TimelessBrandLifestyle

What Is A Chronograph Watch? What is a Dual-Time Watch?

Words by Sekonda
June 06, 2023 | 3m
Share:
What Is A Chronograph Watch? What is a Dual-Time Watch?
Chronograph watches and dual-time watches can look very similar but they actually have very different functionalities. So how do you know which is the right timepiece for you? Here’s our easy guide to knowing the difference between the two.

What is a chronograph watch?


A chronograph is simply a stopwatch used to measure periods of time. Chronographs can be visually distinguished by their two or three sub dials and two pushers, that start and stop the chronograph function without interfering with the watch. The length of time chronograph watches can record varies, but you’ll find most Sekonda watches go up to 30 or 60 minutes. 


Some chronographs feature a tachymeter inscribed around the edge of the dial, which allows you to convert elapsed time into speed. These versatile timepieces are great for anyone who appreciates their mechanics and style.

How Does A Chronograph Watch Work?


Using a chronograph watch is surprisingly straightforward. To activate the stopwatch function, press the start/stop pusher. The second hand on the main dial will begin moving, indicating elapsed time. To pause the stopwatch, press the same pusher again. Finally, to reset the hands to their original positions, use the reset pusher.

image
Know your watch and your needs. Find a watch suitable for your lifestyle with a chronograph or dual-time watch.
What is a dual-time watch?
A dual-time has simpler functionalities to its distant relative the chronograph, but it is still a useful timepiece in its own right. Often featuring up to three sub dials, a dual-time watch has two hour hands to show the time in two different time zones.

Dual-time watches may also feature day/date sub dials that give it a signature look. These timepieces are perfect for those of you who love to travel, so you can keep an eye on the time back home!
Summary
Chronograph watches bring an exciting twist to traditional timekeeping. With their ability to measure elapsed time, they offer a practical and stylish solution for various activities.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a professional aviator, or simply appreciate the finer things in life, a chronograph watch can be your reliable companion.

So, the next time you spot a timepiece adorned with those extra dials, you'll know exactly what it represents - the artful combination of precise timekeeping and stopwatch functionality.
Chronograph & Dual Time Watches
See our full range of Chronographs and dual-time watches to find the perfect one for you.
Sekonda Octaire Chronograph Men's Watch | Silver Alloy Case & Orange Silicone Strap with Black Dial | 30277

Sekonda ATHLEISURE

Sekonda Octaire Men's Watch | 30277
RRP 
£74.99
Sekonda Octaire Chronograph Men's Watch | Silver Alloy Case & Navy Silicone Strap with Navy Dial | 30276

Sekonda ATHLEISURE

Sekonda Octaire Men's Watch | 30276
RRP 
£74.99
Sekonda Titan Chronograph Men's Watch | Rose Gold Alloy Case & Black Silicone Strap with Silver Dial | 30257

Sekonda SPORTS

Sekonda Titan Men's Watch | 30257
RRP 
£89.99
Best seller
Sekonda PayPal Pay in 3 Mens
Best seller
Sekonda Archer Men's Watch | Gold Alloy Case & Black Leather Strap with Black Dial | 30237

Sekonda HERITAGE

Sekonda Archer Men's Watch | 30237
RRP 
£79.99
Best seller
Sekonda Octaire Chronograph Men's Watch | Silver Alloy Case & Stainless Steel Bracelet with Black Dial | 30278

Sekonda ATHLEISURE

Sekonda Octaire Men's Watch | 30278
RRP 
£79.99
Sekonda Airborne Men's Chronograph Watch | Black Alloy Case & Stainless Steel Mesh Bracelet with Black Dial | 30102

Sekonda PILOT

Sekonda Airborne Chronograph Men's Watch | 30102
RRP 
£99.99
£49.99
50% OFF
30% OFF
Best seller
Sekonda Titan Chronograph Men's Watch | Silver Alloy Case & Black Silicone Strap with Silver Dial | 30256

Sekonda SPORTS

Sekonda Titan Men's Watch | 30256
RRP 
£84.99
Sekonda Racer Chronograph Men's Watch | Two Tone Alloy Case & Brown Leather Strap with Champagne Dial | 30110

Sekonda SPORTS

Sekonda Racer Chronograph Men's Watch | 30110
RRP 
£99.99
£54.99
45% OFF
Sekonda Velocity Chronograph Men's Watch | Silver Case & Black Leather Strap with Black Dial | 30068

Sekonda SPORTS

Sekonda Velocity Chronograph Men's Watch | 30068
RRP 
£89.99
£44.99
50% OFF
Sekonda Archer Men's Watch | Silver Alloy Case & Black Leather Strap with Silver Dial | 30235

Sekonda HERITAGE

Sekonda Archer Men's Watch | 30235
RRP 
£79.99
Sekonda Airborne Men's Chronograph Watch | Silver Case & Black Leather Strap with Black Dial | 30028

Sekonda PILOT

Sekonda Airborne Men's Watch | 30028
RRP 
£89.99
£52.99
40% OFF
Sekonda Archer Men's Watch | Silver Alloy Case & Brown Leather Strap with Rose Gold Dial | 30236

Sekonda HERITAGE

Sekonda Archer Men's Watch | 30236
RRP 
£79.99
Sekonda Airborne Men's Chronograph Watch | Silver Case & Blue Leather Strap with Blue Dial | 30027

Sekonda PILOT

Sekonda Airborne Men's Watch | 30027
RRP 
£89.99
Sekonda Velocity Chronograph Men's Watch | Black Stainless Steel Case & Black Canvas Strap with Black Dial | 30018
(4)

Sekonda SPORTS

Sekonda Velocity Chronograph Men's Watch | 30018
RRP 
£99.99
Sekonda Airborne Men's Chronograph Watch | Black Case & Leather Strap with Black Dial | 1991

Sekonda PILOT

Sekonda Airborne Men's Watch | 1991
RRP 
£89.99
£44.99
50% OFF
Sekonda Airborne Men's Chronograph Watch | Silver Case & Black Canvas Strap with Black Dial | 1989

Sekonda PILOT

Sekonda Airborne Men's Watch | 1989
RRP 
£89.99
£44.99
50% OFF
Rated 'Excellent' by our customers

Quick and easy love my new watch.

Quick and easy love my new watch.

David James Adaway, 24 Feb 2026

Gorgeous watch for reasonable price.

Happy with my purchase.

Anna, 23 Feb 2026

Good Experience

New watch straps arrived quickly, within 2 days of ordering, however there was a limited selection of 20mm straps on the website

Dean Vickers, 23 Feb 2026

Excellent customer service

The buying process was excellent, customer service spot on. Royal mail delivered to the wrong house, which we didn't know, when I reported a failed / missing delivery the Sekonda Customer Support team where excellent and immediately offered to send a replacement. However the watch turned up, at another neighbours house. Only Royal Mail let the delivery process down.

Mr Tim Gaston, 22 Feb 2026

It would be nice to receive and make…

It would be nice to receive and make calls at this price, this model does not. All health readings must be 95% correct, which I have not checked. THE STEEL CASEING IS BRILLANT WITH GENUINE LEATHER SYRAP MAKES IT A TOUCH OF CLASS.

Mr Mahomed Noormahomed, 21 Feb 2026

I was sent the completely wrong item

I was sent the completely wrong item

D NI, 21 Feb 2026

highly recommend

Easy to use and order web page. Great smart watch Super fast delivery.

Jules Banham, 21 Feb 2026

Very Happy

Very Happy , A great watch for a great price .

Mrs B McFadden, 20 Feb 2026

Great price and super speedy delivery

Great price and super speedy delivery, my wife loves the watches. Would definitely use Sekonda for further purchases when required

Roger Sibley, 20 Feb 2026

I am happy with this watch

I am happy with this watch, the battery lasts about 5-6 days.

Gabriela Haleta, 20 Feb 2026

The watch is disappointing.

The watch was dispatched and delivered very quickly. The watch was unfortunately rubbish. It was billed as the "watch for a long run". The gps is poor. I used it for 2 runs. The gps didn't kick in until about 300m into both runs. It doesn't have the capacity to add apps from the phone such as the Ring doorbell. Battery life was poor. Fully charged it, wore it one day and for one run and it dropped to 40%.

Chris Bury, 20 Feb 2026

Quality watch

Quality watch! Great price point! Great experience so far!

Rajesh Phanse, 20 Feb 2026

Great experience

Great experience and super fast delivery, would definitely recommend buying from Sekonda

Pauline Lubrano, 20 Feb 2026

Stylish and comfortable

I am delighted with my purchase. It's stylish, comfortable to wear and compliments whatever I am wearing.

Jennifer Tarring, 19 Feb 2026

Lovely watch

Lovely watch, great price.

Guest, 19 Feb 2026