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Flyback Chronograph

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(fly-bak KROH-nuh-graf)

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A Flyback Chronograph is a type of chronograph watch that allows the user to reset the stopwatch hand to zero and immediately restart it with a single press of a button, without the need to stop the chronograph first.

What does

Flyback Chronograph

mean?

A Flyback Chronograph is a sophisticated type of chronograph watch that allows the user to reset the stopwatch function to zero and immediately start a new timing sequence with a single press of a button. This feature is particularly useful in situations where timing needs to be restarted quickly without the delay of stopping, resetting, and starting the chronograph again. The flyback function is achieved through a complex mechanism that integrates the reset and start functions into one seamless action, enhancing the watch's usability and efficiency.

Originally developed for pilots and military personnel who required precise and rapid timing capabilities, the flyback chronograph has become a popular feature in luxury and high-performance watches. It exemplifies advanced watchmaking craftsmanship and engineering, often found in timepieces from prestigious brands. The flyback mechanism typically involves additional components and intricate design, making these watches more complex and often more expensive than standard chronographs. Collectors and enthusiasts appreciate flyback chronographs for their historical significance, technical innovation, and the skill required to produce them. This feature not only adds functionality but also enhances the aesthetic and mechanical appeal of the watch, making it a prized possession for horology aficionados.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a flyback chronograph?

A flyback chronograph allows instant reset and restart with a single pusher press, rather than requiring three separate actions (stop, reset, start). Originally developed for pilots needing rapid lap timing without fumbling controls, pressing the reset pusher simultaneously stops the running time, resets to zero, and immediately restarts timing.

What's the difference between flyback and standard chronograph?

A standard chronograph requires three separate pusher presses to time consecutive laps: stop, reset, restart. A flyback requires only one press—the bottom pusher simultaneously performs all three actions. This saves precious seconds in applications like aerial navigation where timing must be seamlessly continuous without operational delays.

Which brands make flyback chronographs?

Breguet pioneered flyback development historically. Notable modern flyback chronographs include the Breguet Type XX, Longines Avigation, IWC Pilot Spitfire, Zenith El Primero Chronomaster, and Patek Philippe 5170G. The complication is associated with aviation heritage and is typically found in mid-to-high-end chronograph collections.

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