The chronograph is still one of the most popular and sought after watches, but it is also one of the most underutilized and misunderstood complications.

Chronograph – Watch Complications Explained


Although people particularly like chronographs; research shows that the vast majority of these consumers either do not understand their intended use, do not know how to operate the function, or do not use it at all. Like any complication, it can significantly increase the price of the timepiece compared to its basic model, but unlike many other complication (such as perpetual calendar), chronograph is the most commonly used watch today, in addition to the date function One of the features.

Do not confuse the chronograph with the chronometer, which is marked on a Swiss-made watch to indicate that it is COSC certified and has been tested and certified to meet very precise and specific standards. Chronograph, in layman's terms, is just a fancy word for stopwatch or timer. Usually use any position between one to three buttons. These "buttons" start, stop and reset the chronograph function without interfering with the watch. Some watches can only record up to 30 minutes at a time, while others can record as long as 12 hours. The recorded time is read from the sub-register (or recorder) on the dial of the watch. When the pusher is activated, these registers count the elapsed seconds, minutes, and hours.

What to look for in a chronograph?

There are many things to consider when buying a new chronograph watch. The most important thing you need to consider is how you plan to use the feature; in addition to your budget, this should determine the type of model you choose. In addition, here are some notes on how to choose the perfect chronograph.

DO’S

DO be sure to choose a watch that is easy to read
DO be sure to choose a timepiece with a luminous mark, you can read it at night.
DO be sure to choose a two-button or three-button chronograph for ease of use.
DO be sure to choose a chronograph that can time more than the expected duration so that it does not need to be reset.
DO be sure to choose a quartz watch, if the accuracy of time is of the utmost importance.
DO be sure to choose a waterproof watch, when using the chronograph in humid conditions, .

DONT’S


DON’T choose a chronograph with a large number of other functions that are difficult to operate or read.
DON’T choose a digital chronograph that pauses, stops, or resets when switching functions.
DON’T choose a chronograph that is not waterproof if you plan to use it outdoors or running.
DON’T expect to use a chronograph as an alarm clock. Most have no audible alarms.
DON’T assume that every watch that looks like a chronograph has a chronograph. The registers normally used for chronographs are also used for other complex functions. Be sure to check the register carefully to confirm that it is actually a timing function.

Avoid overpriced and low-quality watches


Unfortunately, in our opinion, almost all new chronographs priced between US$500 and US$4,000 are not worth your money, because their quality is overrated. For example, a new Shinola watch with a retail price of $1,000 only offers a basic Ronda quartz movement.

There is nothing wrong with spending $100 on a cheap quartz chronograph. You end up buying based on aesthetics, and even the cheap quartz watches are usually more accurate than some of the most expensive mechanical movements.

Every rule has some exceptions. If you are not looking for a chronograph, we definitely recommend you to buy a three-hand watch with simple functions. Unfortunately, it does not yet have a timing function, but, therefore, your money will not be wasted on an unnecessary function. If you have such a high budget, we recommend that you buy a better quality movement and more waterproof function watch, or save money for the next watch you really want.

In conclusion


You may think that the chronograph has obvious uses for pilots and astronauts, but often you don't realize that for us, it also has many moments that we can use every day. From timing a steak on the grill to how long your wife is angry with you after a fight, any item that requires time counting is the perfect job of a chronograph on your wrist. In fact, no matter the job is large or small, the chronograph can be used for simple timing, such as car or bicycle races, by measuring the baby’s heartbeat and calculating the diver’s oxygen level.
The chronograph is one of the watch features most men want, but most people have never used it. If you happen to be one of the people who bought a chronograph based on its universal appeal rather than knowing its actual features, please use its features. Although they are simple to use, they are often very complicated to make. Among the many complicated functions of the watch, this function truly deserves your attention and respect.