The top 12 chronographs
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Christophe Roulet
Editor-in-chief, HH Journal
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Often robust, sometimes vintage, always sporty, the chronograph remains one of the most sought-after complications. Tailored for the measuring of elapsed times, it was one of the big attractions at this year’s Baselworld. These are the twelve that caught our eye.
Its primary function may not be immediately obvious – not many of us need to time our commute to the nearest tenth of a second – yet the chronograph is as popular as ever. As though inside every watch-wearer there is a white-hatted referee, poised to activate the pushers on his stopwatch as Junior comes racing over the finishing line of the local soapbox derby. More seriously, the chronograph may be one of the most widespread complications, it remains a technical tour de force nonetheless, and shouldn’t be underestimated. Maintaining a regular rate while the chrono function is running is one challenge; ensuring that same function is reliable is another: think of the small “jump” of the chronograph hand as it starts, and the power needed to drive it. Yes, the chronograph adds interest to the dial; yes, it’s both useful and interactive, and it says its wearer is ready to take on the world, all of which makes it pretty much impossible to resist!
