Watch Terminology Dictionary

Also known as a split sword. A chronograph capable of measuring time with two hands. Controlling two hands is technically complex, making it particularly difficult to use in conjunction with an automatic chronograph, which requires a smaller space. While a prototype is said to have existed as early as 1831, the fully developed split-seconds movement was not fully realized until 1881, created by watchmaker Auguste Baud. The first split-seconds movement in a wristwatch was in 1912, but it was adapted from a pocket watch. Simple split-seconds movements are known from Bovet in 1936, Derby & Chardenbrand in 1949, and Landeron in 1951. The world's first automatic split-seconds movement was the 1186 by Frederic Piguet in 1887. A. Lange & Söhne's "Double Split" (2005) not only had two chronograph hands, but also two 30-minute counter hands, allowing for the measurement of multiple hours in minutes. The term "double chronograph" is incorrect.