Chronographs are popular for their functionality and design. Introducing the different types and current masterpieces.

If you're interested in chronographs, learn about their history and functions. By paying attention not only to the design but also to the invisible parts, you'll find them even more appealing. We'll take a deeper look at chronographs, which encapsulate the brand's philosophy.

The philosophy behind the watch: "Chronograph"

A chronograph is a watch that not only displays the time but also has a stopwatch function. First, let's take a look at the history and appeal of chronographs, as well as the types of typical meters they have.

The history of the chronograph

The first commercially available chronograph is said to have been made by watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec in 1821. However, there are also other theories about its origins, including that Louis Moinet made a chronograph for astronomical observations five years earlier in 1816.

Adolphe Nicole, known as the father of the modern chronograph, created the prototype of the chronograph in 1844 and produced a pocket watch with a chronograph in 1862.

Breitling is said to have created the first wristwatch chronograph in 1915. Later, in 1969, Breitling, Heuer (now TAG Heuer), Hamilton, and Dubois-Dépraz collaborated to develop the "Cal. 11" movement, known as the Chronomatic, which led to the modern form of the movement.

The allure of the chronograph

The greatest appeal of chronographs is their timekeeping function. In the past, chronographs were used in automobile races and world wars.

Nowadays, electronic stopwatches are commonplace, but a chronograph is a mechanism in which a part of the watch is detached and used to measure time, and then returned to its original position when the time is up.By simply assembling the parts, the stopwatch function is built into the watch.

The mechanical design is also one of the chronograph's charms. The intricate interplay of the sub-dial, chronograph second hand, and meter markings creates an appealing look that appeals to men.

Typical types of meters

The combination of meters marked on the bezel and dial and totalizer functions allows chronographs to perform a variety of measurements.

Typical meters are the "tachometer" and the "telemeter." The tachymeter can measure speed per hour, and the telemeter can measure distance. There is also a "decimal meter" that can convert timekeeping from the sexagesimal system to the decimal system.

Some chronographs are equipped with meters that can measure pulse rate and breathing rate per minute. The pulse rate is measured by a "pulse meter," and the breathing rate is measured by an "asmometer."

Differences from chronometers

The word "chronograph" is often confused with "chronometer." However, a chronometer refers to a watch that has been certified as highly accurate, and is completely different from a chronograph.

That's why there are watches that are both chronographs and chronometers.

When people talk about chronometers, they generally mean "COSC chronometers." COSC chronometers are a precision standard for mechanical watches that conforms to the ISO 3159 standard.

The watch is tested over 15 days and nights under a variety of conditions, including five different positions (vertical and horizontal) and three different temperatures, and the daily deviation must be within -4 to +6 seconds.

The chronograph's higher-level mechanism

The chronograph itself is a mechanism that requires advanced technology, but there are also advanced mechanisms that have been further developed. Let's take a look at three representative advanced chronographs.

Flyback

"Flyback" is a mechanism that allows the watch to be reset to zero and restarted simultaneously. While a normal chronograph requires separate operations for stopping, resetting, and restarting, a flyback chronograph completes all three actions with a single push.

The first mass-produced movement to feature a flyback mechanism is said to be the Cal. 59, made by the German manufacturer UROFA and released in 1939.

This function is primarily useful in aviation, as it makes it easier to read intermediate times during measurements, but for general users it will likely come in handy in active situations such as sports and outdoor activities.

Split-seconds

The split-seconds mechanism, one of the seven major complications, is a chronograph that uses two hands to measure two different times. It is known to be an extremely difficult mechanism to manufacture because it is prone to malfunctions.

Brands famous for split-seconds include A. Lange & Söhne and Breitling. A. Lange & Söhne's "Triple Split" can display three accumulated times in hours.

Furthermore, in the case of movements with automatic winding mechanisms, the chronograph mechanism is housed on the case back, making it difficult to add a split-seconds mechanism. However, Breitling has placed it on the dial side, making it possible to easily implement a split-seconds mechanism, which is difficult to manufacture.

Chronographs equipped with split seconds are ideal for situations requiring accurate time measurement, such as timing races and competitions.

El Primero

"El Primero" is an integrated automatic chronograph movement released by Zenith in 1969, and Zenith models equipped with this mechanism are also named after El Primero.

The El Primero's greatest feature is its high precision, achieved by its high-speed vibration of 36,000 vibrations per hour. At the time of its release, it also attracted attention for its approximately 50-hour power reserve.

El Primero was also used in Rolex Daytonas for a time, and was the only non-manufactured movement in a Rolex watch, demonstrating its reliability.

Due to their high accuracy and reliability, they are used in a variety of fields that require timing functions, from aviation to motor racing and space development.