Women’s Watches - The Chronograph for the Active Woman
There are several different kinds of chronograph watches. And, more and more, you see ladies watches with chronographs.
The name, chronograph, comes from the Greek “chronos” for time and “graph” for writing. A chronograph is a time-measuring mechanism that allows t least one hand to stop.
Chronograph watches measure time in more than one way. Of course, they measure regular time. But they also have subdials the measure time in other ways. For example, the second hand can be stopped and started and the watch will still keep regular time.
The analog chronograph has a center hand used for a stopwatch and sub dials that indicate seconds, hours and stopwatch seconds. Digital chronographs have a digital display for stopwatch and timekeeping functions. Analog/digital chronographs have a permanent center seconds hand as well as a digital display.
In 1821, Rieussec invented the chronograph. The name “Chronograph” was written on the dial. In about 1910, the first wristwatch/stopwatch chronograph was invented. It quickly became popular. In the early 1990s, the Swatch watch company made chronograph watches both fashionable and affordable. At this point, just about every watch company makes chronograph watches, and this includes designer women’s watches incorporating chronograph capability.
You can have two, three, or four subdials. For example, one of them will be positioned at the “9″ on the dial. If you push the top button, the chronograph is activated. Once it makes a complete revolution, the minute hand is activated. These kinds of chronographs allow a period of 30 or 45 minutes to be measured. Even very simple chronographs can measure time periods of up to 12 hours.
Typically, chronographs measure time in more than one way, not just in minutes and hours. At the most basic level, chronographs offer a stopwatch feature. More complex chronographs offer numerous dials that maintain several different measurements of time. For example, there are chronographs that measure the hours that have passed in a given time period. Or perhaps one subdial is dedicated to moon phases. Those chronographs that meet a series of very specific tests are called chronometers.
Universal was making waterproof chronographs by 1933. Around this time, other manufacturers had developed ways to protect the watches from magnetic influences.
Today, women are wearing chronographs as a fashion statement. These watches suggest an exciting, sporty lifestyle. More and more, women are also attracted to the intrinsic beauty of the watch’s movements, especially retro-vintage automatic watches with mechanical movements. Despite the higher cost for a chronograph (due to the complex craftsmanship involved), women continue to be drawn to these watches.
The History of the Chronograph Watch
The chronograph’s history is a part of clock making history. In 1720, an English clockmaker invented a clock that could measure the duration of an event. Then, a French clockmaker, Rieussec, invented the chronograph and by the late 19th century, the two-button chronograph was readily available.
In 1969, several competing watch companies released the automatic chronograph. This was followed improvements in many watch mechanics. The best mechanical movement chronographs in the world are still made by the Swiss.
The Chronograph as a Fashion Statement, as a Functional Need
The chronograph is popular with men due to its aesthetic appeal and its functionality. This is also true of women. You can buy a chronograph that is very reasonably priced or spend more for a beautifully made Swiss chronograph. These stylish watches leave an impression of class. You could be wearing a vintage Swiss chronograph or one that is specifically suited to your profession or sports interest. A chronograph will provide you with accuracy and style for years to come. Even chronograph discount watches have their place.
In 1970, Apollo XIII used a chronograph during a system failure. Thanks to its precision, Omega’s Speedmaster Chronograph was able to accurately time the atmospheric re-entry of the spaceship.
Doctors use chronographs with pulsometers that measure pulse and respiration rates. Pilots, engineers, and sailors use chronographs with a slide rule bezel to allow for easy navigation.
The Swatch Watch Frenzy
The chronograph had been around for almost a century. Then, in 1990, Swatch created a frenzy for chronographs. Swatch is a Swiss company based in Biel. They produce a very high-quality watch, balancing fine Swiss movements with affordable prices. Swatch watches are so popular that they have a 25% market share worldwide. Right from the beginning, Swiss chronographs were valued for their durability and superb timekeeping abilities. Today, the Swiss have combined quartz and mechanical technology in their watches. They continue to make beautiful, functional watches.
The Chronograph Today
It seems fairly clear that men and women will continue to be attracted to chronograph watches. These watches, despite their functional use, are still fashion statements. They leave behind a sporting, exciting image and for good reason– these are the watches of choice for Formula One drivers and sports stars.
From expensive to reasonable, you can find perfect chronograph designers watches to meet the needs of just about everyone. Although chronographs usually cost more, due to excellent craftsmanship and complex movements, these watches still attract many people. You can pick up a very nice chronograph for a few hundred dollars. Or you can buy a name brand such as Tag Heuer and Breitling and pay significantly more. The price has come down since the 1950s, when a chronograph would set you back about $150,000.
As statements of fashion and luxury, women’s chronograph watches can be platinum clad and jewel-encrusted. Look to Rolex or the Swiss Brand Cover for a watch like this.
No matter what you decide on, you will be purchasing watch history. Many years of development have gone into the chronographs on the market today. The chronograph has gone from professional use by sportsman and the military to a popular fashion statement. More and more women are attracted to chronographs as the faces have a certain stylish appeal, suggesting an exciting, active lifestyle.
Derived from the Greek “chronos” for time and “graph” for writing, chronographs are timekeeping mechanisms with a wide appeal.
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