What is a chronograph and what is it used for?

A chronograph is a watch with a built-in stopwatch function. You can use it to measure time intervals during sports, work or everyday use, for example. You can usually recognise a chronograph by the extra subdials on the dial.

Why do you need to set a chronograph correctly?

An incorrectly set chronograph can cause the stopwatch to be inaccurate or the hands to not be set to zero. Setting the watch correctly ensures that it remains reliable and functional.

Preparation: what you need to know before you start

Before you start setting the watch, it is a good idea to check the following:

Read the manual for your specific watch
Check whether the watch is quartz or automatic
Ensure that the crown and buttons are clean and functional

Step-by-step guide: how to set your chronograph correctly

Follow these steps to set your chronograph correctly:

Pull the crown out completely (usually to the second position)
Press button A (top) to move the chronograph second hand to zero
Use button B (bottom) to set the minute hand to zero
Push the crown back in to confirm the settings

Please note: on some models, you need to hold the buttons down for a few seconds. This is the case, for example, with watches featuring a Swiss movement. Read here how to set a watch with a Swiss Made movement >

Common mistakes when setting a chronograph

Make sure you avoid these mistakes:

Pressing the buttonstoo hard can cause mechanical damage
Setting the watch while the crown is not fully pulled out
Confusion between stopwatch and regular hands

How do you know if your chronograph is set correctly?

After setting, check that:

All hands are exactly at zero
The stopwatch starts, stops and resets as expected
There is no visible delay or deviation

Maintenance and tips to keep your chronograph function working properly

A properly functioning chronograph also requires proper maintenance:

Use the stopwatch function regularly to prevent jamming
Have your watch checked periodically by a specialist
Avoid impacts or water infiltration in watches with lower water resistance

Frequently asked questions about setting chronographs

Can I set my chronograph myself? Yes, provided you follow the manual. It is useful to know which movement is in your watch, as you can then find the manual online. Also check our database of watch manuals!
My chronograph hands are not at zero. Is that normal? No, that means it needs to be reset
What if the buttons do not respond? Have the watch checked by a professional.

Do you have questions about a chronograph watch you purchased from WatchXL? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to help!

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Setting the chronograph: Complete guide plus tips