What is a chronograph in a watch and how to use it?

People have long been trying to order their time. But, oddly enough, what is a chronograph in a watch, do not everyone know. The watchmakers invented it not so long ago. Many do not even know how to use it and do not know how it arose.

A bit of history

Only in 1821 appeared the first device, which allowed to detect time. He was introduced by Nicholas-Mathieu Ryossak. It was coined to mark the time at the races. At the tip of the arrow, which counted down seconds, there was an inkwell. When the mechanism stopped, the needle touched the dial, thereby leaving a speck on it. Previously, they also tried to create a device that would help measure time intervals, but it was not at all like a chronograph. Georg Gragam, a watchmaker from England, was the first to introduce a watch with such capabilities. So it was thanks to him that we learned what a chronograph is in a watch. After there were mechanisms, the second hand of which had an independent wheel system, just once in one second it made a leap. Similarly, the quartz watch is working today . And Jean Moise Pouze, the Geneva watchmaker, described this first in 1776.

Some interesting facts

To begin with, it is necessary to indicate how the chronograph differs from the clock. In fact, these are the same watches that have the ability to fix a certain period of time. The operation of the switch mechanism is completely unrelated to the chronograph. You need buttons to control it. There are devices with one, two and three buttons. The first are not convenient enough, after all start, reset and stop are carried out by one button. Such models can not be started after a stop. Here comes to the rescue device with two buttons. After stopping, you can start the second hand.

Varieties of chronographs

After we found out what a chronograph is in a watch, you need to find out what they are. There are simple models, with one or two buttons. With the help of them, you can measure one time interval or several consecutive ones. Split is a more complicated device. It has two second hands, which are in the middle of the dial, one above the other. Such a chronograph allows you to measure the duration of various events that started simultaneously, and ended at different times. Such devices are equipped with three buttons. Fly-back is used to perform measurements that have zero gaps between values. And a new dimension can be started by clicking on one button.

Scope of application

Such devices are used widely enough. It is very important to know how to use the chronograph on a watch. For convenience, different scales are marked on it. The main one is used to make readings more convenient. Often it is divided into fractions of seconds. Today there are such models that can measure 1/10 seconds. This is Zenith El Primero. This chronograph is unique. His balance is 36,000 half-waves per second. With such a device, a very clear measurement can be made.

Varieties by type of scale

• Finding out what a chronograph is in a watch, it should be noted that the devices differ from each other in the type of scales.
• The simplest has a normal scale for measuring the time interval.
• A tachymeter is needed to determine how fast the object moves. And the distance can be measured not only in meters, but also in miles.
• The telemetry helps to measure the distance by sound. So, for example, you can determine how much time passed after the lightning to thunder.
• With the help of a heart rate monitor, you can measure your pulse. The scale can be divided into several indicators, than there are more, so the readings are more accurate.
• An astrometer is used to measure the frequency of breathing. With this device you can find out how many times a person inhaled and exhaled in one second.
• Chronograph for controlling production processes. Its scale is similar to the tachymetric scale, however in this case the numbers indicate the number of operations or products that were performed within an hour. The arrow indicates how many operations were performed during this time interval.
• A device for recording tides. Here you need to know how to set the chronograph on the clock, so that it accurately reports the time when the tide will come in this area.
• The device that helps to determine the direction and navigate the sun.
• Chronograph, which has a logarithmic scale.
• A complex device that includes different scales.

There are such models, in which color is indicated by an interval of three minutes to control the telephone conversation. Some are able to determine the parking time or duration of a football match. Quartz models even issue a signal when the time is up. In a word, everyone can choose for himself such a device that he needs.