If the chronograph function on your watch won't start, that doesn't automatically mean there's a defect. Often the cause can be narrowed down in just a few steps.
How do I start the chronograph correctly?
First, please check whether the crown is fully pushed in.
On most chronographs, the stopwatch function is then operated using the two pushers on the side of the case:
- Top pusher: Start and stop
- Bottom pusher: Reset to the starting position
Press the top pusher once. The large central chronograph hand should then start moving.
Press the top pusher again to stop the timing.
Why doesn't the large second hand move during normal operation?
On a chronograph, the large central hand is often not the normal second hand, but instead belongs to the stopwatch function.
This means that as long as the chronograph hasn't been started, this hand normally stays at the 12 o'clock position.
Depending on the model, the running second of the watch is shown on a separate small subdial.
The fact that the large hand doesn't move during normal operation is therefore not a defect.
The crown is pulled out – can I still start the chronograph?
Generally not.
If the crown is in a setting position, the chronograph function may be blocked.
Please push the crown fully back into its normal starting position, then try starting the chronograph again using the top pusher.
The top pusher can be pressed, but the hand doesn't move
First check the following:
- Is the crown fully pushed in?
- Is the watch itself running normally?
- Can the pusher be pressed clearly?
- Does another hand or a subdial possibly move?
On some chronographs, different measured units are shown on separate subdials. So take a moment to observe the whole dial.
If no chronograph hand moves at all despite correct operation, the watch should be checked.
The pusher feels unusual
Please don't apply force.
If the top pusher:
- can't be pressed in
- is unusually difficult to press
- no longer has a noticeable click
- feels loose or crooked
- or reacts differently than before after a knock,
you shouldn't press it repeatedly with a lot of force.
In this case, we recommend having it technically checked.
The chronograph starts, but stops again on its own
If the stopwatch function starts but then stops on its own or behaves irregularly, this isn't normal.
Take note of whether:
- it always stops after the same amount of time
- the central hand gets stuck
- other chronograph hands also stop
- the normal time continues to run correctly
In this case, please contact us with as precise a description as possible of the behaviour.
The chronograph can be started, but not reset
To reset the chronograph, it normally has to be fully stopped first.
To do this, press:
- the top pusher, to stop the timing,
- then the bottom pusher, to reset the chronograph hands to their starting position.
If the hands don't return to their zero position correctly afterwards, an adjustment may be needed.
Should I press both pushers at the same time?
Please only operate the pushers according to your watch's intended operation.
Don't press several pushers at random at the same time, and don't use excessive force. Depending on the movement, certain button combinations may be intended for adjusting the chronograph hands.
If you simply want to start the chronograph, the top pusher is normally all you need.
When should I contact our customer service?
Please get in touch with us if:
- the chronograph doesn't start even though the crown is fully pushed in,
- the top pusher doesn't work properly,
- the chronograph unexpectedly stops during timing,
- the function suddenly behaves differently than before,
- the hands can no longer be reset correctly,
- or the problem occurred after a knock or a fall.
Please send us the following, if possible:
- the exact model of your watch
- your order number, if available
- a brief description of the problem
- information on whether the time itself continues to run normally
- whether the pushers feel normal
- ideally, a short video showing your attempt to start it and how the hands behave
This often allows us to see straight away whether it's simply a question of operation, or whether a technical check is needed.