Originally developed in 1816 to track astronomical movements and revamped in 1821 for use at the horse track, the chronograph is one of the most sought after complications in timepieces.
As the chronograph approaches its 200th birthday, we want to salute this practical gadget. Here are the top 3 reasons to own a chronograph.
1. A Chronograph is Useful All Day Long
The chronograph was once used mostly to track the time elapsed during horse races. Nowadays, you may not use your wristwatch at the track regularly, but luckily we’ve found innumerable uses for the complication. Taking a pulse, tracking your progress on an early morning run, making sure you don’t go over your time on the parking meter, cooking a meal to perfection, the possibilities are literally endless.
2. What’s Good For NASA is Good For You – the Chronograph in Extreme Situations
The majority of us won’t find ourselves in a serious situation in which a chronograph function is an absolute necessity. Still, it’s nice to know that your timepiece has the capability to perform under pressure if ever you needed it to. Astronauts aboard Apollo 13 used their Omega Speedmaster Chronographs to safely land by timing critical engine burns when all onboard computers failed. In the movie Bourne Legacy, Jeremy Renner rocks an IWC Pilot’s Chronograph and uses it frequently – so if the government drafts you to become a super spy, you’re covered! Chronographs can also be used to go diving, help time race cars, pilot airplanes, and maneuver submarines.
3. No Other Timepiece Looks as Sporty
Even if you don’t find yourself using your chronograph function regularly, chronograph subdials give your watch a sporty, technical look that many simpler timepieces lack. While we all appreciate the value of a clean, classic watch, sometimes it’s nice to break out something a little edgier.
Explore our collection of men’s timepieces online.
King Jewelers is an authorized dealer for over forty luxury Swiss watch brands including Breguet, Breitling, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Devon, Harry Winston, Hublot, IWC, Jaquet Droz, Montblanc, Roger Dubuis, TAG Heuer, and TUDOR. King Jewelers is a member of the American Watch Guild and has been named a Leading Watch Retailer in North America by International Wristwatch Magazine. King Jewelers also offers expert watch repair and watch restoration at their retail locations in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN.