WatchTech - Keep chronograph running

Keep chronograph running

I really don't mean to beat a dead horse here, but considering the expertise present here I'd like to once and for all understand whether it's good, bad, or neutral to run a chronograph continuously. So far I've heard:

For laterally coupled (column wheel and cam actuated) chronographs, it's additional wear since the gears don't mesh together so well and creates extra wear. However, this should not be an issue with regular servicing. With the 7750 I read that because the hour wheel of the chronograph is not jeweled, this creates more wear.

For vertical clutch chronographs, because the clutch is slipping when the chronograph is not engaged (since the large wheel at the bottom of the vertical clutch continues to spin regardless), it's better to keep the chronograph running since this keeps the mechanism coupled.

However, I also hear that the vertical clutch could slip a bit causing misaligned seconds hand when you reset the mechanism. Ideally all vertical clutches could be cleaned and lubricated during service but apparently on a few (Rolex 4130, Omega 9300) can be serviced while others are "a ticking time bomb".

I know that running or not running the chrono is probably largely inconsequential, especially for modern movements where the parts are readily available, but I'd really like someone with more expertise to help clarify this.

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This topic has indeed been discussed some months ago, but it is an interesting question,

By: amanico : January 15th, 2014-21:51

I would also be interested in reading the experts opinion, on that. Good idea, Ed. Nicolas

Here is what I learned ...

By: nilomis : January 16th, 2014-02:44

I was curious about this question and I did some research on the past. I also did some live tests using a time machine. Here is what I learned: 1) If the movement is laterally / horizontal coupled (Omega 321/861/1861, Zenith El Primero etc.) there are con...

Generally I would assume that a mechanical system ...

By: Marcus Hanke : January 16th, 2014-05:06

... is not subject to wear when it is not running. No system engaged will become better when it is running, but the wear will be more or less serious depending on the construction. Sounds banal, but I think is the quintessence of the issue. Marcus

some basic rules then

By: Ophiuchus : January 16th, 2014-09:41

for ANY mechanism that causes movement of any part in contact with another part- there WILL be wear if it is running. Even if lubricated, there will be wear eventually. Especially with setting mechanism parts. With that in mind, all mechanical chronograph...

Obviously, there's no benefit to running the chrono constantly...

By: SteveW : January 16th, 2014-23:38

...apart from the fact you might like to watch the chrono second hand. And as a disadvantage, for a watch which is running dry there is a possibility that significant wear might take place over a long period and the timekeeping might be affected. However,...

the issue is complicated, but perhaps subtle enough as to not be so important

By: ei8htohms : January 19th, 2014-14:45

Hello All, I've written about this extensively in the past as have others more knowledgeable than myself, but perhaps it's not so easy to find the posts and/or it's just an interesting topic to chat about from time to time. Traditional, lateral clutch chr...

Thank you so much John

By: Ed. W : January 19th, 2014-19:47

That was definitely the response I was looking for. I was waiting for you to chime in on this.

The instruction book for the Lange Double Split

By: amerix : January 24th, 2014-09:14

explicitly warns about letting the chrono functions run all the time, because of unnecessary wear on the triangular or pointy teeth. Thanks to all for a most instructive thread and your own contribution - which helped to clear up a few vital "points" : -)...