Chronograph pusher feel - a matter of taste?

Sep 03, 2024,21:11 PM
 

Is chronograph pusher feel a matter of mechanics alone or does taste also enter the equation?

Take the CH 29-535.

The start/stop pusher has a distinct break point that requires a decent amount of pressure to overcome.

By contrast the reset pusher presents almost no resistance at all, with no discernible break point.

Contrast this to the Lange 951.x movements, where both the start/stop and reset pushers have distinct, light, break points - but the pressure required to activate the start/stop pusher is considerably less than required for the Patek.

Are these differences purely mechanical or do manufacturers have different tastes when it comes to pusher actuation?

I do wonder whether Patek prefers a more deliberate start/stop feel to Lange, as based on the smoothness of the Patek’s reset pusher I do suspect they could go for a more Lange-like feel if they wished to.

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My Lange dato and 1815 chrono are butter smooth compared to my other watches.

 
 By: aperna : September 3rd, 2024-22:29
I suspect it has everything to do with build quality

Choices

 
 By: Moses : September 4th, 2024-00:42
I’d be interested to hear from a watchmaker on this. I’m sure build quality plays a role but the fact the two pushers on the 29-535 feel so different makes me wonder if there’s a choice here on pusher feel. Patek’s start/stop pusher is different but I don... 

great question, and it leads me a broader topic I am thinking through

 
 By: analog_sheen : September 3rd, 2024-23:00
As I debate between an ALS 1815 chronograph and a Patek 5172, I understand the Lange will have that smoothness and objectively finer movement, and a smaller diameter to boot. Yet despite this I feel drawn to the 5172, as I absolutely adore the looks of it... 

Go with your heart

 
 By: aperna : September 3rd, 2024-23:29

.

 
 By: Moses : September 4th, 2024-00:49
I have both the 1815 Chrono and the 5172. They’re very different watches. The 5172 is more of a daily while the 1815 has more of a special occasion feel, particularly in rose gold. I think the movements are very close in quality - the Lange has more contr... 

great perspective

 
 By: analog_sheen : September 4th, 2024-02:16
to obtain the 5172, I would be giving up the white gold black dial duometre chrono limited edition, which I think you have too. I am not sure I am ready to do that! although that one I don't wear as much because of the thickness.

I have two chronos.

 
 By: gary_g : September 4th, 2024-00:15
Daytona 116520 and Daytona 116500LN. The newer model def feels more snappy. Both feel very smooth.

Personally it doesn’t matter to me

 
 By: m2 : September 4th, 2024-01:39
I’ve also found the same model can feel different.

Could it be because

 
 By: Derreck : September 4th, 2024-08:37
german silver which is actually an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc is much more malleable than stainless steel so in order to not damage over time the movement Langes pushers are softer then Pateks? This is just a theory though, I wish a watchmaker would... 

It's because the Patek's reset force doesn't come from the reset pusher.

 
 By: andrewcavanaugh : September 4th, 2024-16:33
I’m not a watchmaker, but I can give a definitive answer on this. When you start the CH 29-535 you also cock the hammers, which are in place by a latch. When you press the reset button the latch releases the hammers. Note how the hammers sit home against ...  

.

 
 By: Moses : September 4th, 2024-19:37
That’s very helpful thank you. Good to know why it’s so different. What are your thoughts on the start/stop pusher feel?

Both are good.

 
 By: andrewcavanaugh : September 5th, 2024-00:06
I press the top button with the pad of my finger, and the bottom button with the side of my finger, so I think a heavy top button is okay, but a heavy bottom button would be uncomfortable. Patek’s top heavy and Lange’s balanced style are both good by me. ...  

Thanks! And the pusher feel is different

 
 By: Derreck : September 4th, 2024-20:19
between these two watches because what you are pushing in the mechanism with the pushers and how much force you have to apply in order to make it work is different? In Lange what the pusher needs to do within the mechanism when you push it, require a less... 

 
 By: andrewcavanaugh : September 4th, 2024-22:43
Yes, the Patek is like a crossbow, the top pusher is like pulling back the bow string, and the bottom pusher is like pulling the trigger. Also when you press the top pusher again to pause and restart it will feel lighter because it doesn’t require cocking... 

Thank

 
 By: Moses : September 4th, 2024-23:29
you for the clear explanation - very helpful!

Two Breguet chronos.

 
 By: Uncle Chico : September 4th, 2024-18:40
The 5247 is butter smooth; the 3800 nearly pops. I always wondered about the difference and am curious if it matters.

Two different movements...

 
 By: indignantdenial : September 5th, 2024-01:36
Lemania 2310 which is a column wheel versus Lemania 1350 which is cam-based. Might have something to do with the actuation mechanism, but could also have a lot to do with tuning of the movement.