Horological Meandering

halgedahl
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For the consideration of chronograph caliber enthusiasts...

Good day chronograph enthusiasts! 

Though some may argue that a rotating bezel is a far simpler solution to most daily time-keeping requirements (parking meter, 3-minute egg, et al), we who are devoted to this significant advance in horology will always argue for the magic of the chronograph. Having studied this complication over time, perhaps some of you will have good answers to a few questions that has nagged me for years: Given the choice, why on earth would a caliber developer favor continuous movement of the chronograph minute hand over one which snaps to the next minute as the Chrono seconds hand reaches 12 o’clock? Has this anything to do with the development of the automatic chronograph? Is this, at baser, just a matter of time and money?

My Speedmaster’s 1863 snaps to the next minute faithfully, and I find it far easier, therefore, to read the precise minute (given my failing eyesight and the size of most chrono sub registers) as the hand is stabilized on it rather than some nebulous whereabouts in between minute marks. Thus I have been disappointed that the newer, co-axial caliber 9300 appears to feature continuous movement of the chrono minute hand.

So, the technical “why” is of great interest to me, but I ask you to go easy, for though I have a rudimentary knowledge of watch calibers, I’m no watchmaker. And of course your preferences are of equal interest. As one continues on horology’s winding road there is much to learn and to consider. I don’t doubt that there are forces at work here—historical and otherwise—that I have not yet considered.

Also, here is a small list I compiled a year or more ago when I had some time. I’ll admit to tiring of watching YouTube videos and trying to catch the chrono minute hand as the minute changes to see whether or not its movement is continuous or not, but have not found any sort of caliber directory that lists this (to me) tremendously important detail. It seems to me that a comprehensive list of calibers with this emphasis would be welcomed by the Purist community. So please add (or correct) as you see fit!

With great thanks for your time and interest, I wish you all a fine week and good summer weather! 

Fred Halgedahl

CHRONOGRAPHS w/wo PAUSED MINUTES

Continuous

Habring²Dopple3 (cal. A08MR-MONO  in house)

Speedmaster 1957, etc. (cal. 9300)

Nivrel Big Date (ETA 2892 w/DD module)

Seiko Presage SRQ019 (cal. 8R48)

Longines Mast. Coll. In House Chrono. L2.759.4.78.3  (cal. L688)

GP Ferrari Ltd. Ed. Chrono (cal. GP3370)

Eterna Heritage Pulse Ltd. Ed. 1942 1942.41.64.1177 (cal. ETA 2894-2)

Pause

Speedmaster Moon (cal. 1861/3)

Speedmaster co-axial 311.30.44.50.01.002 (cal. 3313b)

Seiko Credor GCBP997 (cal. 6S78)

JLC Mast. Comp. Chrono. 2 (cal. 751F)

Breitling Avenger Hurricane (cal.B01)

Lacroix Pontos Chrono Retro PT6288SS001330 (cal. Valjoux 7750)

Zenith El Primero HW (cal. 420/420Z) 

???

Hamilton J’Master Auto Chrono H326560 (cal. ETA 7753)

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