2,156 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 23, 2001
If one does some research on what chronometer specifications mean, one must conclude that there is no accepted general definition for it. The demands to declare a watch a chronometer have been softened decade after decade. Chronometer specifications for pocket watches a century ago were set by a few European Astronomical Observatories, the only places on earth were a correct measurement of time could be carried out. But every center had his own tests, the most severe ones were applied by the Royal Astronomical Observatory in Kew, UK. IWC sent many PW's for acquiring the famous Kew A certificate and almost all submissions were rewarded. There are now brands which test their watches to the current standard and put on the dial : "officially certified chronometer". IWC has made one rarely watches with this printing on the dial. The company felt that its own tests were more stringent than the official testing programs and by that superseeding the "average" results. The current article shows where IWC stands , if one talks about a chronometer watch.. Kind regards, Adrian, alwaysiwc.
4,734 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 18, 2006
Thank you Adrian for this wonderful article. It was a real pleasure to read and I learned a lot from it.
I believe IWC's current standard is a daily deviation of 0 to +6 seconds per day and that the current COSC standard is -4 to +6 seconds per day for mechanical watches. I have no idea what testing procedures are used to determine these deviations though.
Thank you very much, Adrian. That is a very well written and enlightening piece of work.
I'm saving it for future consultation.
Regards,
Jeronimo
Omar Khayyám (Persia XI-XII Century) offered that Time should not only be measured in length but also in width due to the intrinsic difference between a minute or other depending on what is happening to the beholder... I wonder how a watch would look like...
Was there also an argument a while ago between the COSC and first Moscow watch factory (poljot) the COSC said that FMWF could not call there marine chronometer a chronometer as it had not been tested by COSC. FMWF told them to poke off as the wooden boxed chronometer was in fact a true chronometer and had been in production with the same specs longer than the COSC had been in existence. I also believe that the seiko tests are more stringent than COSC. In my eyes when I see something advertised as a chronometer then I expect a very accurate watch. But still not as acurate as Harrison's original or H4 or even a €2.99 quartz.
But who could afford the First and who here would wear the latter
829 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 4, 2006
Very interesting article and great research, Adrian. Having accepted and being published in the British Horological Journal, the one of the last independant, not commercially driven, watch journal with peer review shows the quality and acknowledgement of your research. Thank you and congratulations!
88 Discussions and CommentsMember since Oct. 27, 2010St. Louis,
United States
Dear Clemens:
Aren't the IWC specs -0 to +7?
Thanks,
Donald
cinq Wrote:Thank you Adrian for this wonderful article. It was a real pleasure to read and I learned a lot from it.
I believe IWC's current standard is a daily deviation of 0 to +6 seconds per day and that the current COSC standard is -4 to +6 seconds per day for mechanical watches. I have no idea what testing procedures are used to determine these deviations though.
Kind regards,
Adrian,
alwaysiwc.
I believe IWC's current standard is a daily deviation of 0 to +6 seconds per day and that the current COSC standard is -4 to +6 seconds per day for mechanical watches. I have no idea what testing procedures are used to determine these deviations though.
Kind regards,
Clemens
I'm saving it for future consultation.
Regards,
Jeronimo
Omar Khayyám (Persia XI-XII Century) offered that Time should not only be measured in length but also in width due to the intrinsic difference between a minute or other depending on what is happening to the beholder... I wonder how a watch would look like...
But who could afford the First and who here would wear the latter
Andy
It makes me lust after a 'fishtail' even more!!
Nelson
Having accepted and being published in the British Horological Journal, the one of the last independant, not commercially driven, watch journal with peer review shows the quality and acknowledgement of your research.
Thank you and congratulations!
Kind regards
Hajo
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Last edited: 9 January, 2013 - 09:24
Go with you, Nelson! ;-)
A RN IWC deck watch with center seconds, original wooden box..... a dream! :-)
Kind regards
Hajo
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Last edited: 9 January, 2013 - 09:24
Groeten,
Bob
b.bunnik <u>at</u> zonnet.nl
Best regards,
Jim
"We are the other people, we are the other people...you're the other people too!"
Frank Zappa
Aren't the IWC specs -0 to +7?
Thanks,
Donald