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9 November 2017, 07:00 AM | #1 |
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Chronograph Usage & 24/7 Watch Accuracy
I ran this query past Adam/OEP and he suggested posting it for further insights/experiences from TRFers who own chronographs of various types (i.e. mechanical/quartz/meca-quartz etc.)
An acquaintance noticed that the day-to-day accuracy of his Rolex Daytona and Seiko/quartz chronographs tends to fluctuate (albeit minimally) when he uses the stop watch functions on a regular basis compared to the watch running sans any usage of this feature. This topic has apparently been discussed on other watch forums but the answer is still somewhat inconclusive as some respondents have noted that regular chronograph operation can affect the watch's overall daily accuracy while others haven't noticed any deviations. So the question is: Depending on the watch design, can the power reserve (whether mainspring or battery), type of movement (mechanical or quartz/step motor), along with the type of chronograph linkage/switching (hammer & lever vs servo) actually create a slight deviance in the watch's 24/7 accuracy? It should be noted that the Daytona in question incorporates a Valjoux 72 movement (manual wind) so it might be conceivable that the lessening of the mainspring during the course of the day has an effect. On the other hand, a perpetual movement (if fully wound) should in theory provide a more consistent source of continual power. Compounding this puzzle is that on his Seiko chronograph (battery-powered with three step motors) his continual daily fidgeting with the chronograph functions also seems to affect the watch's day-to-day accuracy (more noticeable over a period of non-date changing months). Would an increase in battery drain during chronograph usage (or a weakening battery) be a key factor in this instance? While investigating the topic, I came across this 2014 thread on WatchUSeek and the responses were somewhat varied as well. http://forums.watchuseek.com/f2/chro...cy-969379.html Curious. For those of you who own chronographs, have you noticed any 24/7 accuracy deviations when using the chronograph feature frequently? |
9 November 2017, 07:23 AM | #2 |
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When a mechanical chronograph is engaged the balance amplitude will drop a few degrees which might have a very small effect on the accuracy. It has however no effect on the power reserve as the mainspring isn't running down any faster simply because the chrono is engaged.
In a quartz movement every function other than time means more friction, thus more energy consumption. |
9 November 2017, 10:51 AM | #3 | |
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BC, whether or not you can notice it or not, the rule of thumb is that letting the stop watch run on a mechanical watch can and most probably affect its accuracy to a certain extent.
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9 November 2017, 11:06 AM | #4 | |
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10 November 2017, 10:47 AM | #5 | |
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Still, it has to be said that this consequence of letting a chronograph run continuously is from a technical aspect. In the grand scheme of things, well built chrono movements take this in account and rarely have I seen this being a real problem. My main concern lies within the risk of having something blocking your modular and, soon after, your watch if it runs continuously. Am I right in thinking your Tudor holds the Valjoux 7750? As far as I am concerned it remains a movement with a rather good reputation in the world of horology.
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Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin |
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10 November 2017, 10:50 AM | #6 | |
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10 November 2017, 05:14 PM | #7 | |
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9 November 2017, 02:02 PM | #8 | |
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In my initial correspondence with Adam, I cited an acquaintance who brought this variance to my attention. On the other hand, this particular individual is constantly playing with the chronograph function on his Daytona (either out of boredom, for personal entertainment or perhaps nervousness). I keep telling him that one of these days he's gonna wear out the pushers. Though a slight exaggeration, the guy fidgets with his chronograph like Captain Queeg with his marbles. |
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10 November 2017, 10:53 AM | #9 | |
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Are you guys acquainted enough for you to investigate on this matter? Given your talent of telling stories, how about you tell him about that fun fact and come back to me with what he says?
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Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin |
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10 November 2017, 07:16 PM | #10 | |
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Curious. Is there a potential breakdown of lubrication and/or premature gasket wear going on as well? Probably why he has a Seiko quartz/3-step motor chronograph as a 'back-up' for his affliction. |
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10 November 2017, 08:38 PM | #11 | |
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9 November 2017, 12:41 PM | #12 |
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Running with Bas' clarification/explanation and for lack of a better analogy on my part, switching to the chronograph function on a mechanical watch seems to be like changing gears (upward) in an automotive transmission. In other words, for a brief moment some power is lost/transferred during the shifting process but forward motion and speed remains somewhat intact.
In regards to Carl's insights on the quartz chronograph, running multiple step motors to accommodate the various chronograph features can drain battery power and friction becomes an issue when just one step motor is being used to operate additional functions. This factor might be a consideration if one is opting towards a meca-quartz type chronograph (where its mechanical feel and characteristic is based on using a one step motor + a hammer/lever linkage on the chronograph operation). This would seemingly infer that the single step motor is working harder to accommodate a number of functions (added friction/resistance = more battery drain). It should also be noted that on a meca-quartz movement, the stopwatch second hand actually 'sweeps' in 1/5-1/8 second increments separate from the 1 second blip of the second hand. The two second hands are oscillating at different frequencies off the one step motor. In Adam's/OEP's case, his stopwatch second hand is running full-time on a mechanical movement and he has experienced exceptional timekeeping. Outside of possible wear and tear from the continual running of the chronograph function, has the mechanism on his Tudor simply stabilized to this continual operation? |
9 November 2017, 12:55 PM | #13 | |
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10 November 2017, 05:22 PM | #14 | |
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This costs energy and there is only one source which is the mainspring in the barrel. This means that not all power reaches the balance thus it gets pushed less hard by the pallet fork thus lowering the amplitude. |
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9 November 2017, 02:32 PM | #15 |
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I think the performance will depend on the type of chrono and it's particular execution. The accuracy will likely be different but should still run within cosc or better and be predictable. I've seen the accuracy be off by about .5 spd vs not running the chrono.
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10 November 2017, 05:36 PM | #16 |
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After a full wind my Daytona runs about for about 2.5 - 3.0 hours less with the chrono running.
And when it stops in the chrono running mode it stops with the chrono hand at the 60 second market 4 times out if 5. I think it needs more power to run the chrono therefore stops earlier. Haven't checked the difference in s/d on my T'Grapher 1000 between chrono on and off but will do.
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