I don't know what movement you may have. Nevertheless, with my Hamilton H-31, I can start, stop, start and then rest the Chrono function without damaging the mechanism. That being said, I would not try to start and stop the Chrono function if I am changing the date or setting the time (which is done outside the "danger zone").

 

Hey all, this may be a dumb question, but I recently purchased my first mechanical chronograph and of course know to start, stop and then reset the chrono. My question is can you start, stop and start again without resetting? Or will that damage the mechanism? Thanks in advance for entertaining my newbie question.

Most of the common mechanical chrono movements are designed for stop and start and stop and restart.

 

When you say “start, stop, and restart again without resetting” I suspect you’re talking about not having to hit the top pusher, the bottom pusher, and then the top one again. If you want to be able to reset the chronograph at 0 in one press, it can be done if you have a flyback chronograph.

This is a particular complication for a chronograph, so if your watch could do this, you’d likely know already as part of your information from the purchase. Most chronographs require you to do as you said: stop the chrono, reset it with the other pusher, and start again.

If your chronograph is a traditional one like that, do not attempt to push the reset pusher when the chronograph is running. This can damage the movement. Although most offer resistance if you attempt to do so, I wouldn’t force it.

Hope that helps. What watch are you talking about?

 

As mentioned by Sir-Guy, unless you have a flyback chronograph, you cannot instantly start the timer from zero while it is running.

But, if you just mean pause the timer and continue where it stopped, just press the start button again.

 

I was referring to pausing the Chronograph and continuing where it was stopped. Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Tried it just now with one of my 7750s and then answer is “yes”

 

A couple of notes if you are not already aware, if your Chronograph is brand new, you may want to run the Chrono function for a full 24 hours to ensure an even distribution of the Chronograph movement's lubricants. And, it may not be beneficial to have the Chrono run constantly as it 1) will drain the power reserve quicker, and 2) could accelerate the wear-and-tear on the Chronograph movement's wheels and gears./QUOTE]

Good advice.

 

Most quality non-flyback chronograph movements, including this one, lock out the reset button when the chrono is running. You won’t damage it by pressing it with the usual force. (Anything can be damaged with enough force, of course.) The illegal moves simply won’t do anything, so use it with joy.

Rick “these were originally made to be tools” Denney

 

Most quality non-flyback chronograph movements, including this one, lock out the reset button when the chrono is running. You won't damage it by pressing it with the usual force. (Anything can be damaged with enough force, of course.) The illegal moves simply won't do anything, so use it with joy.

Rick "these were originally made to be tools" Denney

If only the never-change-the-date-manually-between-2100-0200 was similarly idiot proofed.