Introduction to Chronographs

Chronograph comes from the Greek words “chronos” and “graph” which stand for “time” and “writing”. In a plain explanation, a chronograph is a timepiece or watch with both timekeeping and stopwatch functions. The form of the timepiece itself can be a pocket watch or a wrist watch, not limiting the chance for other type of watch, though.

Beside the functionality of normal timekeeping, chronographs also provide the functionality to measure time in more specific measurements. In this modern time, there are two types of chronographs:

• Digital chronographs
  Use a digital display for both timekeeping and stopwatch functions, either with separate displays or by switching modes on a single display.
• Analog-digital chronographs
  Consisted of  a standard analog watch with permanent center seconds and a separate digital display that usually operates independently of the analog section. A fallback will reset to zero and then continue to run when the reset button is pushed while the stopwatch is running. In contrast, most mechanical chronographs will reset to fifty only when the stopwatch is stopped.

Chronographs in Sports

At the beginning of the 20^th century, stopwatches were used mainly by sportsmen and the military. This is due to the requirement for precise time measurement that often arose. Professionally, they had to be able to measure the time of certain events accurately. When it comes to sporting events, or military activities, it is clear that seconds measurement is not enough, thus mechanical watches fail to the test. For them, a chronograph was a practical choice.

Chronographs in Fashion

Begun around early 90′s chronographs have been gaining popularity. With various design and technical innovations of wrist watch, chronographs watches are become acceptable for the non-professional member of the society. Today, the chronograph is becoming a fashion statement. Obviously, the biggest appeal comes from the sportive image a chronograph displays.

Timex Ironman T5F001

Suunto X-Lander

Casio Edifice EF-517D-9A

Caterpillar Rose Goldtone S3000

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1. Digital Watches
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