myriad of finishes all at once. The 46 jewels, 5 of which are housed in gold chatons, and the vast amount of blue steel screws add a splash of color against the silver and gold tones seen throughout the movement. A couple of interesting facts are that the balance wheel that oscillates at 21,600 vph cannot be seen as it is buried deep within the movement. This movement uses a single spring barrel to power the movement and gives it a 55-hour power reserve.
Versus The Competition
No other brand offers anything truly like the Lange Triple Split; however, someone interested in it would also appreciate the Patek Philippe Split Second 5370P Platinum Black Enamel Dial. This Patek will have similar features and aesthetics but is more refined in several ways. It is a platinum case with a beautiful black enamel dial and applied Breguet numerals. This piece is 41mm in size with a thickness of only 13.5mm, giving the Patek a more traditional dress watch fit and feel than the Lange. Another nice touch is the pusher for splitting the seconds is built into the crown, rather than the additional pusher at the 10 o’clock needed on the Lange to split the chronograph. When looking at the caseback, one will be similarly mesmerized by the complexity of this Patek caliber, even if it’s not the same depth as the Lange.
Personality
A particular type of person wants to collect a piece like the A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split. This collector will have a great appreciation for the ability of a watchmaker. They will be enamored by the fact that a piece like the Triple Split can function with just pure mechanical prowess. This collector will not be able to help themselves from pulling off this timepiece to share with other enthusiasts the viewing pleasure of this movement or showcasing how the chronograph works. It will definitely be one of many pieces in the collection. The Triple Split is probably sitting alongside other Lange timepieces or that of Patek, and maybe the likes of F.P. Journe or Audemars Piguet. This collector probably has other complications, like perpetual calendars and even perhaps minute repeaters. No matter what, it is not the one and only piece in this collector’s array.
Final Thoughts
The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split is a unique timepiece that shows the brand’s dedication to going beyond a standard chronograph function. It is a piece that will always have its place in watchmaking history. The Triple Split in rose gold will always be a pleasure to look at from the front or the back, and it will remain a mechanical marvel for any fortunate to see one in person.
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