You may hear the word “chronos” when people talk about timepieces, and most are talking about chronographs. A chronograph is a complication, or additional function, of a watch used for timing. It’s like having a stopwatch inside your timepiece that has stop, start, and reset buttons to measure intervals of time.
Common timing events like auto racing, foot racing, and downhill skiing use chronographs to measure time, and can stop/start to measure each lap individually. Chronographs are very popular with their multi-button features and sub-dials that show timing in seconds, minutes, and hours. These watches are fun to use and start lots of conversations.
A chronometer is not a feature of a watch. It’s a certified rating of excellence in timekeeping given to a watch movement by the Swiss government. COSC, or the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres, evaluates movements for 15 days and nights in seven different positions and temperatures. If the movement performs within these strict standards, the watch is then called a certified chronometer. For example, all Rolex watches are chronometers, and their latest movements have a +2/-2 seconds per day timing accuracy.
To us, it’s still amazing that a tiny movement, or motor, inside a 36MM case can maintain this kind of accuracy with moving parts - not computer chips. Watch aficionados care about accuracy and will verify COSC certification before buying. And we love the old school way of building these highly accurate chronometer rated mechanical movements.
If you have any questions about timepieces, we’re here to help.
