When die-hard watch fans see subdials and pushers on a watch, they immediately know that they are dealing with a so-called chronograph. Newcomers to the field of timepieces, on the other hand, often don't know much about the term "chronograph". This article answers the most important and most frequently asked questions about watches of this type and explains, among other things, the function and mechanism of a chronograph.
What exactly is a chronograph?
A chronograph is understood to be a time recorder, that is, a tool for stopping time and thus measuring a period of time. So colloquially, you could just say stopwatch - right? Not quite: the chronograph not "only" brings a stop function, but also functions as a "normal" watch for reading the time. This is exactly what distinguishes it from the conventional stopwatch.
The stop function is the classic chronograph complication. In addition, many chronograph models display the date, and some also have a tachymeter scale for measuring speeds. More rarely, a chronograph complication also includes the telemeter scale. This can be used to calculate distances.
Functionality of time measurement and stopwatch function
Purely externally, subdials and two pushers give chronographs their function. The pushers on the case are used to start, stop and reset the stopwatch hand to its original position. Starting and stopping is usually accomplished by pressing the pusher at 2 o'clock, while resetting is accomplished by pressing the pusher at 4 o'clock. The subdials, also called totalizers, which are indispensable for analog watches with chronograph function, are usually found in the lower part of the dial. Thanks to them, the stopped time can be displayed in seconds, minutes and hours.
The construction of a chronograph mechanism is extremely complex. Here, a number of small parts have to work together precisely so that starting, stopping and resetting to zero function properly. Accordingly, it is a complication that should not be underestimated in its complexity.
By the way: If the stop function is not needed at the moment, it should remain switched off. If the hour, minute and second hands run continuously, this puts a strain on the mechanics in the long run and the components wear out faster.
Differentiation between quartz and mechanical chronographs
The biggest difference between a quartz watch and a mechanical watch is hidden inside the timepieces. The mechanical watch houses a mechanical movement with a spring to store energy, while the quartz watch is powered by a battery. In addition, among the mechanical watches, manual winding watches and automatic watches can be distinguished. The products with manual winding need to be wound manually from time to time via the crown, while automatic timepieces wind themselves by the movement that occurs when worn. Of course, the latter only happens when the watch is actually worn and in motion. If it is merely stored lying down, the practical benefits of the automatic are lost.
Both the chronograph with quartz movement and automatic models and the mechanical variants have their individual advantages and disadvantages. Quite often, the decision between the options is not only a matter of taste, but also of budget. After all, as a rule, quartz watches are significantly cheaper than wristwatches with mechanical movements.
Main features of a chronograph
At this point, we will go into more detail about the features that make up a chronograph and look at what the watches with stop function can be recognized at first glance:
Additional dials and displays
When looking at a chronograph wristwatch, you will immediately notice the additional dials with hands. On the large dial there are usually 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 has a specific purpose: While the seconds are usually stopped with the central second hand, one of the totalizers shows the running seconds of the time. On another small dial, the stopped minutes are counted, and a third dial can show the stopped hours.
If a chronograph is only equipped with two totalizers, these are usually small second and minute stop hands. Stopping the time with this is "only" possible up to one hour. Only with the third subdial, it is possible to measure a time span of several hours cleanly.
Operating elements of a chronograph
As already briefly described, the operation of a chronograph is done via pushers. These are located on the outside of the case and can therefore be easily operated at any time. The two elements, which usually differ little or not at all visually - apart from their placement - serve different purposes. One of the pushers is used for starting and stopping, the help of the second pushers makes it possible to set the hands back 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 received awards for their particularly high accuracy. The term "chronometer" therefore initially says nothing at all about whether the watch has a stop function - it is exclusively about the precision in which the time is displayed. Nevertheless, a chronometer can in principle of course be equipped with one or the other additional function. So, in principle, a chronometer can also be a chronograph at the same time.
Different types of chronographs
Today, we know chronographs in different designs, which are described below:
Monopulsant
A so-called one-pusher or monopusher chronograph has - as the name suggests - only one instead of two pushers. Stopping, starting and resetting to zero is done with one and the same control element. This has the disadvantage that no interruption and later continuation of a time measurement is possible.
Foudroyante
A speciality is the chronograph with seconde foudroyante. Such watches come with another sub-dial, the hand of which manages one full rotation per second. So, with this coveted extra, you can literally stop fractions of a second.
Rattrapante
The rattrapante chronograph, which is also known under the title drag hand chronograph, has a second second hand "in tow". It is possible to uncouple the drag hand at any time during the stopwatch procedure, so that, for example, the times of two runners can be measured at the same time.
Fly-back
A flyback chronograph is particularly convenient 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 you to operate the pusher three times to achieve the same result.
Popular chronograph brands and models
For those who want to get themselves a chronograph, the good news is that there are quite a few brands that have watches with stop function for men and women in their range. No wonder, after all, the chronograph enjoys great popularity.
You can find one at Tag Heuer, for example. The Carrera chronograph with date display has three totalizers and the classic two pushers. The deep black dial, the luminous hands and the noble domed sapphire crystal give the watch an extremely sporty appearance, which is ideally rounded off by the stainless steel case. Inside the Carrera Chronograph luxury watches from Tag Heuer ticks a caliber TH20-00 movement, which inspires the wearer with absolute reliability.
And Rolex also has wristwatches with chronograph function to offer. First and foremost 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 race track. The chronograph wristwatch, which was formerly made a true icon by its famous wearer Paul Newman, manages the balancing act between sportiness and elegance with flying colors and is high on the wish list of many collectors.
Not to be forgotten: The Omega Speedmaster Chronograph. This watch has also long since achieved the status of a legend. With its sleek design, tachymeter scale, luminous color on the hands and indices, and the two subdials that are coherently integrated into the overall picture, this sporty chronograph immediately catches the eye. Whether with a black dial and leather strap or metal strap and rich red dial, this model from Omega is an eye-catcher that has everything that makes a modern chronograph a highlight.
At IWC, the Pilot's Watch ranks among the brand's absolute top chronographs. The noble pilot's watch is something very special for many a collector, not least because of the complication combo of small seconds, date display and hour, minute and second stop. The classically shaped hands and stopwatches, the large numerals and the distinctive indices combine to create the image of an extremely authentic, luxurious wristwatch that is second to none.
Of course, chic chronographs for men and women can be purchased from numerous other manufacturers. These include Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, Breitling and Union Glashütte, among many others.
Practical use and selection of a chronograph
If you want a watch that not only reliably shows the time, but also brings a practical stop function, there is no way around a chronograph. When choosing a model, it is important to first be aware of personal expectations and ideas. So you should think carefully about what other complications you want, what look you prefer and where the limits of your budget are.
Since a chronograph is an extremely complex watch, it is by no means a "bargain". If you want a high-quality, functional model to call your own, you must therefore be prepared to invest a certain sum. But many watch lovers do not regret this investment: even if the purely practical use of a chronograph in the everyday life of most people is limited, the special watches exert a great fascination on collectors and watch fans just by the technical feat that they represent.
Conclusion about the chronograph
Whether with one or two push-piece parts, two or three subdials, simple and elegant or extravagant and eye-catching: as a watch with an enormously elaborate complication, the chronograph is a piece of jewelry that immediately captivates every watch fan. Time-stopping watches enjoy a reputation for timeless, technically sophisticated symbols of the highest watchmaking art and are a valuable addition to any collection.