The word chronograph has been derived from two Greek words: "chornos" and "graphos". The Greek word "chronos" means a space of time or interval whereas the word "graphos" implies to draw, to record or to note. If we literally define the English word chronograph, its etymological meaning would be " to record or note a space of time or an interval. The English word Chronograph is used as a noun and would mean a device recording or noting a space of time or interval. When hear of a modern chronograph, immediately we get an idea of not simply a device but more specifically a time giving device. So a more comprehensive definition of a modern chronograph should be "any time keeping device which is used to record intervals or spaces of time".
Some times, a chronograph is also defined as a time keeping device, which has the function of a stopwatch. In fact, a stop watch records or notes interval of times but may not time keeping. So the difference between a chronograph and a stopwatch is that a chronograph is a normal time keeping device like a wristwatch, pocket watch, clock etc that has an added function of a stopwatch. Technically speaking all chronographs are stopwatches but all stopwatches are not chronographs.
Some times, a chronograph is also defined as a time keeping device, which has the function of a stopwatch. In fact, a stop watch records or notes interval of times but may not time keeping. So the difference between a chronograph and a stopwatch is that a chronograph is a normal time keeping device like a wristwatch, pocket watch, clock etc that has an added function of a stopwatch. Technically speaking all chronographs are stopwatches but all stopwatches are not chronographs.
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The first chronograph is said to have bee invented in 1821 by a French master Russak that wrote time simply by a pen attached to index hand. Modern Chronographs are more sophisticated and advanced in terms of accuracy, style and designs. Almost all reputed brands in the watches industry make chronographs.
Chronograph may have a display, which is analogue, digital or mixed. An analogue chronograph is one, which shows both time and stopwatch functions with analogue hands. In analogue chronographs the centre main dial shows the time keeping functions while the three sub-dials normally show the stopwatch function.
In a digital chronograph, the device shows the time keeping and the stopwatch functions by using a digital display. Modern digital chronograph watches are quite complex and may show the functions either with separate displays or by switching modes on a single display. Chronographs can be mixed i.e. digital-digital displays. Such chronograph watches use the analogue and digital displays independently.
There are many brands, which produce chronographs analogue, digital or mixed. The best-known chronographs are Swiss made which have been popular since centuries for its durability, accuracy, styles, designs, functions, and value for money.
