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 diamonds Calibre: Manual, cal. L 001.1, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum A. Lange & Söhne deployant clasp Dimensions: 43mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by A. Lange & Söhne Service and Garantie booklet bearing Garantie card stamped by Kobe, Japan retailer Maison de Kamine 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.
Catalogue Essay
The present wristwatch is a true revelation to the watchmaking industry featuring an outstandingly executed double split seconds and minute chronograph. Introduced to the public in 2004, the Lange Double Split was extremely well-received by connoisseurs of fine timepieces. Regarded as one of the most sophisticated wristwatches manufactured by the acclaimed Glashütte-based manufacturer, the present example is further lavishly garnished with 48 baguette-cut Top Wesselton VVS diamonds weighing a total of 5.2 carats set on the hefty 43mm diameter platinum case.
The split seconds chronograph complication is one that is certainly admired by many, as it is extremely hard to execute and usually results in an aesthetically pleasing movement architecture. Although the split seconds chronograph might only feature an additional chronographic hand, the complication is certainly not as easy as it sounds. Originally developed to time two events happening simultaneously such as timing two individual racing cars in a circuit, A. Lange & Söhne took the split seconds chronograph to new heights by implementing a split minute counter. Overcoming one of the limitations of the split seconds chronograph as it only allows the wearer to time two events with a maximum difference in length superior to one minute only. However, the double split allows to record separate times with a maximum difference of 30 minutes. Extremely complex and daunting to execute, the Lange Double Split was one of the most well-received timepieces at the time of its launch.
The present example was previously sold at PHILLIPS Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE on 28th November 2017, hammering above its high estimate. We are extremely delighted to offer the present example once again with all its accessories intact and its condition unchanged.
Originally 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.
Ref. 824.035 An extravagant, very rare and well-preserved platinum and diamond-set split second and minutes flyback chronograph wristwatch with guarantee and presentation box
2011 43mm diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed