What is the Difference Between a Chronograph and a Chronometer?

A chronometer and a chronograph are two different watch kinds with various certifications and functionalities. Although both phrases refer to measuring time, they have different meanings. The essential duties and capabilities of a chronometer and a chronograph are fundamentally different, even if it is feasible to gain chronometer certification for the movement used in a chronograph.

A Chronometer

A chronometer is made to measure time precisely regardless of outside variables like movement or temperature changes. Its beginnings can be found in 1714, when the British government organised a competition to create a watch for use on ships. As a result, the marine chronometer was developed, allowing sailors to precisely determine longitude. Today, a timepiece that has undergone independent testing, frequently by institutions like COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute), is referred regarded as a chronometer. The testing procedure assesses the watch’s accuracy in various environments and climates. A second hand is required on watches to be tested in order to provide accurate verification. The COSC specifications allow for a daily maximum variation of -4 to +6 seconds.

While only about 3% of Swiss timepieces receive this certification, several manufacturers, including Rolex and Breitling, certify each movement they use. These watches are more expensive than typical timepieces because they must be certified as chronometers, which has a cost. They do, however, measure time more precisely and with greater reliability. A precision test has recently been added to the Geneva Seal certification’s evaluation procedure.

A Chronograph

A chronograph, on the other hand, is a timepiece with added capability for timing events in addition to its standard timekeeping function. A chronograph maintains consistent timekeeping while allowing you to quantify the length of particular activities, in contrast to a stopwatch which only concentrates on timing events.

Simple or Standard Chronograph

Two buttons are used to operate the basic or ordinary chronograph: one to start and stop the timing operation and another to reset it. These buttons are often placed next to the watch’s crown, usually on the watch’s right side of the face.

Instead of measuring fractions of a second, the traditional chronograph frequently uses a central sweeping second hand that rotates fully every second. With the help of this function, you may precisely time occurrences with an accuracy of up to 1/10th of a second, which is typically enough for the needs of the majority of people.

Monopusher Chronograph

A single push-button-only chronograph is known as a monopusher chronograph. It was the chronograph watch’s initial design.

The chronograph may be started, stopped, and reset via the single pusher. It can be placed on either side of the watch case and frequently has a separate crown at 3 o’clock.

The fundamental limitation of a monopusher chronograph is its inability to measure more than one timer. The timer cannot be started or stopped, then resumed. Any previously recorded time is effectively lost once the timer is stopped because you must reset it to zero before you can begin timing again.

Flyback Chronograph

A chronograph type known as the flyback chronograph was created to meet the demand for multiple lap measurements while timing a run, a race, or any other activity involving laps.

With a chronograph of this kind, measuring time intervals is simple. There are various benefits to utilising a flyback chronograph as opposed to other types of chronographs, despite the fact that some people may think of it as merely another way to use the stopwatch function on a watch.

A flyback chronograph, in contrast to a traditional chronograph, has two pushers and a second function built into the lower reset button. Pressing the lower reset button while the timer is running instantly resets the main timer hand to zero without needing to click the top pusher once more. This makes it possible to time following intervals without delay and in an instant.

The Rattrapante or Split-Seconds Chronograph

The most complicated and frequently most expensive type of chronograph watch is the rattrapante, commonly known as a split-seconds chronograph. The triple-split chronograph is a device that is considerably more complex than the common rattrapante chronograph and can cost upwards of six figures.

The rattrapante chronograph features two buttons at the two and four o’clock positions in addition to a third pusher, which is normally placed on the opposite side of the watch case, around the ten o’clock position. The split-seconds feature is controlled by the third button. A second chronograph hand is concealed behind the primary one in split-seconds chronograph watches and is only visible when it is engaged.

Pressing the split-seconds button stops the higher of the two hands while the lower one continues to move forward when timing is started with the first pusher. This enables the simultaneous timing of two different events or contestants. As the first racer crosses the finish line, for instance, you can stop one hand, and then stop the other as the next competitor completes the race. Instantaneously determine and display the time difference.