A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split White Gold Grey Dial 424.038F

Triple Split — 424.038F

In watchmaking, there are not many complications where one manufacture enjoys the monopoly. Today, even when brands hold patents, there are ways around them. Some things, however, simply cannot be mimicked, or are not even tried. The Triple Split is one of them. It is a watch based on an invention, where none other than the inventor tried or succeeded to surpass it.

You know the motivational quote that the only competition that matters is the one within yourself. Apparently, A. Lange & Söhne took this extremely seriously. They upped the ante where they were the only player, just to stay true to their identity and never stand still. In 2018, this persistence brought the most complicated chronograph ever made.

The Triple Split comes in a white gold case limited to 100 pieces, measuring an assertive, hockey puck-ish 43.2mm by 15.6mm. It is the continuation of the bicep-curl worthy Double Split in platinum, yet thanks to its gold case, the 424.038 wears much better than its hefty patriarch. The case follows the classic three-part Lange design with soldered lugs, alternating polished and brushed surfaces, and an industrial feel that is not without a soul. White gold with grey is also very much in line with Lange's pairing of metal and color. The silver-based dial has a lovely texture, the recessed panda registers are finished with concentric circles, and the strong blue of the rattrapante hands against rhodium hands adds just enough fun to save the monochrome look from being lifeless.

Inside is the caliber L132.1, an improved version of the Double Split's L001.1. A standard rattrapante splits the seconds. The Triple Split splits the seconds, the minutes and the hours. I will admit the hours may sound a bit gimmicky, and it can be seen as one split too many. But the real innovation is deeper. Despite the additional hour gear train, power reserve rose from 38 to 55 hours, while the movement grew just 0.3mm thicker than its predecessor. Made of 556 parts and beating at 3Hz, it is one of the most impressive things I have ever seen in watchmaking. The minute counters jump, while the hours creep.

This is a watch for the collector who wants something with no peers. Nobody else makes a triple split, and nobody else is likely to try. Add the classic Lange coupling of white gold and grey, and you have a watchmaking tour de force that is also unmistakably a Lange. Even the heft and size feel like it: substantial, serious, and exactly what a piece of this ambition should be.

This example is in very good condition, with a few hairline scratches, and comes with its original box, papers and deployant buckle. Available at The Selection, at Langepedia.com.