Many may wonder what a chronograph watch is and how it works. The answer to this question is really simple - a chronograph watch is an ordinary watch that tells time, but it also has a stopwatch function which forms part of the watches movement. The movements of these watches can be mechanical, where it is self-winding or automatic. On the other hand, it can have a quartz movement that is battery powered. Chronograph watches are not only manufactured as wristwatches but can also be made as a pocket watch.

So, how does it work? The watch works just like an ordinary wristwatch, as it has a long hour hand as well as a shorter minute hand. There is also a long second hand; however, this hand only operates when the stopwatch function is activated. There is a smaller sub-dial on the face of the watch, and this gives you the seconds. This dial operates continually just as the hour and minute hands and is situated at the 3 o’clock position. There is another smaller sub-dial found at the 9 o’clock position, which operates when the stopwatch function is activated and records the number of minutes passed. Finally, another smaller sub-dial located at the 6 o’clock position, shows the hours that the stopwatch function has recorded. The more intricate and advanced chronograph watches have a fourth smaller sub-dial, which is capable of recording fractions of a second.

How do you then activate the stopwatch function of the watch? It is equipped with a small button situated at the 2 o’clock position. When this button is pushed it starts the stopwatch function and all the smaller sub-dials will begin to rotate. When it is pushed again the stopwatch function will stop and the desired time-lapse will be recorded. There is another second small button that resets all the sub-dials back to zero when pushed. The chronograph watch is also equipped with a Tachymetre scale, this is situated around the circumference or bezel of the watches dial. This scale is intended to measure speed, distance or it can even be used to measure fuel consumption.

In the next section, we are going to explain the difference between a chronograph watch, mechanical watches with quartz or self-winding movements, and digital watches.

Chronograph Watches

The chronograph watch was first invented by Louis Moinet in 1816 for the purpose of tracking the stars and planets in real-time. However, it was only in the early 20th century that watch manufactures introduced the chronograph watch to the general public. A great example of this kind of watch is the CAT OPERATOR CAMO chronograph watch. What makes this watch so special? Pilots use this watch to make very precise and quick timing calculations, and for this reason, all Apollo astronauts are equipped with a chronograph watch. The military and navy also make use of this kind of equipment in order to track the speed and distance of missiles that have been launched. Race car drivers, as well as their pit staff, are supplied with this type of watch, as it can measure speed and distance travelled. Deep-sea divers also make use of this type of watch to track the speed and depth that they dive.

Also, it is not uncommon to see a nurse or doctor make use of this type of watch, which helps record the heartbeat and pulse rate of their patients. The ordinary man on the street can also make use of this type of watch, for use at home and cooking time in the kitchen. However, the main function that stands out is the Tachymetre, which is located around the outside of the dial. How does this function work? When using this part of the watch, you will be able to track speed as well as distance travelled. Firstly, let’s see how the speed tracking works. Imagine you are at the racetrack and want to track the speed of a car.

First, you need to know the distance between the two points you are tracking. Then simply push the start button when the car pulls off and push it again when it passes the second or endpoint. Where the long second-hand stops, is the amount of time it took to travel the distance. The reading on the Tachymetre records the speed the car travelled. What about tracking distance? The same principle is followed, but now you need to know the speed travelled. The car pulls off and must reach a chosen speed, which must then remain constant. When you reach this constant speed, push the start button. When the second-hand reaches that speed on your Tachymetre, you will discover the distance travelled. Considering purchasing one of these amazing watches? Here are two very reliable and affordable brands to choose from INGERSOLL THE APSLEY or the CAT OPERATOR CAMO.

Mechanical or Quartz Watches

Let’s first consider the mechanical watch. In this category, we find two types of watch movements, self-winding or automatic. The self-winding watch has a mainspring inside that needs to be frequently wound up manually by using the button on the side of the watch. While the automatic movement is wound up by the movement of the watch on the wearers’ wrist. One of the main disadvantages of the self-winding watch is that there is a possibility you can overwind the mechanism of the watch, which can cause irreparable damage. The self-winding watch also needs to be cleaned and serviced regularly to keep it in good working order.

Next is the quartz watch. The main advantage of buying a quartz watch is that it doesn’t have to be wound up manually. The watch is driven by a battery and therefore automatically keeps the time and can last for many years. Of course, the battery can run down and has to be changed, but that only happens very seldom. Another advantage of the quartz watch is that it is a great deal more accurate than the self-winding watch.

So, how does it work? The battery generates an electric current, which in turn goes through the quartz crystal. The current then causes the crystal to oscillate at a high frequency, which then runs a small motor inside the watch. Once the small motor starts running, it causes the hands of the watch to move.

Here are two simple reasons why you should choose a quartz watch:

• The quartz watch is a great deal cheaper than the mechanical watch and it also requires a lot less maintenance.
• The quartz watch is a great deal lighter in weight than the mechanical watch

Digital display watches

When you are looking to buy a new watch, the first thing that attracts your attention is the watch face and its appearance. There are basically only two dial displays you can choose, the Digital or Analogue display. The Analogue watch face has moving hands, which give you hours, minutes and seconds. However, the Digital display gives you the time in digital format by using numbers or other types of symbols. The screen or watch face of a digital watch is shown in LED or LCD numbers or symbols. In order for this to work, a digital display watch is usually powered by a battery, which means it has a quartz movement. Today, the digital display watches are a great deal more popular than the analogue display. So, the question is, what attracts the attention of a watch buyer and why do many people prefer a digital display rather than an analogue display?

Here are some of the reasons:

• Many watch buyers who are opposed to buying a digital display watch argue that the battery can fail. This may be true; however, it has been proven that the digital watches battery only fails after five or even up to ten years. To overcome this problem completely, there are digital display watches on the market today that are solar-powered, which means that it can recharge itself and will never fail.
• The digital watch display is a lot easier to read than an analogue watch. This is a great advantage especially for our children as well as our senior citizens.
• The accuracy of the digital display watch is far greater than any of the other watch types.
• One of the main attractions for the scholar or employee that needs to make calculations is the calculator function a digital watch display offers.
• An added advantage for the digital display watch is the introduction of smartwatches. Here you will be able to play games, watch TV and so much more.

When you are looking for a new watch it is not necessary to limit yourself by choosing only one watch. You might want a nice fashion watch, but why not also include a great chronograph watch to your collection? You can never go wrong by having a number of choices available. It’s like shoes - one for every occasion. There might be a number of different watches to choose from, but a chronograph watch can be regarded as a watch you can wear to almost every occasion. By wearing one of these watches you are able to tackle any activity without fear. You will be able to enjoy the racetrack, diving or just spend the day at the golf course.

The fact is, a chronograph watch just looks good on your arm no matter what type you prefer. In fact, this is the main reason many buy this kind of watch. Many who purchase the watch have no clue as to how all those dials and buttons work, it just looks good. However, you may be one that really needs a stopwatch or some other function the watch has to offer. If this is the case, then the chronograph watch is for you. Another great attraction for the chronograph watch is the amazing designs and performance that it offers you. This watch is indeed a work of art. Even though these watches appear to be complicated with all their functions, it is still a watch that can keep time very accurately. For this reason, you must be prepared to pay a little more for them than many other watch types.

When considering purchasing this type of watch, where can you go?

You need to make sure you find something of good quality and at an affordable price. There is one name that comes to mind and that is Watch World. We have a variety of reliable and iconic brands, which will surpass all your expectations. Simply click through to our sign-on link, as this will give you access to all our promotions and news. So, start browsing and enjoy your shopping experience.