Chronographs are one of the most recognizable and complex watch styles. Multiple subdials. Extra pushers. A dynamic, technical dial layout. But beyond the aesthetics, a chronograph is one of the most practical complications you can wear.

Let’s use real examples from our own chronographs to show how it works in everyday life

What Is a Chronograph?

A chronograph is a watch with a built-in stopwatch function.

It tells regular time, hours, and minutes. It also allows you to measure elapsed time independently using pushers on the side of the case. In simple terms: it records time intervals.

Chronographs typically feature:
- Two pushers on the right side of the case.
- 2 to 3 subdials on the dial.
- A central seconds hand dedicated to the stopwatch.

On our watches:
- The Brew Retrograph uses the VK64 meca-quartz movement.
- The Brew Metric Chronograph uses the VK68 meca-quartz movement.

Both are hybrid chronographs that combine quartz accuracy with a mechanical-feeling chronograph reset.

How to Use a Chronograph (Step-by-Step)

Whether you’re wearing the Retrograph or the Metric, the process is the same:

1 Press the Top Pusher

This starts the chronograph.
The long central seconds hand begins sweeping.

2 Press the Top Pusher Again

This stops the timing.

3 Press the Bottom Pusher

This resets the stopwatch hand back to zero.

With the VK64 and VK68 movements, the reset snaps back crisply. Mimicking the feel of a mechanical chronograph.

Understanding the Subdials 

Retrograph (VK64)

The Retrograph features:
- A 60-minute chronograph counter
- A 24-hour indicator
- Running seconds for standard timekeeping

It offers a more classic chronograph layout - slightly more traditional in appearance.

Metric Chronograph (VK68)

The Metric features:
- A 60-minute chronograph counter.
- A running seconds display.
- A date function.

Its square case and industrial layout lean into bold 1970s design language, but the function remains the same: precise elapsed time measurement.

What Is a Meca-Quartz Movement?

Both the VK64 and VK68 are meca-quartz movements.

That means:
- The timekeeping is powered by quartz (battery) for accuracy.
- The chronograph module uses mechanical components for a tactile, snap-back reset.

Why this matters:
- You get reliability and low maintenance.
- You still experience the satisfying mechanical feel when resetting the chronograph.

A practical choice for everyday wear.