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Chronograph: guide, news and new releases
The chronograph is one of watchmaking’s most popular complications: a watch capable of measuring short time intervals using subdials, without ever stopping displaying the time. From racing watches to pilot instruments, it has given rise to cult models. Passion Horlogere has followed chronograph news since 2009: new releases, reviews and technical benchmarks. Find our articles on this complication below.
The chronograph is arguably the most beloved complication among enthusiasts, at once useful, spectacular and steeped in history. Here is the essential background to understand it, followed by what we cover of its news.
A chronology of measuring short durations. The first timing devices appeared in the early 19th century, with ink based instruments followed by counter based ones. The complication was then refined further: single pusher, then two pusher chronographs, with column wheel or cam architectures. In 1969, a genuine industrial race led to the first series produced automatic chronographs, a major technical milestone.
Understanding the variants. Several refinements set chronographs apart: the flyback function, which resets the counters to zero and restarts timing in a single gesture, and the split-seconds function, which allows two simultaneous events to be timed thanks to a second, superimposed hand. The column wheel, considered more noble, is often sought after by enthusiasts.
Timeless icons. The chronograph has given rise to models that became legendary, associated with space, aviation or motor racing. Its readability and technical dimension make it an ideal gateway into watchmaking mechanics.
What you will find on this page. Passion Horlogère has followed chronograph news since 2009: new releases, hands-on reviews, guides and technical analysis, across all brands. The articles gathered below bring together our coverage of this complication, updated as new releases appear.