A question on chronographs

S

Sakugenken

Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
75
I've really been enjoying the conversations on watches (my two loves: knives and watches--I have only a few of each, most of the money goes to the family!). Anyway a quick question: Is it better to keep a manual/auto-wind chronograph's second hand running or not (when not using the timer function). Does it even matter? I appreciate any opinions or links (I tried a few searches and didn't find anything).
 
You are referring to hacked movements? Are you trying to suggest pulling the crown out to stop the second hand while you are not wearing the watch?

I have seen this debate before a few times. Each time people chime in with what they do and it's always a 50/50 split of opinion. Nobody really debates it because neither side knows the right answer. I have yet to hear a definitive answer.

I personally would keep it running for the following reasons:
  • It circulates the oil and keeps parts from binding
  • Batteries are cheap
 
A friend of mine bought a Mont Blanc auto chronograph. He left the timer on to have the minute hand. It slowed the watch down dramatically. I think the running of the chrono intereferes and slows the watch down. A few hours no problem, leave it on and the problem becomes noticable.

THIS IS JUST MY THEORY.

I would love to hear from those that know.


Paul
 
After re-reading the OP, it seems you are referring to the timer hand, not the time hand. In that case, I have no idea! I can't imagine anyone would leave it running though.
 
This question has been debated many times on TimeZone.com.
Here's my take on it:
On my Fliegerchrono Auto, leaving the chrono mechanism running slows down the daily rate very slightly.
Leaving it run will keep the gears and other mechanisms in the chrono train well lubed.
Conversely, it will also create more wear on the parts.
A case of "6 of one, half a dozen of the other"
I recommend letting it run only if your watch's daily rate is fast.
Lenny
 
The chronograph portion of a watch is a low-speed part under very little stress compared to the winding train or balance assembly. Because of this maintaining constant lubrication is not as big of an issue.

I would recommend not letting it run. I can't imagine that this would cause a problem as long as the chrono portion gets activated occasionally.

It is also worth considering that the cumulative wear from running constantly may well be greater than that which may occur from any oil starvation caused by lack of use.
 
I don't think it matters.... In all of the time I have been collecting and dealing watches, I have yet to hear a single account of a chronograph going belly up because it was kept running all the time. On my Sinn EZM1, the chronograph is the only seconds timer on the watch so you have to keep it running if you want a sweep seconds hand. Like in said, in all of the years I have been into watches, I have had them go wrong for a lot of reasons. A worn down chrono from leaving it running is not one of them.

I say do as you like. I defy people who warn against it to tell me of their experience with one going bad as a result.
 
:)Thanks for the info! Sounds like six of one....
(kind of like the debate on storing auto knives open or closed)
 
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