Chronometer

A marine chronometer is a precision timepiece that is carried on a ship and employed in the determination of the ship's position by celestial navigation.

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What is a Chronometer?

Often misunderstood or confused with a chronograph, a chronometer is fundamentally a highly accurate mechanical watch movement that has undergone – and passed – strict precision tests over a period of time in a host of different circumstances.

Chronometer testing measures the movement of the watch towards a set of accuracy standards, in different positions and at different temperatures.

Watch brands use a neutral, independent organization to conduct the individual testing. Since precision tests are so intense, only a small percentage of watches on the market today are certified chronometers. A watch must pass through intense testing in order to carry the term “Chronometer” on its dial.

Now that you understand the basis of a chronometer certification, let’s take a look at how chronometers have evolved into the modern certification.