query about running the chrono movement...

[richard20]

Hi,

I have recently bought a a IWC Pilot Chrono 3701-01 and have a query about how often you should use the chronograph element of the watch, in particular:

1. I actually like to see the big second hand moving, which obviously means the chrono feature is running all the time - is this a bad thing to do - i guess it uses more energy and i guess creates more wear and tear. Is there a recommended amount it should be used - or does it actually not matter.

One option i thought, is run the chrono during the day, and just stop it during the night.

cheers richard

[Watchbreath]

Run it about 5 -10 minutes per month.

[richard20]

Thanks for reply; so would it be a problem if i run it more than 5-10mins a month?

Ideally I would like to run it for several hours a day...


thanks.

[Screamer67]

I think 5-10mns a month is a minimal time, as it keeps the oil distributed, and spread in the movement, instead of gathering on lower parts, due to gravity and inactivity...IMHO

[roseskunk]

I like to watch mine run too, and quite often run it constantly, especially lately my Speedy. I can't imagine why it would be an issue. The rest of the watch runs constantly, why not the chrono? Might make the watch run slow, but I doubt it will hurt it.

[Sean779]

nobody really knows, so run it as much as you want

[richard20]

Thanks guys.

I ran it most of the day yesterday, and the watch lost about 1 sec...i can live with that!

Hey, you only live once!

[roseskunk]

Hey, you only live once!

That's my theory too!

[heb]

Hello,

I read somewhere that the ETA 7750 movement does not include a jeweled bearing at the hour accumulater pivot. So unless IWC modifies their's to include one, that may be a good reason not to run the chrono all the time.

Besides the typical short term timing events, I run my chornographs through their 12 hour paces once a month to ensure each gear tooth gets its share of lubrication; or at least that's what I envision happening.

heb

[Sean779]

Hello,

I read somewhere that the ETA 7750 movement does not include a jeweled bearing at the hour accumulater pivot. So unless IWC modifies their's to include one, that may be a good reason not to run the chrono all the time.

I read the same thing and it is true, but it was also expressed that a jewel is really not needed there. "jewels" are not expensive, so if one was needed I can't imagine it wouldn't be supplied. I put up the same question as the OP a year ago and I wasn't being flippant when I said just run it as much as you want. Nobody really knows...but that jewel issue was the only thing gave me pause.