1
CW21 Certification
Exam Automatic
Chronograph Module
well written by experts
2026/2027 direct pass
.
September 21–25 | Harrison, Ohio | Advanced Watchmaking Certification
Table of Contents
1. Chronograph Fundamentals & Terminology (Questions 1–25)
2. Column Wheel vs. Cam-Switched Mechanisms (Questions 26–50)
3. Clutch Systems: Horizontal vs. Vertical (Questions 51–75)
4. Automatic Winding Systems in Chronographs (Questions 76–95)
5. Disassembly, Cleaning & Lubrication (Questions 96–115)
6. Assembly, Adjustment & Timing (Questions 116–135)
,2
7. Troubleshooting & Diagnostics (Questions 136–150)
Section 1: Chronograph Fundamentals & Terminology
🟢 Question 1 — Which of the following statements BEST describes the fundamental
functional difference between a chronograph and a chronometer?
A) A chronograph measures elapsed time, while a chronometer is a high-precision
timekeeper certified by an official body.
B) A chronometer measures elapsed time, while a chronograph is a high-precision
timekeeper certified by an official body.
C) Both terms refer to the same complication, but chronometer is the French spelling.
D) A chronograph is always quartz-powered, while a chronometer is always mechanical.
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 A
Rationale: A chronograph is a complication that functions as a stopwatch, measuring
elapsed intervals. A chronometer, conversely, denotes a high-precision watch whose
movement has been certified by an official body (such as COSC) for accuracy across
multiple positions and temperatures.
🟢 Question 2 — In horological terminology, what does the term "complication" refer
to when describing a chronograph?
A) A defect in the movement requiring adjustment
B) Any additional function beyond basic timekeeping (hours, minutes, seconds)
C) The complexity of the case design
D) A tool required for servicing
,3
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 B
Rationale: A complication is any watch function that goes beyond the simple display of
hours, minutes, and seconds. The chronograph is itself classified as a complication
because it adds elapsed-time measurement capability to the basic timekeeping function.
🟢 Question 3 — A chronograph is equipped with two pushers flanking the crown.
What are the standard functions of the upper (2 o'clock) and lower (4 o'clock) pushers,
respectively?
A) Reset and start/stop
B) Start/stop and reset
C) Time-setting and date adjustment
D) Chronograph activation and tachymeter control
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 B
Rationale: On a standard two-pusher chronograph, the upper pusher at 2 o'clock starts
and stops the chronograph mechanism, while the lower pusher at 4 o'clock resets all
chronograph hands to zero.
🟢 Question 4 — What is the defining characteristic of a "mono-pusher" chronograph?
A) It has only one pusher that sequentially controls start, stop, and reset functions
B) It has only one sub-dial
C) It uses a single button to control both the chronograph and the time-setting
D) It lacks a central chronograph seconds hand
, 4
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 A
Rationale: A mono-pusher chronograph uses a single pusher to cycle through start,
stop, and reset functions sequentially. This is the original chronograph design, predating
the two-pusher system.
🟢 Question 5 — A "flyback" chronograph function allows the wearer to:
A) Reset the chronograph while it is running with a single push, then immediately restart
timing
B) Split time between two events using a rattrapante hand
C) Measure intervals down to 1/1000th of a second
D) Automatically return the chronograph to zero after 60 minutes
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 A
Rationale: The flyback function enables the chronograph hand to be instantly reset to
zero and immediately restarted with a single press of the pusher, without first stopping
the mechanism. This is particularly useful in aviation and motorsport timing.
🟢 Question 6 — What distinguishes a "rattrapante" (split-seconds) chronograph from
a standard chronograph?
A) It has two central chronograph hands that can be independently stopped to record
intermediate times
B) It can measure elapsed time without a seconds hand
C) It uses a quartz module for timing
D) It has three pushers on the case
CW21 Certification
Exam Automatic
Chronograph Module
well written by experts
2026/2027 direct pass
.
September 21–25 | Harrison, Ohio | Advanced Watchmaking Certification
Table of Contents
1. Chronograph Fundamentals & Terminology (Questions 1–25)
2. Column Wheel vs. Cam-Switched Mechanisms (Questions 26–50)
3. Clutch Systems: Horizontal vs. Vertical (Questions 51–75)
4. Automatic Winding Systems in Chronographs (Questions 76–95)
5. Disassembly, Cleaning & Lubrication (Questions 96–115)
6. Assembly, Adjustment & Timing (Questions 116–135)
,2
7. Troubleshooting & Diagnostics (Questions 136–150)
Section 1: Chronograph Fundamentals & Terminology
🟢 Question 1 — Which of the following statements BEST describes the fundamental
functional difference between a chronograph and a chronometer?
A) A chronograph measures elapsed time, while a chronometer is a high-precision
timekeeper certified by an official body.
B) A chronometer measures elapsed time, while a chronograph is a high-precision
timekeeper certified by an official body.
C) Both terms refer to the same complication, but chronometer is the French spelling.
D) A chronograph is always quartz-powered, while a chronometer is always mechanical.
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 A
Rationale: A chronograph is a complication that functions as a stopwatch, measuring
elapsed intervals. A chronometer, conversely, denotes a high-precision watch whose
movement has been certified by an official body (such as COSC) for accuracy across
multiple positions and temperatures.
🟢 Question 2 — In horological terminology, what does the term "complication" refer
to when describing a chronograph?
A) A defect in the movement requiring adjustment
B) Any additional function beyond basic timekeeping (hours, minutes, seconds)
C) The complexity of the case design
D) A tool required for servicing
,3
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 B
Rationale: A complication is any watch function that goes beyond the simple display of
hours, minutes, and seconds. The chronograph is itself classified as a complication
because it adds elapsed-time measurement capability to the basic timekeeping function.
🟢 Question 3 — A chronograph is equipped with two pushers flanking the crown.
What are the standard functions of the upper (2 o'clock) and lower (4 o'clock) pushers,
respectively?
A) Reset and start/stop
B) Start/stop and reset
C) Time-setting and date adjustment
D) Chronograph activation and tachymeter control
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 B
Rationale: On a standard two-pusher chronograph, the upper pusher at 2 o'clock starts
and stops the chronograph mechanism, while the lower pusher at 4 o'clock resets all
chronograph hands to zero.
🟢 Question 4 — What is the defining characteristic of a "mono-pusher" chronograph?
A) It has only one pusher that sequentially controls start, stop, and reset functions
B) It has only one sub-dial
C) It uses a single button to control both the chronograph and the time-setting
D) It lacks a central chronograph seconds hand
, 4
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 A
Rationale: A mono-pusher chronograph uses a single pusher to cycle through start,
stop, and reset functions sequentially. This is the original chronograph design, predating
the two-pusher system.
🟢 Question 5 — A "flyback" chronograph function allows the wearer to:
A) Reset the chronograph while it is running with a single push, then immediately restart
timing
B) Split time between two events using a rattrapante hand
C) Measure intervals down to 1/1000th of a second
D) Automatically return the chronograph to zero after 60 minutes
Correct Answer: 🔴🔴 A
Rationale: The flyback function enables the chronograph hand to be instantly reset to
zero and immediately restarted with a single press of the pusher, without first stopping
the mechanism. This is particularly useful in aviation and motorsport timing.
🟢 Question 6 — What distinguishes a "rattrapante" (split-seconds) chronograph from
a standard chronograph?
A) It has two central chronograph hands that can be independently stopped to record
intermediate times
B) It can measure elapsed time without a seconds hand
C) It uses a quartz module for timing
D) It has three pushers on the case
