What are Chronograph Watches? History and Functionality of Chronograph Watches

A chronograph is the most commonly sought complication on a watch today. But what is it about the chronograph that makes it so desirable?

People interested in chronograph watches generally fall into two categories: those looking to purchase one for timekeeping events, such as running or racing, and those who like the sportier look of the watch, with no particular interest in its functionality. Let’s take a closer look at this popular complication.

More functions:

Chronograph watches have a specific purpose. This is essentially what they are for. It can measure heart rate, calculate average speed, or track two events simultaneously. There are also chronographs that have telemetry functions. This could inform you of the distance to a certain event that could be seen or heard.

Amazingly, these timepieces can still accurately read the time despite all these complicated functions. It is a testament to the mastery of the chronograph and is the main reason chronograph watches are priced higher. This brings us to the next reason why you should get the best chronograph watch.

How to use a chronograph watches?

“Chronograph” is just a fancy word for “chronometer”. They were added to watches in the early part of the 20th century to allow race car drivers and racers to time themselves and each other. Astronauts during the American golden age of space exploration also wore watches with chronographs on their wrists. For example, Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert used his Omega Speedmaster’s chronograph to calculate a significant course correction during the perilous journey back to earth.

Using a chronograph is easy. Just press the start / stop button on the side of the watch to start or stop the stopwatch; press the lower button to reset zero. The most confusing part is understanding what the different sub-dials that make up the chronograph mean. Watch chronographs usually consist of three hands: a second hand, a minute hand, and an hour hand.

History of Chronograph:

There are two men who are credited, separately, with the inventor of the chronograph: Louis Moinet and Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec, both were French watchmakers. In fact, Moinet was the inventor of the first chronograph watch, officially releasing its invention in 1816. This watch was designed to be used for astrological purposes, it was not designed with daily basis practical use in mind.

This is where Rieussec enters history and gets some of the credit. In 1821, King Louis XVIII commissioned Rieussec, a respected (and faithful) watchmaker, to build a personal chronograph.

The king’s wish was to have a device for timing horse racing. This invention will not only change watchmaking forever, but it will also transform the way people enjoy sports and racing. Because these both are attached to each other.

Until recently, this was the established and accepted origin of the chronograph watch. However, the discovery, in 2013, of a pocket chronograph made by Moinet puts the official chronology into question.

Final words:

Chronograph watches are the most attractive and elegant watches nowadays. These watches have more dials which look more beautiful than other traditional or simple watches. People prefer chronograph watches over other simple watches, most of the young generation love this type of series with matching watch belts with their outfit. In this article, we tried to clear you about the chronograph watch and history. We’ll get back with more stylish and perfect watches. Keep connected with us. Thanks for reading, stay healthy and safe!