These are the chronographs from rolex
The stopwatch function is as practical as it is popular. Of course, you can stop the time via your smartphone. But let's face it. It has a certain charm to measure time with the help of a chronograph watch.
Rolex has several chronograph models in its Oyster series. We'll show you what they are and what makes them tick in a moment.
Rolex has two different chronographs in the Oyster series. First, there is the Daytona, which has a conventional chronograph that has its roots in racing. On the other hand, there is a regatta chronograph in the Yachtmaster II, which can display a countdown synchronously to the start of a regatta.
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What is a chronograph?
A chronograph is a complication on mechanical wristwatches that allows you to stop the time while the time is displayed normally. In addition, it is possible to determine average speeds thanks to a tachymeter scale on the bezel.
The chronograph is used primarily in racing and sailing, but is also an extremely popular complication outside of these sports.
You can find out what makes the chronograph so special in the detailed article about the chronograph.
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These chronographs are available from Rolex
Rolex carries two different chronographs in its Oyster Perpetual series.
Daytona - Racing on the wrist
The Daytona is probably known to most people. It is one of the most famous models from Rolex. The main feature of the wristwatch is, of course, the chronograph. Because when it was launched in 1963, the chronograph function was initially intended for racing.
The chronograph has three subdials, so-called totalizers, which indicate the time measurement. The measurement can be started and stopped with the start/stop button. You can reset the chrono to zero with the reset button. The pushers are located to the right and left of the crown. The tachymeter scale on the bezel is also a typical Daytona trademark.
Rolex's chronograph movement is one of the best around. Since 2000, Rolex has been installing its own caliber, which is the result of a further development of the Zenith caliber. The in-house caliber was even improved again this year for the 60th anniversary of the Daytona.
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Yachtmaster II - A loyal friend on every sailing regatta
The next chronograph is installed in the Yachtmaster II. But this one is quite different from the Daytona.
In this model, the bezel is mechanically connected to the movement and triggers the chronograph. The chronograph is not an ordinary one either. The Yachtmaster II has a regatta chronograph for sailing. This can be programmed to accurately display the countdown to the start of a regatta.
The countdown of the Yachtmaster can be programmed from one to ten minutes.
Before the start of the regatta, the chronograph is programmed to display the countdown time of 10 minutes to the start signal.
Once the countdown is started, the chronograph's central second hand starts moving and the ten-minute countdown display on the dial also starts.
When the countdown is over and the start signal sounds, the sailor will press the chronograph's top pusher to stop the central second hand and start a new 10-minute countdown.
This countdown is now specifically timed to the sailor's start time, giving him accurate timing until the next start signal.
The sailing chrono also has a flyback mechanism that allows the countdown to be quickly reset and restarted without having to stop and reprogram the chronograph. This is especially useful in situations where the sailor has missed the start or jumped the gun.
The Yacht-Master II's regatta chronograph can be seen on the bezel, which features a ten-minute scale. In addition, there is also the countdown indicator on the dial and a small sub-dial, which indicates the small seconds and is placed at the bottom center.
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Here's what you need to keep in mind when buying a chronograph
You don't actually have to pay too much attention to Rolex chronographs since they are of excellent quality. You can use them quite usually for years without any problems.
Basically, it is not recommended to measure long periods of time with a chronograph, as they are rather designed for short times at a race or regatta. If you want to measure long periods of time, inaccuracies can occur with a chronograph.
In addition, you should regularly give your Chrono Rolex to the revision. The service will make sure that the chronograph movement is working properly and will fully service the watch. However, you don't have to put the timepiece in the service more often than other Rolex watches. The manufacturer recommends having it serviced every 10 years. This is how you should handle it with your Daytona or Yachtmaster II.
You can find everything you need to know about servicing Rolex watches under "Rolex Service".
A very important point is not to operate your chronograph under water and also not when the watch is wet. This is because, especially if it is an older model, water could then get inside the watch and damage the movement.
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Conclusion
Rolex carries two chronograph watches in the Oyster Perpetual series. There is the Daytona with a conventional chronograph and the Yachtmaster II with a regatta chronograph.
For everyday use, you don't really have to pay much attention to it, except that you don't operate the chronograph underwater and that you regularly bring the watch in for service like any other Rolex.
In the end, the chronograph is a masterpiece in the art of watchmaking that deserves special recognition, especially at Rolex.
Which chrono is right for you depends entirely on your personal preferences
Scource cover image: Rolex
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Q&A
What chronographs are available from Rolex?
There is the Daytona with conventional chronographs and the Yachtmaster II with regatta chronographs.
What can the regatta chronograph do?
The Regatta Chronograph allows you to program a countdown before a regatta with your watch, synchronized with the start of the regatta.
What should I pay attention to with a chronograph?
You should not operate it under water or when the watch is wet and you should bring the watch to the service regularly.
About the author
Alexander Weinberger
For me, the most fascinating thing about watches is the interplay between precise craftsmanship and artistic development. In a watch movement, hundreds of small parts have to be put together precisely so that they form a large whole.
