Chronograph wristwatch A split-second chronograph with a sophisticated mechanism
A chronograph with outstanding operability and high precision
The split-second chronograph is known as the most complicated mechanical chronograph.
The reason why it is said so is because of its outstanding operability.
This is a chronograph that realizes an amazingly high level of precision in its measurement.
Generally, chronographs have only one central seconds hand.
However, this split-second chronograph has two central second hands.
Why do we need two center seconds hands?
This was to make it easier to perform multiple measurements.
When measuring, the two chronograph seconds hands move in parallel with each other.
However, when you press the second stop button, only one second hand stops.
The other one just keeps moving without stopping.
Furthermore, if you press the same button again, the hands that were previously stopped will start moving again, catch up with the hands that were previously moving, and restart the measurement.
This means it's very easy to measure lap times or finishing order.
Basic operation of the split-second chronograph
About the IWC Portuguese Chrono Rattrapante
This model is eye-catching with its streamlined and stylish design.
This was the second model released to commemorate the 125th anniversary of IWC's founding in 1993.
This is a modern-day Bolt Gieser, a limited edition reproduction of the original model first made in the 1940s.
The split-seconds push button is located at 10 o'clock as usual.
It also comes equipped with a 30-minute counter.
It has a hand-wound stainless steel case and is priced at 925,000 yen.
About the split-second button
The button on the left side at 10 o'clock is called the split-second button.
After starting the measurement, press this button.
Then, one of the two chronograph seconds hands will stop moving.
But the other one won't stop moving.
If you want to stop the chronograph second hand, which is still running, press the start-stop/restart button at the 2 o'clock position.
This allows you to display two sets of measurement results.
Furthermore, if you press the split-seconds button again, the first stopped chronograph hand will catch up with the second stopped chronograph hand.
And once again, the two chronograph seconds hands start moving in sync.
The button at the 4 o'clock position is the reset button.
By pressing this reset button, the chronograph seconds hand can be instantly returned to zero, wherever it may be.
Start/Stop/Restart button
At the 2 o'clock position is the start/stop/restart button.
As the name suggests, this button is used to start, stop, and restart.
When you press this button to start timing, both chronograph seconds hands will start moving simultaneously.
If you press the same button again, both chronograph seconds hands will stop moving simultaneously.
At this point, if you want to stop only one of the two chronograph seconds hands, press the split-second button at the 10 o'clock position.
In this case, only one of the two axes stops moving while the other continues to move.
This means that this split-second chronograph has three conventional pushers.
Split-seconds model
Girard-Perregaux Scuderia
A model with a jumping second function that counts 1/8 seconds.
Girard-Perregaux is famous for its close ties with Ferrari.
This model was released by Girard-Perregaux to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Ferrari Team Company, which was founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929.
It has an automatic winding 18KPG case and is priced at 3.3 million yen.
Ulysse Nardin Chronosplit Berlin
This model has a guilloche dial.
This model was created with the Berlin Olympics in mind, held in 1936.
This is a chronograph with some classical elements.
It has a 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock, hour and minute hands at 3 o'clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock.
The slightly unusual shape of the hands gives it an elegant look.
It is equipped with a tachymeter, has an automatic stainless steel case and is priced at 980,000 yen.
Blancpain Split Second Chronograph
It was Blancpain who achieved one of the greatest feats in watchmaking history.
That was the successful development of the world's first automatic split-second chronograph movement.
That was in 1989.
Since then, Blancpain's technology has been highly regarded and it has held a high position in the world of mechanical watchmaking.
This model was created by bringing together all of these technologies.
This model is full of elegance and a stylish design, making it one of Blancpain's most proud models.
It is an automatic watch and is priced at 5.8 million yen.
Ikepod Hemipod Chronograph Rattrapante
The concept of this model is "innovative yet durable design."
This piece was created in collaboration with interior designer Marc Newson.
This is a very high performance Ikepod watch.
The complex movement is housed in a unique yet sophisticated wave-shaped case.
It has an automatic winding stainless steel case and is priced at 850,000 yen.
Chronoswiss Pathos
This is a split-second chronograph released in 1998.
Pathos is the Greek word for "passion."
This was the world's first skeleton split-second chronograph.
The appeal of the split-second movement is its movement, which can also be described as artistic.
The back of this model is also made of sapphire acrylic, allowing you to get a good look at how it moves.
It has an automatic winding stainless steel case and is priced at 1.3 million yen.
Breguet Double Column Wheel Split Second Chronograph
The back side is made of see-through sapphire acrylic.
This model is equipped with a self-correcting Breguet balance spring.
This self-correcting Breguet balance spring has no influence whatsoever on the precision of the watch, including the split-seconds mechanism and movement.
This model, with its mirror-finished dial, is a spectacular piece that is typical of Breguet.
It is a manual winding watch with an 18K yellow gold case and is priced at 5.2 million yen.
