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Automatic Chronograph - Philosophical Oxymoron!

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Eye Candy /ī ˈkandē/ (noun) : The large sweeping second hand of an automatic watch for an Enthusiast. That’s exactly the joy I get when I look at the smooth movement of the second hand of an automatic watch. And this is the paradox of an Automatic Chronograph: a large second hand that (in normal operation) does NOT move. It just stays there and deprives you from the beauty of that sweeping motion. That’s why I’ve never been able to enjoy that gorgeous P. N. Daytona!
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PetrosD
3702
Jan 6, 2018
I have three quartz chronographs, and if I don't run the chronograph, I don't really notice the ticking of the small seconds hand.
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BulovaHunter
5
Jan 6, 2018
Federico says just say no to mechanical chronographs, when I want accuracy i put my mechanical away and pull out my beautiful $50 Timex expedition chrono.
BF_Hammer
717
Jan 5, 2018
There is still the seconds sub-dial sweeping away there. Not as visible, but sort of reminiscent of old 1930's and 40's watches.
The bigger-picture answer is "you can get over it if you truly want it". I used to have an aversion to 1-step-per-second quartz movements, but I have learned to move past my prejudices in small ways.
DrewDel
124
Jan 4, 2018
A sweeping second hand isn't exclusive to automatic watches, and a ticking second hand isn't exclusive to battery operated watches. My Seiko is automatic (They call it Kinetic), and the second hand ticks.
BF_Hammer
717
Jan 5, 2018
DrewDelKinetic is still a quartz watch, just how the electrical power to operate it is created and stored is different. Basically as much quartz as any solar or Citizen Eco-Drive.
Seiko SpringDrive is a bit of a different animal though. Possible you are confusing the technologies?
Also Bulova Accutron II / Precisionist movements tick (I believe) 6 steps per second, which matches what many mechanical spring-driven movements do. They are a higher-end quartz movement.
Jail4banksters
86
Oct 23, 2017
That one is getting closer to being mine. I agree that Daytona at the top is gorgeous, but this ain't no slouch.
https://massdrop-s3.imgix.net/img_comment/Vkq05qW6S1G7QDvqu24m_gold steel seamaster chrono-1.jpg
giolee88
33
Oct 19, 2017
Just start the chronograph.
WatchDoctor
847
Oct 12, 2017
Another timeless icon
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i buy automatic because i like the sound they make up to my ear and their weight/heft. "Sweeping" seconds ...meh, for some may be the reason to get one, not me. I like the Bulova Prcecisionist line a lot, not automatic and crazy smooth seconds sweep https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no2_0lyCskI
I know right?! A 35 to 39mm would be most welcome:)
WatchDoctor
847
Oct 9, 2017
Danbo_de_Piano I envy you for being able to enjoy that dial sizes! The watches look fine and beautiful when I look at them off of my wrist, but as soon as I put them on my wrist they just look too tiny.
These days, I just can't get to be able to enjoy dials less than 40mm, add the bezel and that turns into a 42-46mm diameter watch.
PetrosD
3702
Oct 9, 2017
I have often run my chronograph not to measure any time, but just to see the sweep of the second hand. You are right that one of most enjoyable aspects of an automatic watch is the second hand sweep, which is not nearly as satisfying when relegated to small seconds.
Probably one reason why I would never buy a Hamilton Intramatic (no second hand at all), and generally ignore any watch with a small seconds dial, other than a chronograph.
However, no second hand is actually preferable on a quartz watch, such as my RW Parsifal.
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idoc72
1181
Jan 3, 2018
How "forward thinking" of them. Nothing like a little pretentious, elitist douchebaggery to market their wares (no offense intended to those who like Nomos). I think I'll put on a timex and drink a Budweiser with the rest of the cretins! Wait, is Budweiser hip again? ............. No, that's PBR.
ltopper
1113
Aug 20, 2018
How evil of them to do such a thing.
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