Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

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RATTRAPANTE MEANING 

Rattrapante chronograph. also called: Split seconds chronograph or Double chronograph

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In fact, the word Rattrapante comes from a French word. Thus, better said it comes from the French verb “rattraper” meaning “split seconds”. Thus, a Rattrapante Watch describes an additional complication within a chronograph. Of course, this means that we are able to time two intervals at a time. Moreover, a distinctive feature seen on any rattrapante chronograph watch is the two sweeping seconds hands on its dial, stacked on top of each other until the split. 

Additionally, the second stop watch hand is pulled along with the chronograph hand. So, this hand stops independently by pressing a button in order to measure lap times. After another push of a button, it bounces back under the chronograph hand to continue in conjunction with it. Hereby the measurement of other intermediate times becomes possible.

Notably, almost all rattrapante chronographs are considered particularly valuable because of this demanding complication. Nevertheless, collectors and connoisseurs wish for certain vintage models. 

As an example, a rattrapante wristwatch, produced by Patek Philippe in 1922, was auctioned at Antiquorium on 14 November 1999 for US$ 1,918,387. In this case, it was the highest price ever reached for a wristwatch at that time in an auction. 

Find out also more about Rattrapante Chronograph and Flyback Watches Movements Meaning Here 

Also, Here you can find our Rattrapante & Flyback Watches Collection  

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A. Lange & Söhne 912.032 1815 Grand Complication Pink Gold

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A. Lange & Söhne 1815 first introduced Grand Complication back in 2013 as a 6 units Limited Edition. Nevertheless, this watch represents one of Lange’s most complicated watches if we take into consideration its functionality. Moreover, this timepiece features an array of complications, including (but not limited to) grande and petite sonnerie, split seconds chronograph and also a perpetual calendar.

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Of course, the most important yet most fascinating part of this watch remains its mechanism.

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In the first place, this mechanism presents itself as a Handwound ‘Grand Complication’ movement. But the easily visible chronograph rattrapante mechanism suggests only the general complexity of the movement. For instance, the grande sonnerie together with the perpetual calendar mechanisms comes located beneath it, largely concealed. In fact, all moving parts are lavishly finished by hand.

Notably, A. Lange & Söhne placed a special emphasis on levers, rockers, and also springs, which come black polished by the finishers. In this case, the latter polishing steps alone require more than a month of manual work. Also, equipped with solarization, the mainspring barrel provides a power reserve of 30 hours.

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A. Lange & Söhne 912.032 1815 Grand Complication Pink Gold. Technical Specification.

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The Case

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The Dial

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Features

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The Grande Sonnerie Feature

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Nevertheless, the grande sonnerie complication becomes especially discouraging for any watchmaker. That’s because this task is not about the precision of adjusting the switching sequences of the individual parts but for the richness of the sound of the entire mechanism.

For an orchestra, tuning of the sound is performed exclusively by hand and “by ear” by its conductor. Yet, the grand and also small strikes indicate automatically the time in quarter-hour intervals. Also, when the slide reaches 8 o’clock, the minute repeater indicates the time to one-minute accuracy.

In fact, the acoustic time is mechanically sampled from three so-called snails in the middle of the movement. Correspondingly low pitched tones indicate the hours, the high pitched ones the minutes and the double tones the quarte hours. In fact, the striking mechanism possesses its own spring barrel, which delivers enough power for 24 hours.

The Chronograph Mechanism

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Together with its 248 parts, the split-seconds chronograph mechanism of this watch become the most complex ensemble of it. So, the mechanism is operated by the two push pieces on the top left and right sides of the case flank. It can measure the duration of an event any number of intermediate times. But, the chronograph and rattrapante functions are controlled by two separate column wheels which become a mechanical rarity because the flying seconds mechanism indicates fractions of a second in a subdial of its own.

Although, its specially designed escapement assembly includes a wheel with 30 teeth and also a five pointed star. In fact, all these elements allow the hand to perform its movements extremely fast and also with maximum precision. For this reason, for this additional chronograph function to work properly a surplus of energy is needed. So, a third spring barrel comes in action and deliver it.

The Perpetual Calendar Mechanism

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Not only … but also, the perpetual calendar mechanism shows the Gregorian calendar. Moreover, this mechanism is aware of leap years like February month with 29 days. In fact, it needs to be adjusted by one day. In 2100 for the first time. Because the Gregorian calendar omits the 29th of February in centenary years that are not divisible by 400. Although, the duration of each month is coded into a 48 segment wheel with recesses that come mechanically sampled by the date switching lever. The deeper the recess, the shorter the month.

Special thanks for all this information to Watch Base. www.watchbase.com

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Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante

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Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante. Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors–

Notably, at Baselworld 2017, Breitling wrote its latest chapter in its prestigious history of aviation inspired chronograph watches. Hence, Breitling launched the new Navitimer Rattrapante. Nevertheless, this Luxury Watch features the brand’s first in house made, split seconds chronograph movement. In fact, the watch’s movement. Breitling Caliber B03 makes its first debut inside the case of the Navitimer, one of Breitling’s most iconic models. In this case, Breitling continues its company’s industry influencing historical role in the field of mechanical chronographs.

Correspondingly, this includes milestones such as the first chronograph watch with an independent push piece launched in 1915. The first with a second independent push piece launched in 1934. And also one of the first self winding chronograph movements launched in 1969.

Nevertheless, just as a reminder, the development of the classic Duograph in 1944. A highly collectible piece with an extra thin split seconds chronograph movement. Considered as this new model’s spiritual ancestor.

Find out more also about our  Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante Collection Here

This article was first published in WatchTime Magazine. Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante. 

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Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante from IWC 

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Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante from IWC – Top 10 Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

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Introduced in 1995, and updated in 2006, IWC’s slim split-seconds chronograph returns in a limited run. IWC announced three new models, in honor of the company’s European flagships in Milan, Paris, and Munich.

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Blancpain L-Evolution-R Chronograph – Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual 

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A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual – Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

Notably, for the Swiss manufacturer, any “average” A. Lange & Söhne watch is already chock full of craftsmanship and anything but average.

For this reason, for those who require something even more “special,” however, the brand’s Handwerkskunst watches usually offer some additional artistic decoration for one of the brand’s existing models.

Nevertheless, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst is one of those. It is introduced today alongside four other watches. The blue-dial versions of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1, the Lange 1 Daymatic, Saxonia, and also the Saxonia Automatic watches that they are calling the Blue Series. Blue dials representing for a couple of years all A. Lange & Söhne rage.

Based on the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar released in 2013, the base model alone is a very high-end, complicated piece.

It features a perpetual calendar, rattrapante chronograph, moon phase, and power reserve indicator. 

This article was first published in A Blog To Watch – A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst & Blue Series Watches.

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Zenith El Primero Rattrapante 

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Zenith El Primero Rattrapante – Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

As a matter of fact, Zenith led the world with their technical innovations and mastery of various complications. Nevertheless, With its functionality and overall precision, El Primero Rattrapante holds true on this statement.

Thus, This model uses the efficient El Primero mechanical self-winding movement which frequency reaches a stunning 36,000 Vph. 

But, the El Primero’s secret consists in its high rate of an alternation. It also ensures a higher degree of accuracy compared with other timepieces for its class of this complexity. For this reason, the oscillations can reach 21,600 VPH or even higher up to 28,800 VPH. 

Nevertheless, nearly every brand from Movado to Rolex used El Primero and was one of the first automatic Chronograph Movements in existence when they patented in 1969. 

Find out more about Zenith El Primero Rattrapante Chronograph Watches Collection.

This article was first published in Top Luxury Watches. Find out more about El Primero Rattrapante From Zenith An Remarkable Watch for Collectors. 

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Panerai Luminor 1950 Rattrapante 8 Days Titanio

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Panerai Luminor 1950 Rattrapante 8 Days Titanio – Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

This watch’s split-seconds chronograph function possesses a vertical clutch and twin column wheels. Although, it operates two hands that are superimposed and partially independent. The first is entirely controlled by the pusher at 8 o’clock, which starts, stops and resets the chronograph hand. The second, controlled by the button at 10 o’clock, is used for measuring partial times or a second event simultaneous with the first.

But, the hand of the small minutes counter moves in jumps, rather than continuously, which Panerai says it makes it easier to read. The movement that powers these mechanisms and the other functions of the watch is Panerai’s P.2006. In fact, the movement was entirely developed and assembled in the Officine Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

It’s a long-powered eight-day power movement – now a distinctive sign of many Panerai watches – which it does with a patented three-barrel spring system. The remaining power reserves can be read on the dial from a linear indicator above the 6 o’clock position.

More information about OFFICINE PANERAI WATCHES. 

This article was first published in WatchTime Magazine. 

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Patek Philippe 5370 Split-Seconds Chronograph – Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

 In fact, in terms of aesthetics, concept, function, and execution the new Ref. 5370 split-seconds chronograph embodies what is so good about vintage Patek. In other words, it includes a package updated just enough to suit both modern and vintage wristwatch connoisseurs. For this reason, this is Patek Philippe’s Ultra-modern new wristwatch.

Moreover, within the current Patek Phillipe Collection, the new 5370 fills a void between the 5950A mono-pusher split-seconds chronograph and 5204 Perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph, introduced in 2012. For this reason, the new watch features a purer version of the caliber CHR 29-535 PS Used in the latter Chronograph, putting all the attention on the Rattrapante complication. 

But, compared to the 5950A ( and the very thin 5959 ), reference 5370 includes two pushers for the Chronograph function in addition to an on/off button set within the crown to control the split-seconds mechanism. Unsurprisingly, the manually-wound CHR-29-535 PS features not just one, but two column-wheel mechanisms for the chronograph functions and offers between 55 and 65 hours of power reserve.

This article was first published in Hodinkee Magazine. Find out more about The Patek Philippe 5370 Split-Seconds Chronograph.

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Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Chronor Anniversaire

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Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Chronor Anniversaire – Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

At SIHH 2016, Parmigiani Fleurier celebrated its 20th anniversary with the introduction of the Tonda Chronor Anniversaire. This watch features a new integrated chronograph movement crafted from rose gold. Most chronograph movements are not integrated but built with a modular architecture, i.e. the chronograph module is added on top of a base movement.

Nevertheless, a modular chronograph movement is less expensive to produce and, often, easier to service than an integrated one. Anyhow, when actuated, a modular chronograph can draw power from the mainspring somehow affecting the timekeeping of the watch. Differently, an integrated chronograph movement is a clean-sheet design, conceived since the beginning to be a chronograph with each element restricted to a single main plate.

Nevertheless, an integrated chronograph becomes a big challenge for any watch manufacturer. In fact, the chronograph relies on kinematics with a chain of actions. each action determines and triggers the next one. So, each sequence becomes precisely synchronized and adjusted. Even a tiny imperfection in the chain may disrupt the entire movement.

This article was first published in Time and Watches Magazine. Find out more about Parmigiani Fleurier – Tonda Chronor Anniversaire.

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Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 ExoTourbillon Rattrapante

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Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 ExoTourbillon Rattrapante – Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors–

Nevertheless, the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 ExoTourbillon Rattrapante was one of the most spectacularly complicated timepieces at the Hong Kong “Watches and Wonders” watch fair ( 2013 ), where it made its debut.

Developed by the chronograph specialists at the former Minerva, now a part of Montblanc. It offers also a challenging new take on the rattrapante, the most complicated type of chronograph to produce.

Unlike a conventional tourbillon, Montblanc’s ExoTourbillon frees the large screw balance from the burden of the rotating cage. Rather than offering a mere chronograph, the new model contains a split second chronograph with two column wheels and also a classical double clamp.

This article was first published in WatchTime Magazine. Find out more about  Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 ExoTourbilloRattrapante.

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Angelus – U30 Tourbillon Rattrapante

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Angelus – U30 Tourbillon Rattrapante – Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

A few days after the presentation of the U20 Ultra Skeleton Tourbillon, the Angelus manufacture surprised all with its U30 Tourbillon Rattrapante.

Nevertheless, their new creation which features a one-minute tourbillon. But It offers also a fly-back double column-wheel chronograph, a split-second (rattrapante), a self-winding mechanism and a power reserve indicator.

All of these complications are fully integrated rather than modular add ons. Also, it has been engineered based on structural optimization and skeletonized to reveal as much of the movement as possible on the dial side.

To further increase the impression of depth, the movement is fully transparent around the tourbillon. It comes also treated in various shades of black and grey.

Interesting detail, the skeletonized bridges create a form evoking the “A” of Angelus.

This article was first published in Time and Watches Magazine.  

We should continue this list also with some 2019 Rattrapante watches like:

Patek Philippe 5372P SPLIT SECONDS MONOPUSHER CHRONOGRAPH, PERPETUAL CALENDAR

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Patek Philippe 5372P SPLIT SECONDS MONOPUSHER CHRONOGRAPH. PERPETUAL CALENDAR. Best Rattrapante Chronograph Watch for Collectors

Nevertheless, Patek Philippe in 2017 created a totally new look for its famous split seconds chronograph. This watch comes in platinum. It also possesses a perpetual calendar. Although, like the 2015 Ref. 5370 and also the 2016 Ref. 5374, it comes in a round platinum case with a concave bezel as well as countersunk and satin finished flanks. Moreover, the dial comes in gold with a blue sunburst pattern or in vertically satin finished rose gold also presents a subtly reworked appearance. Of course, this watch represents a harmonious blend of sophisticated technology, elegance, and also readability.