Watch without chronograph. What is a chronograph on a watch for and how to use it? Fourth truth. Chronographs are divided into types

People have been trying to organize their time for a long time. But, oddly enough, not everyone knows what a chronograph is in a watch. Watchmakers came up with it not so long ago. Many do not even know how to use it and do not know how it arose.

A bit of history

Only in 1821 did the first device appear that allowed time to be recorded. It was introduced by Nicholas-Mathew Rjossack. It was invented in order to keep track of time at the races. At the tip of the hand that counted the seconds was an inkwell. When the mechanism stopped, the needle touched the dial, thereby leaving a speck on it. Previously, they also tried to create a device that would help measure time intervals, but it did not look like a chronograph at all. Georg Graham, a watchmaker from England, was the first to introduce watches with such capabilities. So it was thanks to him that we learned what a chronograph is in a watch. After that, mechanisms appeared, the second hand of which had an independent wheel system, just once every second it made a jump. This is how they work today. And the first to describe such a mechanism was Jean Moise Pouzet, a Geneva watchmaker, in 1776.

Some interesting facts

To begin with, it is necessary to indicate how a chronograph differs from a watch. In fact, these are the same watches that have the ability to fix a certain period of time. The operation of the hand mechanism is completely unrelated to the chronograph. Buttons are required to control them. There are devices with one, two and three buttons. The first ones are not convenient enough, because start, reset and stop are carried out with one button.

Such models cannot be started after a stop. This is where a device with two buttons comes to the rescue. After stopping, it is possible to start the second hand.

Varieties of chronographs

After we figured out the hours, you need to find out what they are. Exist simple models, with one or two buttons. With the help of them, you can measure one period of time or several consecutive ones at once. Split is a more complex device. It has two second hands, which are located in the middle of the dial, one above the other. Such a chronograph allows you to measure the duration of various events that began at the same time and ended at the same time. different times. Such devices are equipped with three buttons. Fly-back is used to take measurements that have zero gaps between values. Moreover, a new measurement can be started by pressing one button.

Scope of application

Such devices are widely used. It is very important to know how to use the chronograph on your watch. For convenience, different scales are applied to it. The main one is used to make readings more convenient. Often it is divided into fractions of seconds. Today there are models that can measure 1/10th of a second. This is Zenith El Primero. This chronograph is unique. Its balance is 36,000 vibrations per second. With such a device, a very clear measurement can be taken.

Varieties by type of scales

There are models that are color-coded for an interval of three minutes to control phone conversation. Some are able to determine the parking time or duration football match. Quartz models even beep when the time is up. In a word, everyone can choose for himself such a device that he needs.

Throughout the long history of watchmaking, craftsmen have tirelessly improved the mechanisms of their products, trying to make them more accurate and endow additional features. One of these functions is chronograph. This concept is often confused with a chronometer due to similar names, but their meanings are completely different. Let's try to figure out what a chronograph and a chronometer are in a wristwatch.

What is a chronograph in a watch

A chronograph in watches is (ancient Greek chronos “time” + grapho “I write”) a mechanism that allows you to measure short periods of time, like a stopwatch. However, unlike a stopwatch, a modern chronograph is an addition to the main function of the watch, without affecting the operation of the mechanism as a whole. The first chronographs were separate devices capable of recording readings by making ink dots with needles. This is where the second part of the name comes from, somewhat confusing when it comes to wristwatches with a chronograph.

How to use a chronograph in a wristwatch

The chronograph mechanism is controlled by pressing buttons - they allow you to start the countdown, stop it and reset the results. Single pusher chronographs are now being superseded by more complex versions, such as the split chronograph with two hands. It allows you to watch two events with different duration and start time. Three buttons are usually involved in the control, which allows you to stop one of the arrows. Flyback chronographs allow you to reset and start a new countdown at the push of a button.

The chronograph is most useful for people associated with sports, but it can also be useful for representatives of other fields of activity, such as science, navigation and military affairs. For example, a tachymeter scale can be used both to measure the running speed of an athlete, and to measure the pressure or pulse of a patient.

How to use a chronometer in a wristwatch

A chronometer is also called a special accurate clock certified by the Swiss Institute of Chronometry COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres). There, the mechanism of each watch is individually tested and, upon successful completion, receives a certificate. Such a check is an expensive procedure, therefore certified swiss watches chronometers usually significantly more expensive than their "unverified" counterparts. Currently only 3% swiss watches chronometers boast COSC certification.

Chronometers can be not only mechanical, but also quartz, but do not forget that the quartz crystal is subject to aging and gradually becomes less accurate. If you want a chronometer to serve for many years, it is worth considering a mechanical version. In the end, such a wrist watch with a chronometer can be passed on to posterity, who will certainly appreciate such a gesture.

Due to the fact that these names have a similar sound, they are often functional features may be confused or think that these devices have the same meaning. Although the purpose of each of them is to determine the time from maximum precision, each of these mechanisms does it in its own way. The name chronometer may be applied to a chronograph in some cases, but not vice versa.

What you need to know about the chronograph?

This word refers to such a mechanism that makes it possible to fix short periods of time. In addition to the fact that this device is capable of performing the function of a stopwatch, it also plays the role of a start, deletes all records of previous results, etc. All this does not affect the operation of the main device. The control of the mechanisms is simple, as special buttons are used for this.

According to some experts, George Graham was the first to use this movement in watches. The idea of ​​creating a chronograph came to his mind thanks to his love for horse racing. He needed a device capable of measuring short periods of time during races. Thus, a mechanism with high accuracy appeared.

The word itself is of ancient Greek origin. It consists of two words and has the literal meaning "I write" and "time". Initially, this name was ideal, since the device included a needle and ink, which made it possible to put a dot on the dial after the end of the set time period. But today it is even confusing, since the chronograph does not record the time, but simply fixes it.

Types of chronographs.

There are such types of chronographs in watches:

One-button. At one time, such options were quite popular, but today complex devices have come into fashion.

Summers have two buttons in their device. Thanks to the first, you can start the stopwatch, and the second makes it possible to reset the results.

Fly-backs make it possible to simultaneously launch new circle, as well as stop the past.

Split chronographs allow you to record two movements of the hands at once. There are three buttons on this device. The third is responsible for zeroing only one circle.

What is a chronometer?

Chronometer is a watch device with the most accurate course. In order to obtain the status of having a chronometer, it is necessary to pass a serious certification at a specialized institute of chronometry.

The need to create an accurate move was associated with sea ​​voyages. Therefore, the famous traveler John Harrison became the creator of the chronometer. The innovation he invented gave sailors the opportunity to make successful journeys, even over long distances.

The presence of the device made it possible to monitor where the sailors were. Neither the movement of the ship itself nor strong winds were not able to disable a wonderful invention. It has also been used on railway to prevent train collisions.

The first to use a chronometer in watches was Clay Ball. He made wristwatches with perfectly accurate movement, which became a real breakthrough in the watch industry. Today, the presence of a chronometer in watches is commonplace. It is believed that in quartz movement the chronometer is less susceptible to temperature changes, and the mechanical one can be eternal, subject to all maintenance rules.

A wristwatch is an important and necessary accessory that helps to give a “zest” to the image, emphasize the status of a person and position in society. A modern wrist watch is not just a device for measuring time, but also a multifunctional device that can be very useful. Indeed, in such accessories there can be a calendar, chronograph, alarm clock and many others. useful features. And if an alarm clock with a calendar does not raise questions about their use, then they appear with a chronograph.

What is the function of a chronograph?

First of all, it must be said that the chronograph is an independent measuring system that has no connection with the general watch movement. This to some extent complicates the design, but at the same time allows you to get the highest quality and accurate measurements. In fact, a chronograph is a counter that registers certain periods of time. With this device you can register seconds, hours and minutes. For example, it is often used to measure the time of a run or bicycle rides, business meetings, and even the much-touted "meal deliveries to the exact second." In addition, chronographs are used by doctors to measure the heartbeat, housewives - when cooking, the military in the calculations.

How to use the chronograph?

The chronograph is turned on and off using separate buttons on the case. Note that some models have a multifunctional chronograph activation button, which can be pressed multiple times to stop the recording of the time interval. One of the advantages of using a chronograph over a conventional stopwatch is that there is no need to change the dial. That is, the work of the clock itself is not disturbed, which continues to show the exact time.

The use of a chronograph on most watch models is standard and does not present any difficulty. Therefore, you can quickly learn how to use the chronograph on your watch. On single-button models, the first press starts the chronograph, and when you need to complete distance measurements, you need to press the corresponding button again. If you need to return the arrow to its original position, press the button a third time.
Chronographs with two control buttons are very popular today. The first button starts the measurement of the segment, then the second one stops this process. IN this case you get the opportunity to continue the measurement without returning the arrow to its original position. This is necessary when defining any specific action cycles.

Wrist watch high level can be equipped with a chronograph with three pushers. This is the so-called split system. With this split chronograph, you can register several events at the same time that started at the same time. You can start and stop segment measurement independently of each other.
Modern complex chronographs allow not only to take measurements of several segments at once, which began at the same time and at the same time end in different time, but also have the function of summing such calculated segments. There are also special varieties of chronographs that allow you to measure periods of time up to 12 hours.

Currently in specialized stores You will be able to pick up such wrist watches, which are equipped with a high-quality and accurate chronograph. All this will allow you to maximum efficiency use your wrist watch.

By their design, chronographs are modular (when the stopwatch module is superimposed on top of a conventional base movement and connected to it) and integrated (when it is initially understood that the caliber will be equipped with a stopwatch). The latter, of course, are much more reliable and cooler.

A bit of history

In 1910, Gaston Breitling introduced the world to the first wrist chronograph, the progenitor of modern specimens. And it was intended for pilots, aviation that was emerging at that time. It is worth noting that the aviation theme has stuck to this day with the famous Swiss brand Breitling. But in this chronograph there was one small inconvenience, there was only one button (sometimes combined with the crown), which performed all 3 functions (start, stop, reset), in 1934 Breitling eventually corrected this nuance. Another interesting fact that self-winding chronographs were only introduced almost 50 years later, in 1969. Most likely, this is due to the fact that it was very difficult to place all the nodes at the same time in the limited space of the case.

IN modern world, the chronograph has a slightly different position from its original position, now its presence is more an aesthetic addition to a wrist watch than a demanded function. Its analog indicators add some "complexity" to any watch, look organic in the overall concept of the dial.

It is a mistake to believe that the chronograph looks organic only on a sports watch or makes the watch device too massive. There are very sophisticated options that look very elegant and are perfect for business and even evening look. These include, for example, watches

A wrist watch is an important and necessary accessory that helps to complete the image of a man and emphasize his status and position in society. A modern wrist watch is not just a device for measuring time, but also a multifunctional device that can be very useful. After all, such accessories can have a calendar, chronograph, alarm clock and many other useful functions. And if an alarm clock with a calendar does not raise questions about their use, then they appear with a chronograph.

What is a chronograph?

You need to start with the fact that in a wristwatch, a chronograph is a kind of counter that allows you to very accurately measure small periods of time: minutes, seconds, hours. Its name comes from a combination of two words, translated from Greek meaning "record time". And due to the fact that the counter is not connected with the mechanism of the watch itself, with its help the measurements will be very accurate and of high quality.

What is a chronograph in watches?

The chronograph on the watch is turned on with the help of a button located on the case. At the same time, the operation of the chronograph does not interfere with the operation of the main dial. How to use the chronograph on the watch? Very simple - control is carried out using the buttons built into the case. This undoubted advantage is also complemented by the fact that the power button can be multifunctional, it can switch the working dial, complete measurements, reset the values ​​of the current measurement, reset them. It is also possible to use the chronograph as a stopwatch by pressing the buttons. It is also possible not only to measure and measure individual periods of time, but also to record them and store data. We hope you now understand what a chronograph is in a watch and how important it is!

Features and Benefits

Modern chronograph watches not only allow you to measure certain periods of time, but can also do this for several processes at the same time. So there can be chronographs that are equipped with one, two or even three control buttons and the possibility of parallel measurement of several different periods of time. This explains how to use the chronograph on the watch.
But this is not the limit of the capabilities of a modern chronograph - not only can they calculate the length of different segments, they can also summarize these measurements among themselves. The length of the segments that can be measured by such a mechanism also grows - from several minutes, at the dawn of the appearance of chronographs, to 12 hours in modern models. Wristwatches equipped with a chronograph bring a touch of elegance to the image of their owner.

Who needs a chronograph?

Who needs a chronograph in a watch? This function is most popular among people involved in sports and fans. various kinds active rest. All of them need to constantly monitor certain periods of time, which allows you to make a high-quality chronograph. Also, chronographs are constantly “hunted” by the military, who understand what a chronograph is in watches and all its importance.

What is this function for?

What is a chronograph for? It is useful for those who need to control the time spent on work or need a stopwatch. After all, if you need to calculate how much time passes between any operations or under some conditions, then there is simply no more necessary function than a chronograph.

What are the disadvantages of a chronograph?

Its main disadvantage can be called its complex design, which leads to an increase in size. wrist watch. Watches with a chronograph are much larger and heavier in weight than their brothers without additional features and such useful accessories. It also leads to an increase in the final cost of the model. That is why it is necessary to think right away whether the chronograph function will be used and whether it is really necessary. In fact, the chronograph is rarely used for its intended purpose. The very presence of a chronograph in watches is more often considered, which emphasizes the position and status of its owner.

Unfortunately, another disadvantage of the chronograph is its expensive repair. The chronograph works almost forever, but it will not be easy to repair a broken mechanism by picking up a broken part to replace it. So, in a disassembled state, this is a lot of springs and buttons that are interconnected through wheels and gears. Only a master can figure out this chaos, but by putting all the details together, a watch with a chronograph will again work like new!

Source - vodabereg.ru