A. Lange & Söhne Double Split Ref. 404.035 – Platinum – 2004 – Full Set

The A. Lange & Söhne Double Split Ref. 404.035 in solid 950 platinum is one of the most important chronographs ever produced and a landmark achievement in modern haute horlogerie. Introduced in 2004, this model made history as the world’s first mechanical wristwatch with a double rattrapante mechanism, capable of measuring two intermediate times simultaneously in both seconds and minutes.

This particular example was delivered in Germany in 2004, the year of the model’s launch, and therefore belongs to the earliest production period. The watch has been worn only sparingly and remains in outstanding overall condition, reflecting careful ownership throughout its life.

A milestone in modern chronograph history

Following its successful relaunch in the 1990s, A. Lange & Söhne rapidly established itself as the true innovator and challenger to the Swiss high-end watch industry. After redefining the chronograph with the Datograph in 1999, Lange once again raised the bar in 2004 with the Double Split.

Unlike a traditional split-seconds chronograph, the Double Split adds a second rattrapante mechanism for the minute counter, allowing two events to be timed independently for up to 30 minutes. To this day, it remains one of the most mechanically complex chronographs ever serially produced and laid the foundation for later developments such as the Triple Split.

At launch, the Double Split already carried a list price of over USD 97,000, positioning it well above most contemporary competitors. Over the subsequent years of production, the retail price rose further (to around USD 126,800 by the time the model was discontinued).Today, it is regarded as a cornerstone of modern manufacture watchmaking and is highly sought after by collectors, engineers, and long-term investors alike.

Dial, case and movement

The black solid-silver dial with contrasting silver sub-dials and Roman numerals offers exceptional legibility despite the complexity of the display. It perfectly reflects Lange’s philosophy of functional clarity combined with architectural depth.

Inside beats the legendary hand-wound manufacture calibre L001.1, finished to the highest Glashütte standards. The layered movement architecture, hand-engraved balance cock, screwed gold chatons and German silver bridges can be admired through the sapphire caseback. The movement has been carefully checked by our watchmaker; it remains untouched since purchase and shows excellent timing results.

Measured values:

• Amplitude: 350°

• Rate: +7 seconds/day

• Beat Error: 0.1 ms

Condition and completeness

• Case: 950 platinum case in excellent condition with only minimal signs of wear

• Dial: Perfect condition, no defects

• Crystal: Sapphire crystal front and back, clear and scratch-free

• Strap: Original A. Lange & Söhne leather strap in very good condition

• Clasp: Original solid platinum A. Lange & Söhne deployant clasp

Delivery contents

• A. Lange & Söhne Double Split Chronograph Ref. 404.035

• Original A. Lange & Söhne presentation box

• Original A. Lange & Söhne papers

• Original platinum deployant clasp

• Proper dealer invoice

Highlights

• Reference 404.035

• 950 platinum case

• Double rattrapante chronograph (seconds and minutes)

• Flyback chronograph

• Power reserve indication

• 43.2 mm case diameter

• Year: 2004 (launch year)

• Full set

Specifications

• Reference: Double Split

• Year: 2004

• Case Material: Platinum

• Case Diameter: 43.2 mm

• Movement: Manual winding chronograph

• Calibre: Lange L001.1

• Functions:

  • Hours and minutes

  • Small seconds

  • Chronograph

  • Split seconds (rattrapante)

  • Split minutes (double rattrapante)

• Power Reserve: Approx. 38 hours

• Dial: Black

• Crystal: Sapphire (front and back)

• Water Resistance: 30 meters

• Condition: Excellent

• Remarks: Checked by our watchmaker

Important information before purchase

• One-year warranty on the movement

• Opening the watch during the warranty period voids the warranty

• No guarantee on water resistance

• Sold under the EU margin scheme (§25a UStG); VAT not separately stated

Due to CITES regulations, straps made from protected animal species cannot be shipped outside the EU. In such cases, the watch will be delivered on a high-quality calf leather strap.

All EU member states are exempt from import duties. For deliveries outside the EU, please consult your local customs authority regarding import taxes and duties.

Errors and omissions excepted.