What is a chronograph?

The term chronograph comes from the Greek chronos (time) and grapho (to write) and means “writer of time”, commonly indicating a wristwatch that can be used to measure intervals of time. It also has an indication of the time and often also a date display.

Many chronographs are equipped with a scale to measure, for example, speed. The tachometric scale is the most suitable for this purpose and is present in many models. Telemetric and pulsometric scales, on the other hand, are much rarer. The latter were used in the past by doctors to measure the heart rate of patients.

The origins of the chronograph

The first mechanical chronograph dates back to 1969, but this type of mechanism was created much earlier. The first watch of this kind known to exist is from 1816, it was produced by Louis Moinet and was not a wristwatch but a pocket watch. It allowed you to measure times in sixtieths of a second.

The origins of the chronograph are quite fascinating. Just think that the chronograph watch was initially created for medical and military purposes: in the first case, in fact, it allowed you to measure the heartbeat, while in the second, it allowed the military to precisely measure the distance traveled by the projectiles fired by the artillery. Over time, and with the changing fashions, it has become one of the most popular watch models. Its ability to measure time starting from an exact moment makes it synonymous with precision, and it perfectly represents the fascinating mechanism of the passage of time.

 

How does a chronograph work?

The operation of a chronograph is quite simple: one button starts and stops the counting, the other resets it. Usually the two buttons are located on the right side of the case: at 2 o'clock the one to start and stop and at 4 o'clock the one to reset.

The elapsed seconds and fractions of a second are usually shown by a central seconds dial that starts only once the chronograph function is activated. If you do not want to measure time intervals, the chronograph function can be left deactivated. If the hands were to continue their timekeeping activity uninterrupted, the movement components would suffer and the durability of the entire watch would be compromised.

What are chronograph dials for?

You may have already wondered what the small indicators on the dial of a chronograph are for: these are totalizers, also known as subsidiary dials. When the chronograph function is active, it is very difficult to tell whether the watch is still running, which is why most chronographs have a small seconds totalizer. Many chronographs also have additional auxiliary dials, or totalizers, for displaying the minutes and hours. With many chronographs, it is possible to measure time intervals of up to 12 hours.

However, there are also chronographs with only two auxiliary dials: the small seconds and the minute counter. These watches are capable of timing times of up to 30 or 60 minutes.

Chronographs with a single pusher, also known as monopusher chronographs, are quite rare. The pusher is usually located next to the crown and includes the three functions of start, stop, and reset.

What is the difference between a chronograph and a stopwatch?

The distinction between a chronograph and a stopwatch may seem subtle, but it actually highlights two categories of watches with distinct characteristics and purposes. A stopwatch is the pinnacle of precision, passing rigorous tests to ensure extremely accurate timekeeping.

On the other hand, a chronograph is a type of watch that offers additional features beyond simply telling time. For example, it features a timing mechanism, allowing specific time intervals to be started, stopped and reset. It is important to note that chronographs can also be certified as chronometers if they meet the required high standards of precision.

In other words, while the stopwatch focuses on the accuracy of the time, the chronograph adds the versatility of measuring time in more detail, without compromising its elegance and fundamental precision.

Chronographs are therefore watches that tell a story: born as extremely precise instruments with great responsibilities, today our men's chronographs mark your time with the punctuality it deserves, to live every moment to the fullest and overcome your challenges, in sport and in life. Find the chronograph watch that best represents you: choose from the men's chronographs of the best brands and at the best price on Eldorado Jewels!