A. Lange & Söhne has once again expanded the boundaries of high-end watchmaking with the introduction of its most accomplished and undeniably largest chronograph: the Triple Split. Returning for its third iteration, the formidable timepiece arrives in its most striking guise yet, marking the first time the model has been crafted in platinum. Paired with a silver-grained dial and contrasting dark grey registers, this new release offers a classic "panda" dial configuration rendered through the distinct, uncompromising lens of the Saxon manufacture.
Following the pink gold iteration introduced in 2021, this latest version preserves the familiar architecture of the model line. It retains the substantial and commanding presence that enthusiasts have come to expect from the reference, anchored by a chunky case measuring 15.6 millimeters in thickness. Within this robust housing beats the magnificent, multilayered manufacture caliber L132.1. This mechanical marvel remains a world first and a singular achievement in horology, capable of measuring a pair of elapsed times up to an astonishing 12 hours across hours, minutes, and seconds simultaneously.
Initial thoughts
While the new Triple Split represents primarily a cosmetic variation rather than a fundamental mechanical overhaul, it easily stands out as the most aesthetically compelling version of the model released to date. The dial features a pale silver-grey hue that evokes memories of rare, limited-edition Lange chronographs from years past. Meanwhile, the dark grey sub-dials introduce a striking visual dynamic that is rarely deployed on the brand’s chronograph productions, creating a sense of depth and contrast that elevates the overall design.
The platinum case maintains the exact dimensions of its predecessors, bestowing an immediate impression of notable size and weight upon the wrist. In typical fashion for high complications from Glashütte, the watch carries a reassuring heft, though this comes at the expense of absolute ergonomic balance. This tactile sensation, defined by considerable weight and a commanding physical presence, is a characteristic hallmark of heavily complicated timepieces from A. Lange & Söhne.
Reflecting the manufacture’s recent positioning and growing confidence in the market, the new platinum Triple Split commands a higher price tag than previous iterations, even when accounting for the precious metal upgrade. For the ultra-exclusive demographic targeted by such grand complications, however, the financial barrier remains secondary to the sheer technical achievement and aesthetic allure of the piece. For collectors operating within this rarefied tier, acquiring such an extraordinary masterpiece is a foregone conclusion.
Go big or go home
The dial design of the new Triple Split remains faithful to the established layout of the series, translated into the fresh "panda" livery. True to Lange tradition, the dial is fashioned from solid silver and finished with a finely grained texture. Viewed from a distance, the sub-dials present a near-black appearance, but upon closer inspection, they reveal a rich dark grey tone that complements the luminous silvered background with absolute harmony.
Symmetrical, legible, and intuitive, the dial layout incorporates subtle red accents designed to draw the eye toward the twin elapsed-time indications. Following traditional Lange codes, the hands dedicated to tracking these elapsed durations are meticulously color-coded, featuring one pair crafted in polished white gold and the accompanying pair in blued steel. This deliberate chromatic separation ensures that reading complex multi-hour comparisons remains clear despite the density of information presented on the dial.
Beneath the sapphire crystal caseback lies the caliber L132.1, a direct evolution of the groundbreaking L001.1 movement found inside the Double Split, which was previously limited to measuring twin times of up to 30 minutes. By maintaining a comparable movement volume, the engineers behind the Triple Split managed to dramatically expand the recording capacity to 12 hours while simultaneously boosting the power reserve to a robust 55 hours, a significant improvement over the 38-hour reserve of the older Double Split. While technological advancements over the fourteen years separating the two models certainly played a role, the achievement remains an impressive milestone in mechanical chronograph design.
Visually, the L132.1 shares a strong family resemblance with the Double Split movement, with a vast proportion of the engineering enhancements concealed beneath the dial assembly. This arrangement highlights the intricate architecture, vertical integration, and dense, awe-inspiring layout of the movement components, which can be admired through the exhibition caseback in all their hand-finished glory.
Key facts and price
A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split
Ref. 424.025F
Diameter: 43.2 mm
Height: 15.6 mm
Material: Platinum
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 meters
Movement: L132.1
Functions: Flyback chronograph with triple rattrapante, hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Manual wind
Power reserve: 55 hours
Strap: Hand-stitched alligator leather with a solid platinum folding buckle
Limited edition: 100 pieces
Availability: Exclusively at A. Lange & Söhne boutiques
For more information, visit the official A. Lange & Söhne website.
