Split-Seconds Chronograph
A split-seconds chronograph, also known as a rattrapante, is a chronograph with two stacked second hands. It lets you time two events that start together but finish apart, such as two lap times. Because the mechanism is complex to build, it appears almost only in high-end watches.
At a glance
- Also called
- Rattrapante, Doppelchronograph
- Pushers
- Three, versus two on a standard chronograph
- Typical segment
- High-end, premium pricing
The two second hands sit exactly on top of one another and move as one. When you press an extra button, the upper hand freezes while the lower hand keeps running. Once you have read the first split, pressing the same button again sends the stopped hand flying back to catch the running one.
How it works
A standard chronograph counts with a single second hand. A split-seconds adds a second hand on top of it, along with the extra mechanism that grips and releases it.
- Two hands: one is held, the other keeps timing
- A third button: a dedicated pusher for splitting and rejoining
- A clamp system: a pair of jaws pinches the wheel and needs fine adjustment
Why it is costly
Keeping both hands in sync and balancing the added friction takes skilled hand finishing on the calibre, which is why such a piece is dear. Like most complications, the rattrapante is rarely found at affordable prices.
To compare the main chronograph types, read our guide to the best chronograph watches.
Examples
Picture two runners starting a lap together. As the first crosses the line you press the split button to freeze the upper hand, read the time, then press again to send that hand catching up to the second runner who is still on the clock.
Comparison
The difference between a split-seconds and a standard chronograph comes down to the extra (second) seconds hand.
| Option A | Option B | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Split-seconds (rattrapante) | Standard chronograph | A split-seconds times two events separately and adds a third pusher and a clamp mechanism; a standard chronograph counts only one elapsed time with a single hand. |
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Are a split-seconds chronograph and a rattrapante the same thing?
Yes, they are two names for the same complication. Rattrapante is French for catch up, describing the stopped hand flying to rejoin the running one. In German-speaking markets it is also called a Doppelchronograph or Schleppzeiger.
Why is a split-seconds chronograph so expensive?
Keeping both second hands perfectly in sync and balancing the added friction demands precise hand finishing. The clamp mechanism and third pusher add a whole layer on top of a normal chronograph, which keeps it mostly within high-end watches.
Is a split-seconds different from a flyback chronograph?
Yes, they do different jobs. A split-seconds times two events at once, while a flyback chronograph resets and instantly restarts the count with one press, speeding up back-to-back timing. The two are occasionally combined in the same watch.