What is a chronograph?

When die-hard watch enthusiasts see subdials and pushers on a watch, they immediately know they're dealing with a chronograph. Newcomers to the world of timepieces, however, often have a hard time understanding the term "chronograph." This article answers the most important and frequently asked questions about this type of watch and explains, among other things, the function and mechanism of a chronograph.

What exactly is a chronograph?

A chronograph is a time recorder, a tool for timing and thus measuring a period of time. In colloquial terms, you could simply call it a stopwatch – right? Not quite: The chronograph not only has a stopwatch function, but also functions as a "normal" watch for reading the time. This is precisely what distinguishes it from the conventional stopwatch.

The stopwatch function is the classic chronograph complication. Many chronograph models also display the date, and some also feature a tachymeter scale for measuring speed. A less common chronograph complication is the telemeter scale, which can be used to calculate distances.

How the time measurement and stopwatch function work

From a purely external perspective, subdials and two pushers give chronographs their function. The pushers on the case start, stop, and reset the stopwatch hand to its original position. Starting and stopping is usually accomplished using the pusher at 2 o'clock, while resetting is achieved by pressing the pusher at 4 o'clock. The subdials, also called totalizers, essential for analog watches with chronograph functions, are usually found in the lower part of the dial. They allow the elapsed time to be displayed in seconds, minutes, and hours.

The construction of a chronograph mechanism is extremely complex. Numerous small parts must work together precisely to ensure that the starting, stopping, and resetting functions function flawlessly. Accordingly, it is a complication whose complexity should not be underestimated.

By the way: If the stopwatch function isn't needed, it should be turned off. If the hour, minute, and second hands run continuously, this puts a strain on the mechanism over time, causing the components to wear out faster.

Distinction between quartz and mechanical chronographs

The biggest difference between a quartz watch and a mechanical watch lies within the timepiece. A mechanical watch houses a mechanical movement with a spring for energy storage, while a quartz watch is powered by a battery. Mechanical watches can also be divided into hand-wound and automatic watches. Hand-wound watches must be wound manually via the crown from time to time, while automatic timepieces wind themselves through the movement created by wearing the watch. However, the latter only happens when the watch is actually worn and is in motion. If it is simply stored lying down, the practical benefit of the automatic mechanism is lost.

Both quartz chronographs and automatic models, as well as mechanical versions, have their own advantages and disadvantages. Often, the decision between the options is not only a matter of taste, but also of budget. Quartz watches are generally significantly cheaper than wristwatches with mechanical movements.

Main features of a chronograph

At this point, we will take a closer look at the features that define a chronograph and look at how watches with a stopwatch function can be recognized at first glance:

Additional dials and displays

When looking at a chronograph wristwatch, the additional dials with hands immediately catch the eye. The large dial usually features two or even three additional dials. These are much smaller, often arranged symmetrically next to or below each other, and are also known as totalizers. Each dial serves a specific purpose: While the seconds are usually measured with the central second hand, one of the totalizers displays the running seconds. Another small dial counts the stopped minutes, and a third dial can display the stopped hours.

If a chronograph is equipped with only two totalizers, these are usually a small second hand and a stop-minute hand. These allow timing up to one hour. Only with the third subdial is it possible to accurately measure a time span of several hours.

Control elements of a chronograph

As briefly described above, a chronograph is operated using pushers. These are located on the outside of the case and can therefore be easily operated at any time. These two elements, which usually have little or no visual distinction other than their placement, serve different purposes. One of the pushers is used to start and stop the time, while the second pusher allows the hands to be reset to zero.

By the way: The chronograph is surprisingly often confused with the chronometer. However, they are two completely different things. Chronometers are watches that have been recognized for their particularly high accuracy. The term "chronometer" therefore initially says nothing about whether the watch has a stopwatch function—it refers solely to the precision with which the time is displayed. Nevertheless, a chronometer can, of course, be equipped with one or more additional functions. In principle, therefore, a chronometer can also be a chronograph.

Different types of chronographs

Today we know chronographs in various designs, which are described below:

Monopulsante

A so-called single-pusher or monopusher chronograph has—as the name suggests—only one pusher instead of two. Stopping, starting, and resetting to zero are all done with a single control. This has the disadvantage that it's not possible to pause and later resume a time measurement.

Foudroyante

A special feature is the chronograph with seconde foudroyante. These watches feature an additional subdial whose hand completes a full rotation per second. This coveted extra literally allows you to time fractions of a second.

Rattrapante

The rattrapante chronograph, also known as a split-second chronograph, has a second second hand "in tow." The split-second hand can be decoupled at any time during the stopwatch, allowing, for example, the times of two runners to be measured simultaneously.

Flyback

A flyback chronograph is particularly comfortable to use. Thanks to the flyback function, a single press of the pusher is enough to make the hands "fly" back to zero. In contrast, chronographs without this mechanism require three presses of the pusher to achieve the same result.

Popular chronograph brands and models

The good news for anyone considering owning a chronograph is that there are quite a few brands that offer watches with a stopwatch function for both men and women. This is no surprise, given the popularity of chronographs.

You'll find what you're looking for at Tag Heuer, for example. The Carrera Chronograph with date display features three subdials and the classic two pushers. The jet-black dial, luminous hands, and elegantly domed sapphire crystal give the watch a truly sporty appearance, perfectly complemented by the stainless steel case. Inside the Carrera Chronograph luxury watches from Tag Heuer ticks a caliber TH20-00 movement, which impresses the wearer with its absolute reliability.

Rolex also offers wristwatches with chronograph functions. Most notable among these is the legendary Rolex Daytona Chronograph. Equipped with an Oyster case, three subdials, and a tachymeter scale, the Rolex Daytona is highly functional and transports its wearer, at least emotionally, to the heart of the racetrack. The chronograph wristwatch, once made a true icon by its famous wearer, Paul Newman, masterfully balances sportiness and elegance and is high on the wish list of many collectors.

Not to be forgotten: the Omega Speedmaster Chronograph . This watch, too, has long since achieved legendary status. With its sleek design, tachymeter scale, luminous hands and indices, and two harmoniously integrated subdials, this sporty chronograph immediately catches the eye. Whether with a black dial and leather strap or a metal strap with a rich red dial, this Omega model is a real eye-catcher that has everything that makes a modern chronograph a standout.

At IWC, the Pilot's Watch ranks among the brand's absolute top chronographs. This elegant pilot's watch is something very special for many collectors, not least because of its complication combination of a small seconds hand, date display, and hour, minute, and second stop functions. The classically shaped hands and stopwatch hands, the large numerals, and the striking indices combine to create the image of a truly authentic, luxurious wristwatch that is second to none.

Of course, you can purchase stylish chronographs for men and women from numerous other manufacturers, including Vacheron Constantin , Patek Philippe , Breitling , and Union Glashütte.

Practical application and selection of a chronograph

If you want a watch that not only reliably displays the time but also has a practical stopwatch function, there's no way around a chronograph. When choosing a model, it's important to first consider your personal expectations and preferences. So, you should carefully consider what other complications you want, what look you prefer, and where your budget limits lie.

Since a chronograph is an extremely complex watch, it's by no means a "bargain." If you want to own a high-quality, functional model, you have to be prepared to invest a certain amount. However, many watch enthusiasts don't regret this investment: Even if the purely practical use of a chronograph is limited in most people's everyday lives, these special watches exert a great fascination on collectors and watch enthusiasts simply because of the technical masterpiece they represent.

Conclusion on the chronograph

Whether with one or two pushers, two or three subdials, simple and elegant or extravagant and eye-catching: As a watch with an enormously complex complication, the chronograph is a gem that immediately captivates any watch enthusiast. These timepieces enjoy a reputation as timeless, technically sophisticated symbols of the highest watchmaking art and represent a valuable addition to any collection.