Complication
Chronograph
A stopwatch built into the watch.
What it does
Times events independently of the running seconds using pushers — usually one to start/stop and one to reset. Elapsed minutes and hours accumulate on sub-dials. A flyback chronograph resets and restarts in one press; a rattrapante (split-seconds) times two events at once.
How to read it
The central sweep hand shows elapsed seconds; the sub-dials count elapsed minutes and hours. The small running-seconds sub-dial keeps ticking while the chronograph is stopped.
Impact on value
Positive — chronographs are mechanically complex and highly collectible (e.g. Daytona, Speedmaster).
Keep reading
- Complication
GMT / Dual Time
Tracks a second (or more) time zone at a glance.
- Complication
Moonphase
A little window that follows the lunar cycle.
- Complication
Tachymeter
A bezel scale that converts elapsed time into speed.
- Complication
Power Reserve Indicator
A fuel gauge for the mainspring.
- Complication
Perpetual Calendar
Knows the date, month, and leap years — until 2100.
- Complication
Tourbillon
A rotating cage that averages out gravity's error.