On one hand (no pun intended), they are convenient. The appeal of a chronograph watch is twofold.
It’s true, a mobile phone or computer is just as capable of keeping time, and stopwatches can be found for a few bucks. In this era of ubiquitous and ever-advancing technology, it might seem strange that anyone would still bother with a chronograph function on a wristwatch (it’s seemingly the timekeeping equivalent of having a Blockbuster card in your wallet). The chronograph paved the way for all of these extra complications. You can also get pulsometers (measures pulses), altimeters (measures altitude), and pedometers (measures steps). You’ll often find a tachymeter, which is used to measure time over a specified distance. Like we said, simple.Īs chronographs became more popular in the 20 th century, they also became more sophisticated. One button starts the timer and the second button stops and resets the timer. The chronograph function is operated by two extra buttons on the side of the watch. Most modern chronographs are capable of measuring minutes and even hours, with some capable of measuring time intervals of 12 or even 24 hours. In its most basic form, a chronograph watch will have an extra second hand to time short intervals. The chronograph watch is a fairly simple and intuitive device. How does a chronograph watch work?Īnatomy of a Chronograph Watch (Omega Speedmaster Dial) ĭubbed the “ compteur de tierces” (third counter), this watch was completed in 1816, suggesting that Moinet was the creator of both the chronograph and the chronograph watch. However, the discovery, in 2013, of a pocket watch chronograph made by Moinet puts the official timeline in question. Until recently, that has been the established and accepted origin of the chronograph watch. This invention would not only change watchmaking forever but would also transform how sports and racing were enjoyed. The king’s desire was to have a device to time horseraces. In 1821, King Louis XVIII commissioned Rieussec, a respected (and loyal) watchmaker, to construct a personal chronograph. This is where Rieussec comes into the story and gets to claim some of the credit.
Designed to be used for astrological purposes, it wasn’t designed with day-to-day practical use in mind.
In reality, Moinet was the inventor of the first chronograph, officially releasing his invention in 1816. There are two men who are credited, separately, with inventing the chronograph: Louis Moinet and Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec, both French horologists.
#Chronograph definition how to
Related Video: How to Use Chronograph Watches.On a normal chronograph, the user must first stop, reset, and then restart it before timing the next event. That is the most basic definition, although there are more complicated versions – such as a flyback Chronograph that allows the user to reset the timer without having to first stop the chronograph. The wearer activates the chronograph functionality by pressing the pushers on the side of the watch case. Many chronographs have three sub-dials to measure minutes, seconds, and some down to 1/10th of a second. The chronograph is actually considered the first complication, but in the centuries since its invention, things have only gotten more and more complicated for wristwatches.Ī chronograph is essentially a stopwatch used to track the length of elapsed time of an event or occurrence. The term for an extra watch feature like a chronograph is “ complication,” so named because they add extra levels to the mechanics of a traditional mechanical watch. Chronographs were originally invented for measuring the movements of astrological bodies but chronograph watches.
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