Complications
JoeT initiates a fundamental discussion on chronograph column wheels, posing questions about how the number of columns influences pusher operation and overall performance. This inquiry, supported by illustrative images, invites experts to demystify a crucial component of chronograph movements. The resulting dialogue provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced collectors into the mechanics behind a chronograph's 'feel'.
Hi,
Being a very small tyro among the chronograph watch world, I would like to hear your opinions/answers with regard to the coumn wheel of chronograph movements.
Being straightforward here, does the number of the columns on the column wheel play a role in operation of the chronograph buttons? Please refer to the 4 photos (from watch-related websites) showing the numbers of the column wheels to be 5, 6, 7 and 8 depending on the makers' design.
How does the number of the columns on the column wheel play a role in overall performance?
Hope someone could share some opinions or ideas or thoughts in this regard. Forgive me in case this kind of questions was posted here before.
Joe
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added to Editor's Pick
Hello, Joe, first, good question! In first instance, it's a matter of design - basic layout of the components, availlable space.....length of the levers....almost everything of the basic geometry plays a role here. The absolute number of columns isn't that different though - at least generally speaking. Of course it's obvious that the more columns, the smaller the angle of rotation for one increment (i.e. from one position to the next) - depending the levers and their proportions this may transl
I've a couple of comments on "performance". People often comment on the "feel" or "smoothness" of the chronograph action. This is largely determined by the distance the pusher has to move and the force that has to be applied to make the columnwheel rotate. There are several factors: - the number of teeth on the ratchet wheel determine the angle the columnwheel has to move through for each click. In general, the greater the angular rotation, the longer the travel of the mechanism that acvitates i
i feel shy calling myself a chronograph and watch fan. i never even realised there are different numbers of columns for different chronograph even owning more than a handful of them. i really have much to appreciate for even the details of a simple mechanical watch. that's why i love this forum. thanks for the simple question and answers.
the most widely recognized "best pusher feel" Can anyone nominate a vintage chronograph that has consistently good pusher feel? Thanks for the very detailed responses, Suitbert and Nick!
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