Keeping Up with the World’s Fastest Chronographs

Chronographs are as useful as they are fun because, in addition to allowing us to measure short periods of time, they help us to appreciate the transcendent nature of time. Let me explain: as a child I used to like playing with my Casio chronographs, challenging myself to achieve the shortest possible measurement of time. As you well know, these watches can measure up to 1/100th of a second. In my “game”, the idea was to mark the shortest time by double-pressing the start and stop button very quickly.

The best I achieved was 0.07 seconds, and I am still doing 0.07 or 0.08 seconds consistently to date, over 30 years later. But I’ve never reached that elusive 0.06 (can anyone do it?). That made me see how incredible it is for a watch to be able to break a tiny second into smaller portions; one second, that small temporal unit, passes in an instant and leaves in a breath.

If marking 1/100th of a second is spectacular in an electronic device based on old quartz technology, how much more remarkable is it to do so by means of a mechanical device? But first, we start with the already fantastic achievement of measuring and displaying individual seconds utilising a mechanical timepiece.

Let’s go back to April 17, 1970, right at the time of the famous 14-second burn that allowed the Apollo 13’s entry angle to be corrected to avoid incineration at its entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. I won’t go into the historical details, but imagine this situation: what if, instead of using an Omega Speedmaster Chronograph to measure that lapse, Mission Control had told the astronauts, “Here’s what you gonna do: you’ll fire the engines, count to 14, and turn them off. Let us know how that goes.” I doubt very much that it would have been enough to accomplish the life and death task performed by the Apollo 13 crew.

And that’s precisely the point: it’s one thing to properly measure a lapse using a technical instrument and another, to merely estimate it. We can all reasonably estimate a second. In fact, we can count up to 60 or even 100 in a measured, cadenced manner, and we can surely keep up nicely with a chronograph. But that will not happen in more prolonged periods. While we will lose the cadence (and the interest) for sure, the mechanics — cold, reliable and consistent — will defeat us at every moment. And that’s just with the familiar seconds, let alone consider the tinier, more difficult fractions.

The Louis Moinet Chronograph from 1816
The Louis Moinet Chronograph from 1816

Since the dawn of watchmaking, masters and scientists have striven for maximum precision. Louis Moinet’s chronograph of 1816 already struck 1/60th of a second, thanks to its fast 30-hertz balance wheel. TAG Heuer consistently reached the hundredths with its Mikrograph from the beginning of the last century. But the challenge was to bring this temporal efficiency to smaller and smaller watches. Without a doubt, Zenith’s El Primero calibre and its frequency of 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), which allowed it to measure 1/10th of a second (0.1 seconds), was the first big step in this quest to measure and mark those tiny “sub-seconds”.

Watchmakers have been able to obtain the formulas to count these fractions, but they are often faced with technical challenges, such as the limitations of the materials used. Therefore, they have had to innovate in various ways to reach the objective of ultimate precision.

Breguet Type XXII (10Hz)

It comes as no surprise that one of the great fathers of mechanical watchmaking, Abraham-Louis Breguet, had had a hand in developing the chronograph. As succinctly put on the brand website, “With his ‘chronomètre à doubles secondes, dit d’observation’, developed in 1820, which permitted the measurement of intermediate periods or of the length of time taken by two separate and simultaneous events, Breguet anticipated the modern chronograph.” Indeed, while A-L Breguet did not create the chronograph (that honour belonged to his close colleague Louis Moinet, in 1816), he was instrumental in pushing the envelope of watchmaking, for the development of the chronograph capable of measuring time lapses in its most small units.

In 2010, Breguet introduced the Type XXII reference 3880 ST, with a frequency of 10Hz
In 2010, Breguet introduced the Type XXII reference 3880 ST, with a frequency of 10Hz

In the 200 years of evolution of the Swiss lever escapement, the operating frequencies have not increased at all or only slightly here and there. The most common frequencies for a chronograph range from 21,600vph (3Hz) to 28,800vph (4Hz), leaving the 36,000vph (5Hz) to heroes like the El Primero. So then, the doubling of that standard is as fascinating as it is commendable. In 2010, Breguet introduced the Type XXII reference 3880 ST, with a frequency of 10Hz (72,000 vibrations per hour, twice the high frequency defined by the El Primero chronograph in 1969). This reinvention of the legendary Type XX military marine watch born in the 1950s took precision to a higher level. The result of the brand’s research into high frequencies for more precise and reliable time measurement, the Type XXII was the first and only standard mechanical chronograph with a 10Hz movement.

This technical feat of 10Hz timing was made possible by using silicon, which served to lighten the moving parts’ weight, eliminate the harmful effects of magnetism, and reduce the need for lubrication without compromising the wear and tear of the elements. The 589F automatic movement incorporated a silicon spiral, lever and escape wheel. The lighter mass design allows the heart to beat 72,000 vibrations per hour, making it beat and show 1/20th of a second.

The caseback of the 3880 provides a small porthole for a glimpse of the balance wheel’s relentless pace
The caseback of the 3880 provides a small porthole for a glimpse of the balance wheel’s relentless pace

Obviously, this increase in the oscillator frequency also led to a real improvement in the operation of the chronograph. In the Breguet Type XXII, how the seconds hand rotates is significantly modified — it makes a complete rotation in 30 seconds. The increase in frequency influences the duration of the small jumps made by the hand. It seems to float around the dial magically. This gentler movement is combined with a higher resolution and a more accurate display, which is no small matter since a chronograph is not very useful if you can’t read and understand it well and at a glance. Each second is divided into 10 visible fractions on the peripheral scale around the dial that is aided by lumed Arabic numerals, indexes and the colour red to make reading easier. The chronograph function on this high-frequency Breguet does not use any of the subsidiary dials. Instead, it uses two central hands for the seconds and minutes. The chronograph seconds hand moves around the entire dial every 30 seconds. The minute hand travels twice every minute. Thus, precise fractional reading of the elapsed time is easy. Mr. A-L Breguet himself would have been amazed.

TAG Heuer Mikrograph (50Hz and more)

Invented by Charles-Auguste Heuer in 1916, the Mikrograph chronometer was the first watch to measure elapsed time with an accuracy of 1/100th of a second, thanks to a mechanism that beat at 360,000 vibrations per hour (50Hz). Strictly speaking, it was a high-precision chronoscope as it did not offer the time. It only measured lapses.

In 2005, TAG Heuer launched the Carrera Calibre 360 Concept, which became the first automatic chronograph wristwatch with 1/100th of a second accuracy. The Calibre 360 was a 230-component modular movement that combined an ETA 2893 automatic base module and a self-winding manual chronograph movement. The fun calibre was released in late 2005 as the Vanquish Limited Edition.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Mikrograph
The TAG Heuer Monaco Mikrograph
The TAG Heuer Monaco Mikrograph from 2011 features two independent oscillators, a configuration that became the go-to solution for later TAG Heuer and Zenith high-speed chronographs
The TAG Heuer Monaco Mikrograph from 2011 features two independent oscillators, a configuration that became the go-to solution for later TAG Heuer and Zenith high-speed chronographs

Six years later, and almost 90 years after Charles Heuer had invented the first Mikrograph, a modern version of the movement was revived by TAG Heuer, based on the same idea of using a 10Hz chronograph mechanism, but this time combined with the ability to indicate the time. It was also the first of the 1/100th-second chronographs to use the double-winged movement design with two balance wheels: one for the time regulation that beats at 28,800vph (4Hz), and another for the timer, pulsating at 360,000vph (50Hz).

In that same year, another new watch was introduced based on the same dual-balance wheel principle, but using a new integrated 1/1,000th-second chronograph developed by the firm. Yes, that’s thousandths of a second, folks. The Mikrotimer Flying 1000 boasted an incredible 1/1,000th of a second accuracy, thanks to a chronograph regulator that vibrates 10 times faster than the Mikrograph — it vibrates at a whopping 3,600,000vph. No wonder that this watch was recognised at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneva in 2011, receiving the award for the Sports Watch Prize.

It did not take long for TAG Heuer to raise the level dramatically in 2012. That year, the house of La Chaux-de-Fonds unveiled a crazy concept: a 5/10,000th-second counter that would pulse at 1,000Hz (1kHz!), that is, 7.2 million vibrations every hour.

With an unprecedented precision of 5/10,000th or 1/2’000th of a second, the Mikrogirder was a highly innovative regulating system employing a tandem of oscillating girder coupling in a beam that worked like a pair of very fast linear oscillators (as opposed to the spiral shape of a classic balance wheel and hairspring). They vibrated isochronously in a tiny amplitude, an indispensable condition for a quick oscillation. We can understand it like this: unlike a traditional watch, whose balance wheel oscillates at an angle of up to 320 degrees, the girder comes and goes on its beam in a very small straight path that allows it to complete more cycles in shorter times.

TAG Heuer’s Mikrogirder escapement
TAG Heuer’s Mikrogirder escapement

The independence of this system prevents interference between the systems, providing stability and precision. The power reserve is also improved, and wear and tear are drastically reduced since the “high speed” function is “on demand” instead of always connected. Finally, the dual-frequency system offers the ultimate in readability. The smallest fraction of time — 1/100th, 1/1,000th, and 5/10,000th of a second — is displayed on a central hand that makes a complete revolution around the dial an impressive 20 times per second. Also, and like the Mikrotimer Flying 1000, the display allows for quick reading of the measurement thanks to three scales — two on the periphery of the dial and one at three o’clock.

TAG Heuer Mikrograph 100th Anniversary special edition launched in 2016
TAG Heuer Mikrograph 100th Anniversary special edition launched in 2016

In 2016, TAG Heuer launched the 100th Anniversary Special Edition Mikrograph Calibre that pays tribute to the original Mikrograph that Charles Heuer built in 1916. This watch uses the same movement as its 2011 predecessor. It features a dual-regulation system that separates the chronograph from the conventional time and date display. The feat lies in the watch’s capability of measuring and displaying hundredths of a second through a central hand — a great show to be enjoyed.

To achieve such an incredible level of accuracy for a mechanical watch, the Mikrograph uses two regulators. One beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) and regulates the ordinary watch. The other beats at 360,000vph (50Hz) and regulates the chronograph. This dual balance wheel system provides a separation that prevents any adverse effects on the timing regulation when running the timepiece. Basically, one side of the movement keeps the time and date, and is powered by its own barrel with a regular 42-hour power reserve. The other side houses the chronograph, and has its 90-minute barrel, gear train and regulator. Both sides of the movement are wound by the same rotor that winds bi-directionally, with each direction winding a barrel.

F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain (3Hz and lots of trickery)

If you are not familiar with the Centigraphe Souverain, this watch is notable because it is a timepiece that displays time to the hundredth of a second. But notice that I said “display” and not “measure”.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, they are different things. And while we prefer the technical majesty of a watch whose movement lays the foundation for accurate and reliable recording of short times and their smallest fractions, we must recognise the alternatives that do (almost) the same thing. And the Centigraphe Souverain, from the genius that is François-Paul Journe, opts for that direction and does so in a rather cunning way.

Being a watchmaker is about fighting against the laws of physics. Whatever you want to do, there is an undesired reaction or consequence. All of us who have spoken with Journe know that his main enemies (well, the enemy of his watches with movements made of gold) are friction and wear of the components. Therefore, it will always be vital for François-Paul to find ways to reduce friction in his movements, with the level of complexity depending on the number of components involved. And he has managed to do this with the Centigraphe.

In the Centigraphe and specifically Journe's hand-wound calibre 1506, the display of the hundredths of a second is shown at the 10 o'clock subdial.
In the Centigraphe and specifically Journe's hand-wound calibre 1506, the display of the hundredths of a second is shown at the 10 o'clock subdial.

In the Centigraphe and specifically Journe’s hand-wound calibre 1506, the display of the hundredths of a second is shown at the 10 o’clock subdial. Strictly speaking, that dial is a flying seconds — or foudroyante — display, which means that the hand jumps once every time the escape wheel turns (six times every second in this watch). So, although you can stop the pointer anywhere in the register, it does not move at a constant rate, which means it does not give you the exact fraction of a second with the highest degree of accuracy. The other dials are a 20-second and a 10-minute register, both for the chronograph as well.

Let’s go with the most contentious feature: the frequency of oscillation of the steering wheel, which is a measured 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). That implies six beats per second… not 10 or anything like that. And six is not an integer divisor of 100 either.

The problem is that a slow rate is a complete opposite of what is needed to measure small intervals. Still, notice that the watch is called “Centigraphe”. If “chronograph” means “time writer”, then Centigraphe means “writer of hundreds”. In other words, the timepiece should display (again, not measure) centesimal fractions.

Instead of a high-frequency movement, the Centigraphe Souverain features the 3Hz caliber 1506 that can produce a fractional reading of 1/1,000th resolution, thanks to Journe’s ingenuity
Instead of a high-frequency movement, the Centigraphe Souverain features the 3Hz caliber 1506 that can produce a fractional reading of 1/1,000th resolution, thanks to Journe’s ingenuity

There is a good reason for the sluggish 3Hz pace of the 1506’s balance wheel: since the watch is reasonably slim, it does away with an automatic-winding system, so it has to have a good power reserve for all the functions. In the end, the power reserve of this timepiece is a respectable three days, which compares very well with the 50 hours of the Zenith El Primero or the 40 hours of the Breguet Type XXII.

The chronograph system has a separate gear train, driven directly by the mainspring, isolating it from the escapement to maintain accuracy when in operation. In consequence, the amplitude of the balance wheel is not affected when the counter is engaged. The hands on the hundredths and 20-second counters are driven by independent trains, which are driven from the barrel’s axis. A third wheel train operates the 10-minute hand.

It all works like this: the hundredths hand, controlled by the watch’s unique escapement, makes one revolution per second in 1/6th steps. A wheel mounted on the wheel of the escapement (the fourth wheel) releases the axis that carries the hand. The seconds are driven by the train from the barrel axis and by the chronograph train’s energy, also generated from the barrel axle. The centesimal hand can stop anytime and anywhere it is located, allowing a split reading. This is possible by vertically disengaging the centesimal shaft’s pinion from the escapement drive while simultaneously pressing the stem to act as a brake.

Where a typical chronograph engages tooth to tooth for driving, the Centigraphe Souverain purposely allows sliding between each of the six linkages to enable a brake lever to “catch” the wheel driving the hand between each oscillation. The result is an approximation of what would be hundredths of a second so that despite only six impulses, the watch can produce a fractional reading of 1/100th resolution.

Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 (50Hz)

In 1969, Zenith launched El Primero, the first integrated column-wheel automatic chronograph movement, which allows for 1/10th of a second precision. This model marked a new milestone in watchmaking history and established itself as the pinnacle of high chronographic accuracy and reliability. Half a century later, the El Primero calibre is the knight in shining armour that defends Zenith’s legacy and its history.

The El Primero A386 with its typical subsidiary dials in blue, light grey and anthracite from 1969 Image: Phillips Watches
The El Primero A386 with its typical subsidiary dials in blue, light grey and anthracite from 1969 Image: Phillips Watches
Zenith’s first fully integrated, high-frequency, automatic chronograph movement 3019 PHC launched in 1969
Zenith’s first fully integrated, high-frequency, automatic chronograph movement 3019 PHC launched in 1969

In 2017, Zenith decided that it needed to enhance the prestige of its legendary El Primero high-frequency chronograph movement. The answer was the Defy El Primero 21. Unveiled at Baselworld 2017, the Defy El Primero 21 increased the self-winding movement’s pace from 5Hz to 50Hz, offering an accuracy of 1/100th of a second. Zenith acquired the inspiration (if not the solution itself) from its TAG Heuer corporate cousins, who have extensive experience in high-precision chronograph matters.

The automatic high-frequency movement of El Primero 9004 gives life to the extremely successful Defy collection and reveals its complexity on both sides of its structure. The calibre is complemented by various case finishes depending on the reference, and there are many of them, confirming the overall success this chronograph has enjoyed since 2017. As we have seen again and again, running at a frequency of 360,000 vibrations per hour (50Hz) to deliver unprecedented accuracy of one-hundredth of a second has its challenges. To counteract the enormous energy consumption and wear on parts required for these performances, the Defy 21 is based on a dual-balance-wheel architecture and two barrels connected in series that provide a 50-hour power reserve when the chronograph is not activated.

Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle powered by the self-winding El Primero 9004 automatic movement
Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle powered by the self-winding El Primero 9004 automatic movement
The self-winding El Primero 9004 has two escapement setups: 1 escapement for the watch (36,000 VpH - 5 Hz); 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH - 50 Hz)
The self-winding El Primero 9004 has two escapement setups: 1 escapement for the watch (36,000 VpH - 5 Hz); 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH - 50 Hz)

Complementing the watch’s novel capabilities and the feature that made possible the chronographic feats of this superfast El Primero are the patented, self-produced balance springs made of a material called carbon matrix nanotube, developed by the LVMH Group’s technical branch. This compound makes the watch insensitive to temperature and magnetic fields well beyond the 15,000 Gauss standard, ensuring unparalleled accuracy in any condition.

The 9004 movement also boasts a patented reset control mechanism that allows simultaneous resetting of seconds, tenths, and hundredths of a second. Despite its phenomenal speed, chronometry is never compromised, and the movement is certified by the Swiss entity TimeLab.

The essential functions of the watch (hours, minutes, and seconds) are regulated by the established 5Hz frequency of the El Primero movement, while the chronograph is controlled by the frantic 50Hz second hand. The watch’s prowess is enjoyed when the chronograph starts and the seconds hand flies around the dial once per second. Even if there is no event to measure, this is a must-see show (be sure to brag about the calibre’s history) that will open a thousand high-end horological conversations. The chronograph seconds are counted in the 60-second register at six o’clock and the minutes in the 30-minute register at three o’clock. A tiny, coloured linear power reserve for the chronograph function lurks just below the 12 o’clock position. The crown turns the manual-winding operation in two directions: clockwise for the chronograph barrel (25 turns for a full wind) and counter-clockwise for the regular timekeeping.

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