832Σ
A. Lange & Söhne
Ref. 824.035
Double Split
A superlative and very rare platinum and diamond-set split second and split minutes flyback chronograph wristwatch with Garantie and box
- Estimate
- HK$600,000 - 800,000€65,300 - 87,000$75,000 - 100,000
HK$1,025,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- A. Lange & Söhne
- Year
- 2011
- Reference No
- 824.035
- Movement No
- 55'003
- Case No
- 165'005
- Model Name
- Double Split
- Material
- Platinum and diamond-set
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. L 001.1, 40 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Black <em>A. Lange & Söhne</em> crocodile strap
- Clasp/Buckle
- Platinum <em>A. Lange & Söhne</em> deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 43mm diameter
- Signed
- <em>Case, dial and movement signed</em>
- Accessories
- With <em>A. Lange & Söhne</em> Service and Garantie booklet bearing Garantie card stamped by Kobe, Japan retailer <em>Maison de Kamine</em> and dated August 22, 2011 confirming sale of this watch with 48 baguette-cut Top Wesselton VVS diamonds for a total of 5.2 carats, instruction manual, leather wallet, fitted presentation box and outer packaging
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Fresh to the market, the present watch is an outstandingly rare and attractive variation of what can arguably be considered the most sophisticated chronograph wristwatch ever designed: the Lange double split. The hefty platinum case - now discontinued - is furthermore lavishly fitted with 48 baguette-cut Top Wesselton VVS diamonds for a total of 5.2 carats. The icy beauty of the white metal and the brilliance of the diamonds create a perfect contrast with the black dial, for a breathtaking aesthetic effect. The technical side of this piece is no less momentous than its aesthetic impact.
When the Double Split was presented to the public in 2004, it was hailed with unbridled acclaim by industry experts, serious collectors, and simple enthusiasts alike. Hardly ever has a new model been so positively received, and such a response was indisputably more than deserved.
Split seconds chronographs are used to time two events happening simultaneously - such as two cars racing in a circuit - and are extremely deceptive in their complexity. One might legitimately ask him/herself: is it so difficult to put two chronograph hands one on top of the other? The answer, simply and beyond any argument, is yes! As a matter of fact, the split second complication (or "rattrappante") is one of the most daunting complications in watchmaking, comparable to the minute repeater. The mechanical complexity of having the second hand re-set properly and precisely on top of the running first one when released presents enormous technical challenges. In the case of the Double Split, however, Lange pushed the boundaries of portable watchmaking even further, and added a split minute counter as well. This overcomes one of the great limitations of the "classic" rattrappante: the fact that the two events being timed could not have a difference in length superior to one minute. The Double Split allows to record separate times with a difference of up to 30 minutes instead.
The inspiration for this movement comes from an historical Lange watch, a pocket timepiece dating to the end of the 19th century; of course the research and development involved in adapting the complication to a wrist piece are more than remarkable. The result of such an effort is what is considered by many the ultimate chronograph movement, not only for its technical complexity, but also for the flawless finishing and sheer aesthetic beauty.
When the Double Split was presented to the public in 2004, it was hailed with unbridled acclaim by industry experts, serious collectors, and simple enthusiasts alike. Hardly ever has a new model been so positively received, and such a response was indisputably more than deserved.
Split seconds chronographs are used to time two events happening simultaneously - such as two cars racing in a circuit - and are extremely deceptive in their complexity. One might legitimately ask him/herself: is it so difficult to put two chronograph hands one on top of the other? The answer, simply and beyond any argument, is yes! As a matter of fact, the split second complication (or "rattrappante") is one of the most daunting complications in watchmaking, comparable to the minute repeater. The mechanical complexity of having the second hand re-set properly and precisely on top of the running first one when released presents enormous technical challenges. In the case of the Double Split, however, Lange pushed the boundaries of portable watchmaking even further, and added a split minute counter as well. This overcomes one of the great limitations of the "classic" rattrappante: the fact that the two events being timed could not have a difference in length superior to one minute. The Double Split allows to record separate times with a difference of up to 30 minutes instead.
The inspiration for this movement comes from an historical Lange watch, a pocket timepiece dating to the end of the 19th century; of course the research and development involved in adapting the complication to a wrist piece are more than remarkable. The result of such an effort is what is considered by many the ultimate chronograph movement, not only for its technical complexity, but also for the flawless finishing and sheer aesthetic beauty.
A. Lange & Söhne
German | 1845Originally founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in Glashütte, Dresden, Germany, the firm established an entire watchmaking culture and industry in Glashütte. The brand quickly became Germany's finest watchmaker, first creating dependable, easy-to-repair watches before going on to produce some of the world's finest complicated pocket watches, including Grande Sonnerie watches, tourbillon watches and Grande Complications.
On the final day of World War II, their factories were destroyed by Russian bombers, and in 1948 the brand was confiscated by the Soviet Union. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Ferdinand's great grandson Walter Lange re-established the brand with the objective to once again produce top-quality luxury watches. Now part of the Richemont Group, its original vintage and modern creations are highly coveted by collectors. Key models from the modern era include the Lange 1, Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon and the Zeitwerk.
Browse MakerOn the final day of World War II, their factories were destroyed by Russian bombers, and in 1948 the brand was confiscated by the Soviet Union. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Ferdinand's great grandson Walter Lange re-established the brand with the objective to once again produce top-quality luxury watches. Now part of the Richemont Group, its original vintage and modern creations are highly coveted by collectors. Key models from the modern era include the Lange 1, Pour Le Mérite Tourbillon and the Zeitwerk.