Chrono watches are amongst the most popular types of watches on the market nowadays. Chrono derives from the word chronograph, which basically means time writer, and that’s exactly what your chrono watch does, but it is extremely accurate and portable. Every chronograph tells the time just like any other watch, but some also show the date, while others have fixed or rotating bezels, which allow the wearer to use it as a tachymeter in order to determine a speed or distance. These watches usually have between one and three buttons that start restart and stop the chronograph or chronographs on the display without having any effect on the watch. Some watches record seconds, minutes and hours, depending on the model. In addition, the time wearers are able to record can vary anywhere between 60 seconds, up to 12 hours, again depending on the brand and the model. Their functionality have made them an invaluable tool in numerous specialised spheres, but their great design and appealing look have also made them quite attractive for ordinary users too.
The History behind Chrono Watches
Early chronographs were developed in early 19th century and were used as astronomical equipment. With time, they were improved and upgraded and became a popular pocket watch, while manufacturers added features such as re-setting, allowing successive measurements, fixed and rotating bezels, that help you use the watch as a tachymeter. Chrono watches have also been broadly used in the aviation industry, horse and automobile racing, and even were carried by early astronauts. The automatic chrono watch was invented in 1969, way after other self-winding watches.
3 Iconic Chrono Watches
There have been many chrono watches throughout the years, but few are more iconic than the Omega Speedmaster Professional, also known as Moonwatch. Created back in 1957, it has barely changed throughout the years and for a reason. This is one of the most reliable chrono watches out there and was even picked by NASA astronauts in mid 20th century. In fact, it is precisely Omega Speedmaster chrono watches that saved the lives of all three of Apollo 13’s astronauts on April 17, 1970. Another extremely popular chrono watch is the Rolex Daytona, which is so stylish and iconic that it even created a whole subculture of its own amongst watch collectors. And last but certainly not least comes to the Breitling Navitimer, which was introduced in 1952, created especially for pilots. There are numerous Navitimer models nowadays, but the classical-looking one that comes really close to the original model is considered by many to be the most beautiful one.
