Watch Winder Guide

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What Is a Chronograph Watch? How It Works and What It’s For

By the Watch Winder Guide editorial team · Updated · 6 min read

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A chronograph watch is a watch with a built-in stopwatch. On top of the normal hours, minutes and seconds, it has a separate seconds hand that you start, stop and reset with pushers on the side of the case, plus small subdials that count elapsed minutes and, often, hours.

The word comes from Greek: chronos (time) and graph (writing). Early chronographs literally marked elapsed time with ink. Today it is the most popular complication in watchmaking, found on everything from budget quartz watches to famous mechanical icons like Omega's Speedmaster.

How a chronograph works

Reading a chronograph 12345 1Top pusherstart, stop, restart 2Bottom pusherreset, once stopped 3Chrono secondswaits at 12 until start 4Running secondsthe watch's own 5Minute counteroften 30 or 45 min
The big central hand is the stopwatch, not the watch's own seconds.

The pushers

  1. Start: press the top pusher (usually at 2 o'clock). The central chronograph seconds hand starts sweeping.
  2. Stop: press the top pusher again. The hand stops and you read the elapsed time.
  3. Restart (optional): press the top pusher once more to continue timing from where it stopped. This adds up several intervals.
  4. Reset: with the chronograph stopped, press the bottom pusher (usually at 4 o'clock). All chronograph hands snap back to zero.

The dial

Hand or subdial What it shows
Large central seconds hand Chronograph seconds (stopped at zero until you start it)
Small running seconds subdial The watch's normal seconds, always moving
Minute counter Elapsed minutes, often up to 30 or 45
Hour counter Elapsed hours, often up to 12, on some models
Tachymeter scale Speed over a known distance (on the bezel or dial edge)

A common beginner surprise: on most chronographs, the big central seconds hand is not the watch's running seconds. It sits still at 12 until you start the chronograph. The watch's own seconds run in a small subdial.

Inside the movement

In a mechanical chronograph, a clutch connects the chronograph mechanism to the running gear train when you press start, and disconnects it when you press stop. A control part, either a column wheel or a cam, coordinates the start, stop and reset sequence. Column wheels are traditionally associated with a smoother pusher feel and higher-end movements; cam systems are simpler to make. Both work.

In a quartz chronograph, small motors drive the chronograph hands, controlled by the electronics.

What is a chronograph watch used for?

  • Everyday timing: parking, cooking, laundry, workouts, meetings.
  • Sports: lap times, running intervals, swimming (only if the watch's pushers are rated for use underwater; most are not).
  • Driving and racing: the origin of many famous chronograph designs.
  • Aviation: timing legs of a flight, the reason many pilot's watches are chronographs.
  • Speed with a tachymeter: start the chronograph at a marker, stop it after a known distance (a mile or a kilometer), and read the speed on the tachymeter scale.

Tachymeter example: if one mile takes 45 seconds, the chronograph hand stops at the "80" mark on the tachymeter, because 3,600 seconds in an hour divided by 45 seconds equals 80 miles per hour.

How a tachymeter reads speed tachymeter scale 12030 s8045 s6060 s chronograph seconds 1 mile in 45 s: 3,600 ÷ 45 = 80 mph3,600 seconds in an hour, divided by the time.
The scale does the division for you: stop the hand after a known distance and read the speed.

Types of chronograph by movement

Type Powered by Example Notes Amazon
Hand-wound mechanical Mainspring wound by the crown Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch (caliber 3861, 50-hour reserve per Omega) Wind daily; no rotor See options
Automatic mechanical Mainspring wound by a rotor Many Swiss and Japanese automatic chronographs Thicker because of the rotor and chronograph module See options
Quartz Battery Many sport and fashion watches Cheaper, thinner, more accurate, no winding See options
Solar quartz Light-charged cell Light-powered quartz chronographs No battery changes on a regular schedule See options

The first automatic chronographs arrived in 1969, when several makers, including Zenith with its El Primero, a group including Heuer and Breitling with the Calibre 11, and Seiko with its 6139, brought self-winding chronographs to market within months of each other. Our guide to what an automatic watch is explains the rotor that made it possible. If you own an automatic Breitling, our Breitling watch winder picks cover its settings.

Chronograph complications

  • Flyback: pressing the reset pusher while the chronograph runs snaps the hand to zero and restarts it immediately, in one press. Useful for timing consecutive intervals.
  • Split-seconds (rattrapante): two stacked seconds hands. Stop one to read an intermediate time while the other keeps running, then let it catch up. Rare and expensive.
  • Mono-pusher: start, stop and reset all on one pusher, often in the crown.
  • Telemeter and pulsometer scales: for distance from sound (lightning, artillery) and heart rate.

Chronograph vs chronometer

These are easily confused. A chronograph is about function: it has a stopwatch. A chronometer is about accuracy: it has passed a certified precision test. Switzerland's COSC, for example, requires mechanical movements to hold an average daily rate between -4 and +6 seconds. A chronometer does not need a stopwatch, and a chronograph does not need certification. Some watches are both.

Chronograph vs automatic

People often ask "chronograph or automatic?" as if they were opposites. They are not. "Automatic" describes how the watch is powered (self-winding mechanical). "Chronograph" describes a function (a stopwatch). An automatic chronograph is both. For how automatics compare with battery watches, see automatic vs quartz watch, and for every other style, our types of watches guide.

Living with a mechanical chronograph

  1. Do not run it constantly. On a mechanical chronograph, the engaged chronograph draws extra energy and wears its parts. Start it when you need it.
  2. Stop before you reset. On a standard chronograph, press reset only when the chronograph is stopped (a flyback is the exception).
  3. Do not press pushers underwater unless the watch is explicitly rated for it.
  4. Expect a shorter reserve when timing. Running the chronograph uses some of the mainspring's energy. Our guide to automatic watch power reserve explains how reserve is measured.
  5. Service on schedule. A chronograph has more parts than a simple three-hand watch, and it benefits from regular service.

Chronographs and watch winders

An automatic chronograph goes on a winder like any automatic. Leave the chronograph stopped, and set the winder to the turns per day and rotation direction for the caliber; some calibers wind in one direction only. Our watch winder settings lookup lists published figures by brand and caliber. Hand-wound chronographs like the Moonwatch need winding by the crown, and quartz chronographs need no winding at all.

Settings lookup

Find your watch winder settings

Base movements (ETA, Sellita, Valjoux, Lemania)

Many brands share these movements. Start here if you know your caliber.

  • ETA 2824-2 (Hamilton Khaki, Tissot, older Tudor, Sinn)Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • ETA 2892-A2 (Bell & Ross, Baume & Mercier, Raymond Weil)Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • ETA 2836-2 / 2834-2 (Tissot, Hamilton day-date models)Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Sellita SW200 base (Raymond Weil Freelancer)Both directions650–800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • ETA / Valjoux 7750, 7753, 7754 (most Swiss automatic chronographs)Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Lemania 5100 (Sinn and Bell & Ross chronographs)Counter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Tissot Powermatic 80 (Tissot Luxury Automatic)Counter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Tissot C01.211 (PRC 200 and T-Race chronographs)Counter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database

Rolex

We found no TPD figure published by Rolex itself.

  • Most Rolex automaticsBoth directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • SubmarinerBoth directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Daytona (Cosmograph 4130)Both directions650–800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • GMT-Master (16700, Cal. 3135)Both directions650–800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Yacht-Master II (Cal. 4160)Not publishedNot publishedOrbita watch database · Orbita lists it as TBD
  • Day-Date / PresidentBoth directionsAbout 600 TPDOrbita Q&AIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • GMT-Master II, Datejust, Day-Date, Yacht-MasterBi-directionalAround 650 TPDBarrington TPD guide (starting point, not a maker spec)If your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.

Omega

We found no TPD figure published by Omega itself.

  • 1108, 1120, 1128, 1140 and related calibersBoth directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 2500 / 2507 Co-AxialBoth directions650–800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 8500, 8501, 8520, 8601, 8611 Co-AxialBoth directions650–800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 1151, 1152, 1164 (7750-based chronographs)Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • 3301, 3303, 3313 Co-Axial chronographsClockwise only650–800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • 3220Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 9300 / 9301 Co-Axial chronographBoth directionsNot publishedOrbita watch database · Orbita lists TBD
  • 8800 Master Co-Axial (Seamaster Diver 300M)Bi-directionalAbout 650 TPDBarrington TPD guide (starting point, not a maker spec) · Not listed by OrbitaIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 8900 Master Co-Axial (Seamaster Aqua Terra)Bi-directionalAbout 650 TPDBarrington TPD guide (starting point, not a maker spec) · Not listed by OrbitaIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • De Ville, ConstellationBi-directionalAround 650 TPDBarrington TPD guide (starting point, not a maker spec)If your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Planet OceanBi-directional650–800 TPDBarrington TPD guide (starting point, not a maker spec)If your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Automatic Speedmaster chronographsOften clockwise750–800 TPDBarrington TPD guide (starting point, not a maker spec)
  • 3861 Speedmaster Moonwatch Professionaln/aDo not use a winderOmega (winding type) · Manual-wind movement: a winder does nothing for it

Tudor

  • Tudor 2824 / 2824-2 / 2671 / 2834 / 2892-basedBoth directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Tudor 7750 / 7753 / 7754 / 7734 (chronographs)Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • In-house MT56xx calibers (Black Bay, Pelagos)Bi-directionalAbout 650 TPDBarrington TPD guide (starting point, not a maker spec) · Not listed by OrbitaIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Black Bay ChronoBi-directional700–800 TPDBarrington TPD guide (starting point, not a maker spec) · Not listed by OrbitaIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.

Seiko

Seiko USA technical service, as cited by Orbita, estimates 500 to 700 TPD for Seiko mechanical automatics and does not recommend winders for Kinetic movements. Grand Seiko is not listed.

  • 7S series (7S26, 7S36: SKX, Seiko 5)Both directions500–950 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 6R20Both directions500–950 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 4S seriesBoth directions650–950 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 8L series (8L35: Marinemaster, Landmaster)Both directions500–950 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 9S seriesBoth directions650–950 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 6S series (Credor, Flightmaster)Clockwise only650–900 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Spring Drive (5R, 6R Spring Drive, 8R)Listed, no TPDNot publishedOrbita watch database · Listed without a TPD
  • 4R35 / 4R36, NH35 / NH36Not publishedNot publishedOrbita watch database · Not listed
  • Seiko mechanical automatics (general estimate)Direction not stated500–700 TPDSeiko USA technical service, cited by Orbita
  • Kinetic movementsn/aWinder not recommendedSeiko USA technical service, cited by Orbita
  • Grand SeikoNot publishedNot publishedOrbita watch database · Not listed

TAG Heuer

Orbita notes that TAG Heuer describes the 1887 as winding bi-directionally at a medium-high setting.

  • Calibre 5, 6, 7, 8Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Calibre 11, 17, 36Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Calibre 12Both directions650–800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Calibre 16 (7750-based)Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Calibre 3Clockwise only650–800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Calibre 1887Both directions650–1,100 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Heuer 02Not publishedNot publishedOrbita watch database · Not listed

Breitling

Orbita lists over 100 Breitling calibers. This is a representative selection.

  • B01, B04, B05, B06Both directions800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • B13Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • B17, B19Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • B20, B21, B23, B24Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • B25, B26, B27Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.

IWC

  • 30110, 35110, 37524Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 80110, 80111Both directions800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 89360, 89361 (in-house chronographs)Both directions800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 79320, 79350, 7922 (7750-based chronographs)Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • 5000, 51011, 51111 (Big Pilot, Portugieser Automatic)Both directions1,000 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.

Panerai

Orbita says it has contacted Panerai about settings for the P-series automatics and lists several as TBD.

  • OP IV, OP VI, OP VIIBoth directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • OP III, OP V, OP VIII, OP XII and most later OP calibersClockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • P.9000, P.9001, P.9002Both directions800–950 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • P.2003, P.9100Both directionsNot publishedOrbita watch database · Orbita lists TBD

Cartier

  • 049 MC (Santos 100 Large, Ballon Bleu 42 mm)Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 076 MC (Ballon Bleu 36 mm, Santos 100 Medium)Clockwise only650–800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • 120 MC, 220 MC (Tank Française, Santos Galbée)Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • 8000 MCBoth directions650–800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 1904-PS MCBoth directionsTBD or 650–950 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 191 MCCounter-clockwise only500 TPDOrbita watch database

Patek Philippe

Orbita's Q&A notes that many Patek Philippe watches wind counter-clockwise only.

  • 240 (incl. PS, Q, HU variants)Counter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • 315, 324, 330Counter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • 26-330 (5711/1A, 5212A)Counter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • CH 28-520 (5980, 5968)Counter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • 335, R27Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database

Audemars Piguet

  • 3120 (Royal Oak 15300, 15400)Both directions600 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 2121 (Royal Oak Jumbo)Both directions800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 4101Both directions600 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • 2325, 2326 familiesCounter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • 2385 (Royal Oak Chronograph)Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database

Tissot

  • Tissot 2824-2, 2836-2Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Tissot Powermatic 80, C01.211Counter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database

Hamilton

  • Hamilton 2824-2, 2892-2, 2895Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Hamilton H-21, H-31, 7750 / 7753Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Hamilton H-10Not publishedNot publishedOrbita watch database · Not listed

Longines

  • Longines Calibers 561 to 651Both directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Longines Calibers 652 to 705Clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Longines Calibers 990, 992, 994Counter-clockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database

Oris

  • Oris 733 and most 5xx / 6xx calibersBoth directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Oris 735Both directions650–800 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.
  • Oris 672 to 680 chronographsClockwise only800 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Oris Calibre 400Not publishedNot publishedOrbita watch database · Not in Orbita's list; Oris publishes its own guidance in its help center

Zenith

  • Zenith El Primero and Elite familiesBoth directions650 TPDOrbita watch databaseIf your winder doubles bi-directional turns (WOLF says its winders do), enter about half this figure, or confirm the counting in your manual.

Blancpain, Breguet, Girard-Perregaux, Glashütte Original

Published figures well outside the 650 norm. A fully programmable winder is worth it for these.

  • Blancpain Calibre 1315Clockwise only960 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Blancpain Calibre 13R5Clockwise only1,080 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Breguet (several calibers)Direction not stated500 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Girard-Perregaux GP 03300 familyCounter-clockwise only500 TPDOrbita watch database
  • Glashütte Original Calibre 39Counter-clockwise only850 TPDOrbita watch database

Watch not listed anywhere?

WOLF's FAQ suggests 650 to 900 TPD bi-directional as a safe starting range. Barrington suggests starting at 650 bi-directional, checking the watch after 48 hours and raising the TPD by 100 at a time if it stops.

Sources: Orbita watch database and Orbita Q&A; Barrington TPD guide (brand figures are starting points, not manufacturer specs); WOLF FAQ; Seiko USA technical service as cited by Orbita. "Not published" means the source gives no value. Winder makers count bi-directional differently: WOLF says it doubles the TPD, Barrington says it splits the set number between directions.

For a 7750-based chronograph at 800 TPD clockwise, you need a winder that lets you set both numbers yourself rather than choose from a few presets.

How to choose a chronograph

  • Mechanical or quartz? A mechanical chronograph is about the ritual and the engineering; a quartz chronograph is thinner, cheaper and more accurate.
  • Hand-wound or automatic? Hand-wound chronographs are often thinner and let you see the chronograph mechanism through a display back. Automatics wind themselves but are thicker.
  • How many counters? A 30-minute counter covers most daily timing. A 12-hour counter matters for long events and flights.
  • Readability. Busy dials look great in photos but are harder to read at a glance. Contrasting subdials help.
  • Water resistance. Check the rating, and remember that the pushers are a potential entry point for water on most models.

A good first chronograph for most people is a three-register design with a 30-minute counter, a clear tachymeter and pushers that screw down or are rated for water. It will cover parking, cooking, workouts and travel without any learning curve.

Common mistakes

  • Reading the chronograph hand as the running seconds. It stays at zero until started.
  • Pressing reset while the chronograph runs on a non-flyback watch, which can stress the mechanism.
  • Leaving it running for days to have a "sweeping" seconds hand.
  • Using pushers in the shower or pool without a rating for it.
  • Assuming "chronograph" means "accurate." That is a chronometer.

FAQ

What is a chronograph watch used for?

Timing anything with a start and a finish: a lap, a run, a parking meter, a steak, a meeting or a flight leg. With a tachymeter scale, it can also calculate speed over a known distance. Day to day, most owners use it as a quick stopwatch.

Is a chronograph watch automatic?

It can be. Chronograph describes the stopwatch function, not how the watch is powered. There are automatic chronographs, hand-wound chronographs such as Omega's Speedmaster Moonwatch, and quartz chronographs that run on a battery.

What is the difference between a chronograph and a chronometer?

A chronograph has a stopwatch. A chronometer is a watch certified for accuracy, for example by the Swiss testing institute COSC, which requires an average daily rate of -4 to +6 seconds for mechanical movements. A watch can be one, both or neither.

Can I leave the chronograph running all the time?

It is not designed for that. On a mechanical chronograph, running it continuously uses extra energy and adds wear to the chronograph parts. Use it to time events, then stop and reset it, and follow your watch's manual.

Can a chronograph watch go on a watch winder?

An automatic chronograph can, like any automatic. Keep the chronograph stopped and set the winder to the caliber's turns per day and direction. Hand-wound and quartz chronographs do not need a winder.

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