Good evening everyone!
This week, we have a new series, In this new project, we will explain the basics of luxury watches in an easy-to-understand way, for those who are not very familiar with luxury watches and those who want to learn more about them.
This is the 11th time
[ Introduction to Luxury Watches ]: 『 Chronograph 』
Even if you are not familiar with watches, you may have heard the word "chronograph". However, despite its popularity, many people are surprisingly unaware of its usage and types.
So this time, we will explain in detail about the chronographs that are installed in popular models such as the Rolex Daytona and the Omega Speedmaster. If you like watches with chronographs but don't know how to use them, or don't know how to read the passage of time on a chronograph, please take a look at this article.
What is a Chronograph?
『 Chronograph 』 = 『 Stopwatch 』
The term "chronograph" refers to a function that measures the passage of time. It may be easier to understand if you think of a stopwatch. The word "chronograph" originates from the Greek words "chronos" (time) and "graphos" (to write).
How to use the chronograph
Generally, the push button (red circle) above the crown at the 2 o'clock position is the start/stop button, and the push button (blue circle) below the crown at the 4 o'clock position is the reset button.
How to read a chronograph
*3 counter chronograph
There are two main types of chronographs: two-counter types, which have a second counter and a minute counter, and three-counter types, which have a second counter, a minute counter and an hour counter.
The counters on a typical chronograph can be distinguished as follows:
*2 counter chronograph
We are often consulted by customers who say, "I just bought a watch, but the second hand isn't moving," but when we look closely, we often find that they have mistaken the "chronograph" hand for the "second counter" hand.
Types of chronographs
Although the term "chronograph" is used in general, there are many different types, so here we would like to introduce some of the most common "chronographs."
Flyback chronograph
The "flyback chronograph" is a mechanism that allows you to reset the "chronograph hands" and re-measure while the "chronograph" is in operation. Normally, the process is "start → stop → reset → restart", but this allows you to re-measure with just one operation. This is largely related to the background of its use as a military watch, and was developed so that pilots could operate the "chronograph" without taking their hands off the control stick.
[ Representative model ]
[ Patek Philippe ] " Annual Calendar Chronograph "
『Split-second chronograph』
As the name suggests, a split-second chronograph is a mechanism that has two chronograph hands and can measure multiple elapsed times. When the hands are started, stopped, and then restarted, they instantly move to the position of the hands that are already moving, allowing you to measure again. It is a very useful function and a complex mechanism, so it is very popular, but it requires advanced manufacturing technology, and the number of brands that make it is limited, so the number of pieces is also small.
[ Representative model ]
[ A. Lange & Söhne ] " 1815 Rattrapante "
"One-push chronograph"
A "one-push chronograph" is a "chronograph" mechanism that can be started, stopped, and reset with one button. Since there is only one button to operate, it is easy to operate and can be stored in a minimal size. It is not often installed in current models, but is often installed in antique watches and old pilot watches.
[ Representative model ]
[ Blancpain ] " Villeret One-Push Chronograph "
Regatta Chronograph
The "regatta chronograph" mechanism, which is mainly used in yacht races, is a mechanism that adds a "countdown" function to the "chronograph". Since yachts are powered by wind, they cannot accelerate immediately while stopped at the starting point. Therefore, the countdown begins with "start in xx minutes", and the yacht begins to accelerate toward the starting line accordingly, and the start is established when the yacht passes the line after the signal is sounded. Of course, it depends on the brand and model, but the countdown can mainly be set using the bezel.
[ Representative model ]
[ Rolex ] " Yacht-Master II "
summary
This time we explained the types and how to use the "chronograph" function. What did you think?
The "chronograph" can measure the passage of time and can be read from the small seconds on the dial. As we have introduced, there are various types and designs, so please try looking for your favorite "chronograph" model.
Once again, I hope that this article will pique your interest in luxury watches!
see you!