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The Function Of Chronograph Movement In Establishing Watch Complications

By Chris Watdefton


A timepiece is made of three parts. These are the dial, the movement and case. The casing is that which encloses the piece. The movement is the most important part: the mechanics inside the piece. Perhaps the most interesting and complex of all mechanisms is the chronograph movement.

A chronograph isn't simply a stopwatch. It must contain subsidiary dials. The reason for this is that these allow greater precision.Their absence leads to lost time. The true chronograph contains some of the most delicate work horology has to offer.

The least complex type has only one secondary dial that counts to 12 minutes. More complicated ones have another face that counts hours. Next in line is the type that records the date and sometimes lunar cycles too.

Complications are any job a piece performs besides basic time telling. Stopwatches are the most widespread chronograph complications. However, chronographs may contain many additional functions. The more complications there are, the more valuable and difficult to make.

These facts are important to know when purchasing a piece as many retailers confuse the terms. Knowing the definitions will help you establish what type of innards your piece has when making your choice. The type of mechanics will determine accuracy, value and functionality.

In discussing mechanics, we begin with two basic groups. Every Digital watch uses quartz movements but dials with hands can also use these mechanics. The crystal is the beating heart of the piece, precisely beating out seconds.

The second basic type is mechanical. Here a wound spring uses gears to generate energy. It's the pricier option but purists prefer it due to its history and tradition.

These two groups are further categorized into many different types. In the early 1900s timepieces became automatic. They eliminated the need for batteries and winding. The moving of the wrist powers the piece.

These timepieces use a different kind of crystal, which generates its own current. The moving arm applies force to the crystal which deforms it. This technology has recently been used to make self charging cell phones.

It's worthwhile to shop with varying brand because each one has invented and patented their own mechanics. These allow all kinds of interesting complications. Because of the patents, you'll find differences under every brand.

Perhaps the most precious of all mechanisms is the chronographe rattrapante. It has two mechanisms so that the piece is able to simultaneously record two events at once. The price reflects its complexity and it is extremely rare. It also demands a cunning horologist's skill.

With every mechanical invention, a new function is possible. One such invention is a piece that first counts up to 60 seconds, then moves to a subsidiary to reach one hour. It has four subsidiary dials. The fourth counts to a month.

You might be in search of a traditional piece or after the most modern piece available. A chronograph movement exists that is right for you. You're now capable of selecting something that's personal and appropriate for your bank account. The decision is a big one because you're choosing a timepiece to hand down to future generations.




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