Going back to the operation of the clutch systems, once the split-seconds wheel has been grabbed and stopped by the scissor arms, the clutches must be disengaged in order to stop the flow of power to both the split minute and seconds hands. This must happen after the scissor arms do their bit, but only a fraction of a second later. So here, in the photo above, we get a view of the clutch mechanisms and their engagement and disengagement operation. "A" is the lever that controls the engagement/disengagement of the clutches. There are two sets of three teeth (B and B') at either end of the lever "A" that are responsible for hooking onto the very fine teeth of the clutch release wheels C and C' and turning the wheels in a counterclockwise direction about 30 degrees and thus disengaging both clutches instantly and simultaneously. Of course, when the split button is pressed again, the scissor arms release the split-seconds wheel, the clutches are engaged, and the split hands (minute and seconds) are instantly in perfect synchronization with their partners that have been happily recording the main event undisturbed. Imaginative and ingenious indeed!
One final observation. We’ve talked a lot about the how the Double Split works. There is however a lot more to a fine watch – the time consuming hand-work that goes into the finishing of the components, each and every miniature part. Please have a very close look at this photo, at the graining, beveling, polishing, and even the sides of the levers and springs and try to imagine the time it takes a person to accomplish these standards of personal artistry that only human hands can bring to life.
I strongly suggest you have a look at this animation provided by A. Lange & Söhne, you will certainly get a clearer idea of the A. Lange & Söhne Double Split and its special qualities.
