Whether you are in the market for a new watch, interested in learning more about different watch types or simply intrigued, we’re here to answer all of your questions about chronograph watches.
Sophisticated, timeless and most importantly useful! A chronograph is a must-have in anyone’s wardrobe as is a classic staple. Find chronograph watches in both men's watches and women's watches with a huge range of designs and styles to suit anyone at any time.
Whether you need a sleek leather watch for a formal event or a diving watch to take on your biggest adventures - you will be able to find a chronograph timepiece in some of the world's biggest brands such as Seiko, Citizen, Fossil and more.
Discover more about ‘what is a chronograph watch?’ and why not even get one of your very own?
Overview:
- What is a chronograph watch?
- How to use a chronograph watch
- Types of Chronograph Watches
- Our favourite chronograph watch brands
What is a chronograph watch?
A chronograph watch is a timepiece that is equipped with an additional stopwatch function, allowing the user to measure elapsed time. It has three main components: the timekeeping mechanism, the stopwatch mechanism and the pushers.
The timekeeping mechanism is the main part of the watch that keeps track of the hours, minutes and seconds. The stopwatch mechanism is activated by the pushers, which are buttons located on the side of the watch case. When the user presses the start pusher, a series of mechanisms disengage, stopping the second hand at its current position. The elapsed time can then be read from the markings on the chronograph sub-dials.
A tell-tale sign of a chronograph is that they will typically boast two to three sub-dials which display the elapsed time in seconds, minutes and hours. You can find them on the main dial, and are designed to be easily read.
Many modern chronographs don’t just have this feature, but also are complete with various other functions such as a tachymeter which is used to calculate speed based on the elapsed time and distance travelled.
A chronograph is a practical and useful tool that can be used in a variety of situations where you need to keep track of the time.
How to use a chronograph watch
You can use your chronograph timepiece to time events, measure elapsed time and track multiple intervals simultaneously. If you’re completely new to reading a chronograph it may seem confusing at first, but do not worry, there are some easy and simple tips to get you started.
- Familiarise yourself with the watch. Before trying your hand at the chronograph function, make sure that you are confident with setting the time and date on your watch. Also ensure that you have located the chronograph buttons which can usually be found on the side of the watch.
- Start the chronograph. To start the chronograph, push in the button at the 2 o’clock position on the watch. This will start the stopwatch function, and you will see the second hand begin to move.
- Stop the chronograph. To stop the chronograph, press the same button used to start it. The stopwatch function will stop, and the second hand will come to a halt.
- Reset the chronograph. To reset the chronograph to zero, press in the second button which is usually located at 4 o’clock. This will reset the function and the second hand will return to its starting position.
- Measure elapsed time. To measure elapsed time, start the chronograph when the event begins, and stop it when the event ends. The time elapsed should be displayed on the watch face in the subdials.
Each chronograph can be different and have its own unique mechanisms and processes. If you are ever in doubt, you should refer to your watch’s manual.
Types of Chronograph Watches
Simple chronograph
The standard chronograph design is what you will find on most everyday chronograph timepieces. It has two pushers that usually straddle the crown on the right-hand-side of the watch.
Monopusher chronograph
A chronograph that has a single push-piece is called a mono-pusher and was actually the first type of chronograph watch. The single pusher starts, stops and resets the chronograph. The downside to the mono pusher chronograph is that you cannot pause your timer, nor stop and restart the timer either.
Flyback chronograph
The flyback chronograph allows you to measure intervals in time which is useful when you’re timing a run, a race or something else that requires laps. This type of chronograph has two pushers with an additional function that will reset the main timer hand to zero and instantly start timing again without needing to press the top button.
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