Beyond the Stopwatch: The Ultimate Guide to Swiss Chronographs & How to Choose One

For many, a watch is simply a tool to tell the time. But for the true enthusiast, a Swiss Chronograph is a miniature machine of complex precision—a blend of history, engineering, and style.

Whether you are tracking lap times on a track or simply timing your morning coffee brew, the chronograph is one of the most interactive and practical complications in horology. But not all chronographs are created equal.

In this guide, we dive deep into what makes a Swiss Chronograph special, explain the powerhouse Ronda movements ticking inside Jowissa watches, and finally teach you how to master the Tachymeter on our LeWy 9 series.

What Exactly is a Swiss Chronograph?

In modern horology, a chronograph is a timepiece that can function as a stopwatch without interfering with the standard timekeeping display. While standard watches tell you what time it is, a chronograph tells you how much time has passed.

To earn the prestigious label "Swiss Made", a watch must meet rigorous legal standards defined by Swiss law. It is not enough for the brand to simply be based in Switzerland. The criteria are:

1. Swiss Movement: The movement inside the watch must be Swiss.
2. Cased in Switzerland: The movement must be assembled into the case within Switzerland.
3. Final Inspection: The manufacturer's final quality control must take place in Switzerland.
4. 60% Swiss Value: At least 60% of the manufacturing costs (production and assembly) must be generated in Switzerland.

At Jowissa, we take this legacy seriously. From the sporty LeWy collection to the elegant Octa 6, every chronograph is assembled by hand in Bettlach, ensuring the "Swiss Made" seal is a genuine promise of quality and origin.

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The Engines: Ronda Z60 vs. Ronda Z50

A chronograph is only as good as the engine driving it. Jowissa relies on Ronda, a premier Swiss movement manufacturer known for its robust and precise quartz calibers.

We utilize two distinct movements in our collections. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right watch for your lifestyle.

1. The Ronda Z60 (Featured in LeWy 9)

The Z60 is the powerhouse of functionality. It is designed for the man who wants maximum information at a glance.

• The Layout: It features three sub-dials (or "eyes").
• Key Feature: Uniquely, it includes a Day-Date function. It displays the day of the week on a sub-dial (usually at 9 o'clock) and the date in a window.
• Timing: It measures time up to 30 minutes with reliable Swiss precision.
• Best For: Daily wearers who need a full calendar view alongside their stopwatch.

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2. The Ronda Z50 (Featured in LeWy 6 & Octa 6)

The Z50 focuses on clarity and classic chronograph aesthetics.

• The Layout: A balanced two-eye or three-eye layout depending on the design.
• Key Feature: It is known for its Big Date visibility and clean sub-dial arrangement.
• Timing: Like the Z60, it offers a 30-minute counter and precise seconds handling.
• Best For: Those who prefer a dressier, cleaner look, such as the sophisticated Octa 6 with its faceted sapphire crystal.

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How to Use the Tachymeter (LeWy 9 Exclusive)

If you own a LeWy 9, you may have noticed a scale of numbers inscribed on the bezel. This is the Tachymeter. It is not just decoration; it is a calculator on your wrist used to measure speed over a fixed distance.

Step-by-Step Guide: Measuring Speed Imagine you are in a car and you pass a marker indicating the start of a 1-kilometer stretch.

1. Start: Press the top pusher (A) to start the chronograph seconds hand.
2. Stop: The moment you pass the 1-kilometer marker, press the top pusher again to stop.
3. Read: Look at where the seconds hand has stopped. The number on the bezel (Tachymeter scale) that it points to is your speed. Example: If it took you 30 seconds to drive that kilometer, the hand points to 120. Your speed is 120 km/h.

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Conclusion

Whether you choose the Octa 6 for its faceted glass elegance or the LeWy 9 for its robust tachymeter utility, owning a Swiss Chronograph connects you to a tradition of precision.

Ready to find your perfect timing partner?

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