Following our inaugural complication buying guide in the previous issue (the calendar complication), we train our sights on what is arguably the most desirable of all complications, at every level: the chronograph. By all means, do not just take our word for it. According to the Federation of Swiss Watchmaking, it is one of the two top-selling complications in all Swiss watch exports.
The chronograph has achieved this level of popularity for good reason. The complication is highly functional, even for daily use. Secondly, the designs of chronograph wristwatches are aesthetically pleasing. Finally, the pedigree of the complication is attractive, given the many events chronographs were associated with. These days, it is mainly brands that are tied in with events, rather than individual models.
Historically, the chronograph was heavily linked with motorsports, thanks to Rolex and Heuer developing the complication, and those two brands’ involvement with the sport. This saw the birth of icons such as the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and TAG Heuer Monaco (as well as our cover stars, the TAG Heuer Carrera anniversary models). After all, it is the absolute truth of the stopwatch that tells you whether you have done a good job at the races.
The space race too played a prominent role, allowing one brand to overtake all others in high-speed stakes. Although the Omega Speedmaster Professional was made for the racetrack, it came into its own in the US space programme. Heck, it is still shooting for the stars now. The historical feats of NASA astronauts and stories of Omega’s mission-saving moments catapulted not only the brand but the chronograph complication into (literal) stardom.
STOP AND RESET
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Denne historien er fra Summer 2020-utgaven av World of Watches.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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DARING VENTURE
Tudor partners Swiss Watch For New Boutique at The Exchange TRX.
GEEKING OUT
The biggest artisanal watch enthusiasts gather in Singapore for a weekend unlike any other in our region of the world.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Once seen as niche players, independent watchmakers are increasingly visible within the industry as reflected in this year's edition of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.
DYING OF THE LIGHT
Hamilton updates the Khaki Field Murph once again, this time with a sparkling new white dial and a robust stainless steel bracelet.
OPEN SECRET
Ernest Borel left no stone unturned when creating the Grandeur Skeleton duo.
GOTHIC INSPIRED
Ernest Borel's Grandeur Big Date leans into the famed European architectural movement.
LIGHT TOUCH
Maurice Lacroix adds ultra-light titanium options to their ever-expanding Aikon collection.
LAST WORD
Longines introduces a smaller version of the Spirit Zulu, this time in titanium.
RACING PEDIGREE
Bell & Ross brings the worlds of motoring and aerospace together in the BR-X5 Racing.
AUTUMN HUE
Grand Seiko continues its celebration of the 20th anniversary of Calibre 9R with the limited edition SBGA499.