Chronometer and chronograph: that's the difference

The words chronometer and chronograph sound similar and at first glance there isn't much that distinguishes the two timepieces. We will tell you exactly what the difference is in this article.

Chronometer and chronograph - the subtle difference

A chronograph can be a chronometer and vice versa, yet the two terms do not describe the same type of watch.

• The term chronometer originally comes from the sea and refers to various instruments for determining the position of a ship.
• Literally translated, chronometer means 'timekeeper', while the word chronograph means 'timekeeper'.
• Today, chronometers are battery-powered or mechanical watches that have been checked for accuracy by an official test center in Switzerland since 1973.
• The so-called COSC issues a certificate for those watches that are particularly precise even under the toughest conditions. Watchmakers like Rolex or Breitling attach great importance to this award.
• Chronographs are wristwatches that can stop time using two to three sub-dials. This is an additional function called a complication that does not restrict the normal running of the watch.

In another practical tip, we will show you how to change the battery in your watch.