Clock concept and evolution button edition seen from the operation system

Focus on parts and mechanisms for operating the clock (here are generally called the operation system), and focus on the pressing button -type operation system.The function assigned to the press button -type operation system has many variations, and follows the format from what perspective is selected.

佐藤しんいち：文・写真Text by Shinichi Sato2021年12月15日掲載記事Photograph by Yu Mitamura

　When you operate a wristwatch, you need some kind of operation.Last time, I focused on Ryuzu, which is closely related to the winding and time display of the mainspring.As a result, it was found that multiple functions were integrated into one ryus, and improvements were added to the shape and arrangement according to the application.

　What if you add more and more frequent functions?Ryuzu alone makes the operation complicated and the limit of the mechanism appears, so a pressed button -type operation system is often added.

　Examples of functions that are often assigned to the press button include chronograph operation, moon phase adjustment, and parpetural calendar adjustment.Chronograph is a highly possible function to use over and over again in a short time, such as lap time measurement.On the other hand, the moon phase and the perpetual calendar are not required for a long period of time once adjusted to the correct display.Therefore, there is a large difference in the expected operation frequency, and I would like to pay attention to how this difference is related to the operation system.

　On the other hand, digital watches such as G-SHOCK use electric contact switches, and the operation of high-frequency stopwatches and low-frequency time and day date adjustment are realized with one switch.。What is this difference?This time, let's dig a deeper operation system from this perspective and consider the smart watch that can be operated most now.

The royal road arrangement of the synonym for a clock with a button

　The next thing that comes to mind as a wristwatch operation system is the chronograph's pusher.The model equipped with a chronograph often starts / stop at 2 o'clock, reset at 4 o'clock, and 3 o'clock.One of the most famous models is Omega's "Speed Master".

オメガ「スピードマスター ムーンウォッチ マスター クロノメーター」Ref.310.30.42.50.01.002手巻き（Cal.3861）。26石。2万1600振動／時。パワーリザーブ約50時間。SS（直径42mm、厚さ13.18mm）。5気圧防水。84万7000円（税込み）。

　When operating the start / stop pusher at the 2 o'clock position, hold down the position around 8 o'clock with your thumb and then pick the head.At this time, there is a positive pusher with different functions, mainly on ryus, so the advantage is that it is easy to distinguish it even when groping.In addition, it is easy to operate the lag and bracelet without getting in the way during operation.

　This arrangement is the current chronograph's standard.However, it is rather than a clear intention that many manufacturers today use this arrangement, but more historically, many people are used to it, the design know -how of this arrangement is accumulated.Isn't it because of the fact that there is no major disadvantage and the need to change it is light. I believe.

Chronograph to place an operation system at 12 o'clock found in the 1970s

　Just as there are changes and trends, there is a tendency in the operation system depending on the times.In the chronograph of the 1970s, there were several models in which ryezes were placed at 12:00 and pushed at 1:00 at 1:00.This arrangement is often realized by rotating a movement that assumes the placement of the previous speed master by 90 degrees, making it easy to use existing movements such as the ETA7750.

　The example of this arrangement is the Citizen's so -called "Tsunokurono" "Chronograph Challenge Timer" and Jin's so -called "Bull Head Chronograph", both have been reprinted in 2021.

シチズン「TSUNO CHRONO（ツノクロノ）」1973年発表モデルのリバイバル。復刻に際し、“ツノクロコ”の愛称が正式名称となった。クォーツ（月差±20秒）。SSケース（直径38mm、厚さ11.7mm）。5気圧防水。各2万6400円（税込み）。

　To prevent Ryuz and pushers from interfering with bracelets, etc., Citizen's horny has a structure to connect a bracelet on the bottom of the case, and in the gin R500, the case dials, that is, the movement so that the case rises 12 o'clock.The feature is that it is made.

　Let's guess the intention and benefits of this "bull head" arrangement.Jin's R500 is the theme of motor sports.At that time, the car was not common for power steering, the performance of the tires was low, and if you could run sports, the rampage of the steering wheel would have been considerable.Then, there was no room to manipulate the chronograph elegantly, and one hand would not have been able to release one hand from the steering.

ジン「R500」自動巻き（Cal.ETA7750）。25石。2万8800振動／時。パワーリザーブ約46時間。Ti（直径42mm、12時側の厚さ16mm、6時側の厚さ13mm）。20気圧防水。限定300本。77万円（税込み）。

　At this time, if a pusher is placed at 1-11 o'clock, if the left hand wrist holding the handle is covered so that it supports it with the right palm, the right person finger and ring finger are naturally attached to the pusher.Become.At this time, the clock can be supported by the "palm bottom" in martial arts and stabilizes.Therefore, it can be considered that it is a place that makes it easier to operate the chronograph without disturbing driving, and I evaluate that it is a minor, but it is a reasonable arrangement considering the application.