Hello everyone! I’m from Noob Factory Official Flagship Store, one of the largest and most technically advanced top replica watch factories in the world. We offer professional pre-sale and after-sale services and regularly share knowledge about watches, real vs. fake comparisons, and teardown reviews to help you navigate the world of watches without being cheated. Today, I will discuss how to properly use a mechanical chronograph watch to reduce the rate of repairs.

How a Chronograph Works

When you press the “start” button on a chronograph, it activates a lever which then engages a column wheel. This wheel, in turn, activates another lever and an intermediate wheel which connects to and starts moving the centrally placed chronograph second wheel, thus beginning the timing function.

Functions of a Chronograph

Typically, a mechanical chronograph can record seconds, minutes, and even hours. Most have two to three sub-dials and a couple of pushers apart from the crown. Although the design and placement of these sub-dials and pushers can vary with different brands and models, their functions remain fundamentally the same.

• Seconds Dial: Maximum scale of 60.
• Minute Timer: Maximum scale of 30.
• Hour Timer (if present): Maximum scale of 12.

Most chronographs feature a long second hand on the main dial, which remains stationary when not in use for timing. This hand is actually for timing purposes and stays at the 12 o’clock position when inactive. The regular seconds are tracked on one of the sub-dials.

Using Your Chronograph

Some models allow you to press the timing buttons directly, while others, designed with enhanced water resistance, require you to unscrew them like a screw-down crown before use. Here’s how to operate a typical chronograph using the example of the Rolex Daytona:

• Start/Stop Button: Press once to start timing, press again to stop. Ensure to stop timing before attempting to reset.
• Manual Winding/Time Adjustment: Turn the crown up for manual winding. Wind about 20 turns upon first receiving your watch and simply wear it regularly thereafter. Pull out the crown to adjust the time, making sure the chronograph is stopped and reset.
• Reset Button: Press to return the timing hand to 12 o’clock. Important: stop the timing before pressing the reset button to avoid damaging the movement.

Care Tips for Chronographs

1. Follow the sequence when using the chronograph: start timing, stop, then reset. Avoid frequent pressing of the buttons; the start/stop button is usually stiffer than the reset, especially on new watches.
2. Avoid harsh impacts. More gears mean a higher risk of malfunctions if the watch is bumped.
3. Do not leave the chronograph running continuously.
4. Since chronographs are complex and often pricey, only the chronograph’s large second hand is designed to stop at the 12 o’clock position when not in use, unlike cheaper watches that do not feature a timing function.

These tips from Noob Factory Official Flagship Store are meant to help you maintain your chronograph watch and reduce the need for repairs. Thank you for reading, and remember, we are committed to providing top-notch service and the highest quality watches. We operate with integrity, always speaking and listening to the truth, because we are professionals dedicated to our craft.