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Good evening everyone!
This column talks about mechanical watches from an engineer's point of view. This is the 19th installment.
"About the chronograph function"
I will talk about this topic.
Chronographs are used in many popular models, including the Rolex Daytona. I get the impression that many people choose chronographs because they're "cool!", but there are probably some people who don't know much about their essential functions.
So this time, I would like to focus on and explain the "chronograph function". Please read until the end!
What is a chronograph?
A chronograph is a mechanism for measuring elapsed time. In common parlance, it has a stopwatch function . A typical chronograph has a chronograph hand in addition to hour and minute hands, and can measure any elapsed time by controlling this hand with the start/stop button.
As mentioned at the beginning, chronographs are known not only for their functionality, but also for the excellent design of the dial arrangement, which is one of the reasons why they are loved by so many people. For this reason, almost every brand's standard models include a chronograph.
How to use the chronograph
When you hear the name chronograph, you might think it must be complicated to use, but in reality it's quite simple, and measurement is done in three steps: ① start → ② stop → ③ reset .
Although the operation is simple, mechanical chronographs are not like battery-powered stopwatches, and are made with extremely precise design, so they can break down if not operated correctly. We will explain the correct operation method, so please refer to it.
① Press the push button at 2 o'clock to start
Generally, chronographs start timing with a button at the 2 o'clock position above the crown. However, the position may differ depending on the model, so be sure to check the instruction manual for your watch. Also, the feel of the button varies depending on the model, with some models being easy to press and others requiring a deep press to operate.
② Press the push button at the 2 o'clock position again to stop it.
Pressing the push button at the 2 o'clock position again will stop the measurement. If you want to resume the measurement from the stopped state, press the same button again to resume. In other words, pressing the button at the 2 o'clock position will "start" and "stop" the watch repeatedly.
③Reset by pressing the push button at the 4 o'clock position
Once the measurement is complete, press the push button at the 4 o'clock position to reset the time. Again, depending on the model, some models can be reset by simply pressing lightly, while others require a strong, deep press to reset. Be sure to follow the procedure that matches your model.
Chronograph Variations
There are many different types of chronographs, but here we will explain two particularly well-known mechanisms: the flyback and split-second.
① Flyback mechanism
With a normal chronograph, once a measurement has been completed, it is necessary to "stop," "reset," and then "restart" the measurement in order to begin again. However, with the flyback chronograph, a more advanced chronograph mechanism, the next time period can be measured without stopping the measurement.
With a typical chronograph, the push button at 4 o'clock should not be pressed (or is designed so that it cannot be pressed) while measuring. However, a flyback chronograph has a function that resets all the measuring hands by pressing the push button at 4 o'clock while measuring. Moreover, it does not simply reset, but returns to zero and measures again the moment you release your finger from the push button, which is a major feature. This makes it possible to measure more precisely.
If you want to stop the hands while measuring, press the push button at the 2 o'clock position, just like a regular chronograph, and then press the push button at the 4 o'clock position to reset the hands. Other than the fact that you can reset and restart by pressing the push button at the 4 o'clock position while measuring, the operation is the same as a regular chronograph. However, some flyback chronographs can become overloaded if you repeatedly reset and restart them, so we don't recommend using the flyback function repeatedly just for fun.
②Split-seconds mechanism
Split seconds refers to a chronograph that can measure multiple lap times using two chronograph seconds hands. When you press the start button, the two seconds hands move simultaneously, and when you press the split button, only one hand stops while the other chronograph hand continues measuring. If you then press the split button again, the one stopped hand instantly catches up with the running chronograph hand, and the two hands move simultaneously again. And when you reset the two hands while they are stopped, they are specially designed to return to the zero position at the same time, even if they are in different positions.
Because it is powered by an extremely complicated mechanism, there are not many models equipped with it, but as the name suggests, the design of the "Split" and "Second" hand movements are artistic and captivating.
The location of the split button varies depending on the model, but it is generally located at 10 o'clock or in the center of the crown. The split second is also called "rattrapante" in French.
Things to consider when purchasing a chronograph
There is something romantic about the chronograph mechanism, which can measure time and distance using only mechanics, and the beauty of the hands unfolding across the entire dial has a charm that cannot be found in other watches.
However, there is one thing you should be aware of: maintenance costs. Because chronographs are very complex mechanisms, the cost of overhauling and repairing them tends to be higher than that of regular three-hand models, with maintenance costs on average being about 1.5 times higher.
In order to reduce such high maintenance costs as much as possible, it is important to know the correct way to handle it.
Many precision chronographs are vulnerable to vibration and shock, and problems such as hands shifting or push buttons coming off are common. For this reason, it is more important than with regular three-hand models to remove the watch during strenuous exercise and be careful not to drop it.
Also, using the chronograph hand as a second hand is prohibited as it will accelerate wear on the parts. When not in use, stop it at the zero position. However, models that use Patek Philippe's vertical clutch can be used without any problems with using the chronograph as a second hand. That's what you'd expect from Patek Philippe! That's all there is to it!
summary
What did you think?
In the world of luxury watches, chronographs are used in many popular models. Therefore, if you know what kind of mechanism a chronograph is and how it is used, you will have a deeper understanding of it and will come to love not only the design but also this mechanism.
We hope that this article has been useful to you and has piqued your interest in luxury watches! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly and we will answer them thoroughly. We look forward to your visit and inquiries.
Look forward to the next one! See you next time!
