Chronograph Watches The culmination of human wisdom The latest technology in quartz chronographs
Chronographs that carry the next generation
Until recently, watch mechanisms were limited to either mechanical or battery-powered quartz.
However, hybrid mechanical quartz watches that combine the features of both mechanical and quartz movements have now been developed.
And that's not the only thing that's been developed.
Seiko, a Japanese manufacturer, developed a watch called Kinetic, which has a mechanism for automatically generating power through arm movements alone, without the need for batteries.
Many other manufacturers are also developing a wide variety of other movements.
In addition, "analog & hybrid models" have also been created, which are chronographs with a variety of functions while retaining the old analog feel.
In this way, the chronograph is not just staying relevant, but is steadily moving forward into the next generation.
Kinetic Chronograph
The Seiko Arctura Kinetic Chronograph has a unique and innovative design.
The four small dials are independent of each other.
It has a 1/10 second display at the 9 o'clock position, a time display at the 6 o'clock position, and a 12 hour counter and a 30 minute counter at the 3 o'clock position.
Additionally, at the 4 o'clock position, there is a date display with an instantaneous date change mechanism.
In 1988, Seiko developed the Kinetic automatic power generation mechanism, which uses arm movements alone to spin a rotor that powers an ultra-small generator.
The Arctura Kinetic Chronograph is also a chronograph that uses an automatic power generation mechanism.
The "Cal. 9T82" used in the Arctura Kinetic Chronograph is a movement that combines Seiko's "7T series" quartz caliber technology, which has a 1/100 second measurement function, with Kinetic.
Another interesting feature of the Arctura Kinetic Chronograph is that it uses a mechanical chronograph heart cam that resets the chronograph to zero.
By using this heart cam, when you reset the watch, all four hands instantly return to zero at the same time.
The price is 190,000 yen.
Mechanical Quartz
The name "Chronoracer Rattrapante" comes from the word "rattrapante" which means "split second" in French.
Yes, this model is equipped with a split-seconds mechanism.
The split-seconds feature of the rattrapante is what is called mechanical quartz.
Mechanical quartz is a very complicated mechanism.
This is also known as a hybrid mechanical and quartz movement, and is an unusual system in which the complex split-second chronograph mechanism is mechanical and the normal time display is powered by quartz.
This system was revolutionary, combining the best of a mechanical chronograph with the accuracy of quartz.
This allows for excellent operability, as the reset button can be pressed to quickly return the unit to zero.
And by adopting this method, it also overcomes the previous drawback of the time display accuracy being easily lost when operating the chronograph.
This can be described as a hybrid model that makes the most of the best of electronics and mechanics.
The movement used is Cal.69.
The price is 430,000 yen.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Black Chronograph
The Master series is one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's most popular series, alongside the Reverso.
This model is a black dial model of the Master Series.
The distinctive shape of the case is what makes this model so eye-catching.
The extremely thin case, just 8mm thick, is a size that would be unthinkable when using a typical mechanical chronograph.
However, by using mechanical quartz in this model, it is possible to achieve a size that was previously thought to be impossible.
It uses the caliber "Cal.631" made by LeCoultre.
LeCoultre takes pride in its products, conducting durability tests of up to 1,000 hours (6 weeks), and this movement is stamped to certify that it has passed that durability test.
The back cover is skeletonized and the price is 1.5 million yen.
IWC GST Chrono
This model is a hybrid chronograph from the IWC sports watch "GST collection."
The "GST Collection" is an acronym for the three different materials used: Gold (18K gold), Stainless steel, and Titanium.
The case is made of titanium and measures 11mm thick and 37mm in diameter.
Furthermore, the movement installed is "Cal.631".
Cal.631 is called a semi-mechanical quartz movement, and has a system in which the mechanical movement is powered by quartz.
It is 3mm thinner than the automatic chronographs in the GST collection.
This is a supreme watch worthy of a prestigious brand, combining the accuracy of quartz with the intricate mechanism of an automatic winding.
It is waterproof to 12 atmospheres and costs 445,000 yen.
quartz
The two types of quartz that I will introduce next are very pure models.
It is the ultimate multi-function watch developed for professionals.
Breitling B-1
Among Breitling's products, the pilot's watch called the B-1 is one that is equipped with outstanding features even among the professional line.
This model was developed over a long period of two years in collaboration with aviation professionals.
Its functionality is astonishingly extensive; with just the crown and two push buttons, you can freely operate up to 10 different menus, including the alarm function, calendar, perpetual, chronograph with split-seconds, and dual time function.
But that's not all.
There are a wide variety of options available, including those with night-time display backlights and turbine-shaped casebacks that amplify the alarm sound.
The Breitling 68 is a quartz movement that combines analog and digital displays.
This model is unparalleled in its perfection, utilizing cutting-edge Swiss technology.
The price is 280,000 yen.
Omega Speedmaster X-33
The name "X-33" is taken from the name of NASA's next-generation space transportation vehicle program.
As the name suggests, this model has been in development with astronauts since 1994. After four long years, Omega completed this model in 1998.
This model, which allows for a combined analog and digital display, is equipped with "Cal.1666."
This is a quartz movement, but its inclusion allows for a wide variety of multi-functions, nine of which are necessary for astronauts' missions.
In terms of functions, it has modes such as chronograph, universal time, mission time, and countdown alarm, and can be operated using four push buttons.
Even including the battery section, the movement is slim at just 6.95mm thick.
Both the case and bracelet are made of titanium and the price is 380,000 yen.
