WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHRONOGRAPH AND A CHRONOMETER?
A chronograph is a watch that has a stopwatch function. Typically, the top pusher will start and stop the chronograph. The bottom pusher will reset it. The chronograph generally can not reset in the running state. Special Fly back models allow the chronograph to be reset at any time. The movement of a chronometer has passed a series of accurate time keeping tests, and is certified as a superior timekeeper. Many watch makers will put their movements through this test to illustrate their accuracy. The dial will typically have the word “Chronometer” or “Chronometre” on the dial. To become a chronometer, the watch movement must pass 15 days of severe tests. The accuracy of the movement is checked in 5 different positions at varied temperatures. This simulates conditions under which the watch might be worn. The watch must average between +6 and -4 seconds per day in order to earn the certification. If a watch is described simply as a “chrono”, it is generally safe to assume it is a chronogr
Each of these terms has a particular meaning and they should not be confused. • Chronometer is a label given to a timekeeping instrument that meets specific criteria in terms of precision and reliability. The Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) is the independent body responsible for subjecting movements to the tests defined by Swiss (NIHS) or international norms (ISO). In particular, it tests the timing precision of the movements in various positions and at various temperatures. It then issues a Chronometer certificates if such tests are successfully passed. • A chronograph is a watch equipped with an additional mechanism enabling one on request to measure intervals of time. A chronograph is often a chronometer, but a chronometer is not necessarily a chronograph.
Chronometer defines an other concept of quality; it is given to automatic and mechanical movement watches (not quartz movement) that have the highest standard of precision. A watch carrying the chronometer certification has passed 15 days rigorous testing (under different conditions) demanded by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control (COSC). It carries a premium price over non-chronometer watches. A chronograph is simply a watch with stopwatch capabilities. It has two independent time systems: one indicates the time of day, and the other measures brief intervals of time. Counters registering seconds, minutes and even hours can be started and stopped as desired. Scratch resistance The glass or crystal is made to protect the dial. Acrylic crystal is inexpensive, a plastic that does not prevent scratches. Mineral crystal is a glass, it is eight times harder than acrylic crystal. Sapphire crystal is the best and most expensive crystal and is three times harder than mineral crystal. Waterpr
