Chronograph
A watch with an integrated stopwatch function that can start, stop and reset elapsed-time measurement.
Also known as: Chrono, Chronograph complication
Definition
A chronograph is a watch complication that measures elapsed intervals while the watch continues to display the time of day. A separate chronograph seconds hand and, often, minute or hour totalisers are started, stopped and reset by pushers or a monopusher. The mechanism may be integrated into the base movement or added as a module. 'Chronograph' does not mean 'chronometer': one is an elapsed-time function, the other relates to tested timekeeping performance or certification.
Why it matters
Chronographs range from practical timers to highly sophisticated mechanisms; pusher feel, display legibility, coupling architecture and service complexity can all matter to ownership.