Fresh Set is an ongoing series where readers follow the newest StockX Watch team member, Hadjj, as he learns more about the in’s and out’s of watches.
To me, chronographs look so futuristic. I think it has to do with the pushers on the side. All of those buttons make it seem like you can order a rocketship from your wrist. That was the first thought that came across my mind when feasting my eyes on the Rolex Daytona 116500. This watch hits all the right points for me: sleek dimensions, a smooth tachymeter bezel and timeless dial colors. But I get so distracted by the aesthetics at times, that I completely forget that the watch serves a function. My lack of knowledge has, naturally, sparked curiosity, and all on a major anniversary of the watch function nonetheless. Follow me as I test and learn about chronographs in real life. Hopefully you learn something on the way!
Rolex Daytona 116520 (left) & Rolex Daytona 116500 (right)
To start off with the basics for all of my fellow newbs out there, chronographs are watches commonly used for races. They track the amount of time that has passed and provides accurate lengths of time. The chronograph function has been around since 1821 and has evolved since Breitling first introduced it in watch form back in 1915. Brands such as Rolex, Tudor, and Seiko have all added the chronograph to some of their more noteworthy watches. Blake does a more thorough look at the chronograph and you can learn more about it in his recent article.
One brand in particular that leads the pack is Tag Heuer. Heuer is synonymous with racing, being the brand popularized by Formula 1, Indy 500, and of course Steve McQueen in the movie “Le Mans”. Yeah, I didn’t know what that movie was either until someone told me so here is a link to a trailer.
With all that in mind, I felt that it was only right to test a chronograph function with Tag Heuer. But the one that I was able to get wasn’t any normal Heuer, but one with streetwear appeal. With the help from a fellow watch team member, I was able to get my hands on the limited edition Fragment Carrera. For those that aren’t streetwear savy, Fragment is a Japanese label founded by Hiroshi Fujiwara. Commonly known as the “Godfather of Streetwear”, Fujiwara has worked with the likes of Nike, Jordan Brand, Louis Vuitton, Levi’s, and many more. So saying that I was excited to wear this chronograph is an understatement.
I myself like to run for exercise and am in a group of runners as well. But, I’m not about to run in this over $8k watch and get sweat all over it. So I figured I’d look to my second favorite hobby: cooking! I tested the use of a chronograph on an egg. I eat eggs every week, cooked in many different styles. This time, I’ll go for a boiled egg. I never really know how long it takes for one to boil, I usually just eye-ball it. But it would be great to know exactly how long it takes since cooking is all about precision.
Hadjj wearing the Tag Heuer Carrera x Fragment Chronograph
I plopped the egg in the water, turned the fire on, and let the Heuer do its thing. I kept my eye on the watch, then on the egg, and then back on the watch. By keeping my eye on the subdials provided on the watch, I can accurately know how many minutes have passed. So after 5 minutes and 36 seconds I take my egg out and see that it is finished!
Now, I know that there are other ways to time an egg and you don’t have to buy a watch to do so, BUT, the one thing that I constantly promote is the fact that these watches aren’t just pieces of jewelry, but more so tools! And tools weren’t made to be flashy but to help make your life easier. You also don’t have to use chronograph watches to time eggs, use it however you see fit. Watches match any and all lifestyles. This chronograph, and many others like it, represent a whole level of innovation that should be respected and appreciated by enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Knowing that I could wear a watch with so much thought behind it, only makes me want to wear it more. I will forever value the thought and precision that is brought to my wrist by chronographs.
