Hello everyone!

This time, I would like to talk about models equipped with chronographs, which are very popular in the watch world.

Nowadays, every watch brand has a lineup of chronograph models , and all of them are popular and attracting attention for their sophisticated designs. So, for those who don't know much about chronographs yet, we would like to introduce recommended models from each brand.

Please enjoy until the end.

What is a Chronograph?

First, let me talk about the chronograph .

Simply put, a chronograph is a watch with a stopwatch function . The word originates from the Greek word "Chronos," meaning "time," and "graphos," meaning "to record."

Models equipped with a chronograph have a mechanism on the dial called an "in-dial" that displays the measured time. This is also called a "small second". The presence of an in-dial is an icon of a watch equipped with a chronograph, and is one of the major elements that enhances its design.

How to use and the time shown on the in-dial

I will use the Daytona in the photo as an example.

♦The hand pointing to 12 o'clock is called the "chronograph hand" and makes one rotation every 60 seconds .
Press the push button at the 2 o'clock position once to start , and press it again to stop .
♦Press the push button at the 4 o'clock position to “reset.”
The 30-minute counter located at the 3 o'clock position on the dial advances one mark each time the chronograph hand makes one revolution. (1-minute mark)
♦The 12-hour counter located at the 9 o'clock position on the dial advances by one notch every time the chronograph hand makes 60 revolutions (i.e., one hour ).

As you can see, it's very easy to use. However, if you ask me if it's actually necessary in daily life... I would say that there are few opportunities to use it (lol). Still, there's no doubt that having the sub-dial on the face enhances the completeness of the design.

I think you'll understand if you take a look at the watches I'll be introducing later, so be sure to check them out!!

Representative chronograph models from each brand

Next, we will introduce the representative chronograph models that are the main products of each brand. *This will mainly introduce the models that are currently in stock at Commit Ginza (as of July 28th), so if you are interested, please check out our website.

Rolex: Daytona

The first one we will introduce is the Daytona, a masterpiece chronograph from Rolex. When people hear the word chronograph, many of them think of the Daytona, which shows just how famous the model is.

The Cosmograph Daytona, launched in 1963, is recognized as a model designed to meet the needs of professional race car drivers, and even 50 years after its creation, it remains unparalleled among sports chronographs.

This is the white dial of the 4th generation "Daytona," Ref. 16520.

Rolex Daytona El Primero White Dial SS Ref.16520
Serial.A (around 1999) Automatic (warranty date December 1999)

This watch has been overhauled and finished at our affiliated workshop, so you can use it with confidence in a beautiful piece. The bezel, case, and bracelet are also impressive, and it comes with a warranty and serial tag, so it is a recommended piece for resale.

[⇩For more details about the Ref. 16520, please see COMMIT TV⇩]

Audemars Piguet: Royal Oak Chronograph

Next, we would like to introduce the popular "Royal Oak Chronograph," a chronograph model based on Audemars Piguet's signature Royal Oak.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph SS Ref.26331ST.OO.1220ST.01

The Royal Oak has a strong image of a three-hand watch, but this one with a chronograph is also cool. The popular blue dial and silver sub-dials are an exquisite accent.

Another one. Don't miss this shade either.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Boutique Limited Edition SS Ref.26315ST.OO.1256ST.01

This is a boutique-exclusive model released in 2019. The silver and blue dial exudes an indescribable elegance. It is also known as the "Blue Panda."

Vacheron Constantin: Overseas Chronograph

This year, the Overseas has seen a sudden rise in price in the second-hand market. Following the Nautilus and Aquanaut, this model has finally emerged in the market. This is the Overseas Chronograph, which is equipped with a chronograph.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph SS Ref.5500V/110A-B148

Like the Royal Oak, the Overseas is also dominated by three-hand models, but this chronograph model is also attracting attention. In 2016, a full model change was made, and the back cover was changed to a see-through back. The case size is a large 42.5mm, making this a model that is especially recommended for those with a large wrist.

Tudor: Black Bay Chrono

Tudor has been much talked about lately, and they also have some cool chronograph models. The base is Tudor's iconic model "Black Bay", which is a condensed version of 60 years of diving history. Recent models have adopted a two-counter chronograph, which seems to differentiate it from the original Daytona. This new model for 2021 has a color scheme reminiscent of Rolex's hand-wound Daytona.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono SS Ref.79360N

It is in very good condition and comes with a Bund strap, making it a great value item.

And now we have another recommended model from Tudor.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono SS Ref.79350

This is the previous generation model "Ref. 79350" of the new model introduced earlier. This model has a stainless steel bezel, reminiscent of the 5th generation Daytona Ref. 116520. The condition is that the protective stickers remain on the sides of the case and the buckle, and it is an unused item with no link adjustments. It also comes with a white tag, making it a rare item that is rarely seen.

Omega: Speedmaster

Last but not least, there is the Omega Speedmaster, which cannot be left out when talking about chronographs.

OMEGA Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 Limited Edition SS Ref.522.20.42.30.01.001

The Speedmaster is Omega's signature model, and this time we are introducing a model commemorating the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Tokyo Olympics are currently driving Japan into a frenzy with excitement every day. Only 2,020 pieces will be released, and we believe this is a wonderful limited edition model that will remain a lifelong memory. This unused item is a perfect addition to your collection. With the Olympics in full swing, why not purchase one to commemorate this moving memory?

summary

What did you think.

This time, we selected five brands and introduced their chronograph-equipped models , all of which were so popular they could be said to be the face of the brand.

Why is it so cool? Even while I was writing this, I was overwhelmed with emotions like "It's so cool" (laughs).

However, it is precisely because many people feel this way that chronograph models are generally popular.

In the first issue, we have only introduced the most popular models, but there are also chronographs with various other functions. We would like to introduce them in the next issue, so please look forward to it!

We hope that you will take a look at this article and become interested in the Chronograph model .

see you!!

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