The (almost) sensible chronograph
Chronographs of the mechanical persuasion don't make a lot of sense once we consider that quartz is way more accurate and reliable, two factors that are the logical basic requirements for a watch that is supposed to count and tally seconds.
A quartz powered chrono is robust, accurate and its service cost won't send you back home crying because now you have to sell a kid or two for medical experiments in order to finance a costly mechanical repair.
Quartz chronographs are also free from the pile of wheels and other mechanical components that often makes them so thick and bulky. They are a win-win proposition and among them the Dan Henry 1962 is one of the best. It's slim and small and can trace its design back to well known models from the past that were made by Omega and Universal Genève. Therefore it avoids one of the problems present with many other modern quartz chronos, which is their flugliness and the way that they scream how cheap they are.
It does check most of the boxes for me, except for one. I just can't stand the 24Hr indicator. Admittedly this isn't Dan Henry fault since the VK63 meca-quartz inside is made by Seiko and they are simply so enamored with the 24hr indicator that they will fit it everywhere they can. even if it means that the watch won't have a second's hand.
But it's still there and it's waving at me from the dial to remind me that its sole useful function is to make the dial look nice.
Which is something that I have to admit it does rather well. The Dan Henry 1962 is an elegant looking watch which fits me well, or so I believe, and in the past it managed to save me from making stupid mistakes - such as buying a MoonSwatch.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
That’s a handsome watch paired with the strap 👍
That’s a handsome watch paired with the strap 👍
The strap is the aptly named "Racing Strap" from ColaReb.
I'm also allergic to 24hr subdials. The watch does look nice though.
You might have inspired me to wear my DH tomorrow. Stay tuned.
All 5 of my chronos are either quartz or meca-quartz, and that's fine with me! I don't even mind the much maligned 24 hr sub-dial! 👍
My favorite chronos in my collection
I had a DH1964 white panda in the bicompax version. It was a lovely watch, really nice details. I bought a Sugess chrono also in white panda to replace it.
While I prefer the ST19 movement over the meca-quartz and the sunburst dial of the Sugess, the case finishing on the DH was incredible. The Sugess have a good finishing, but DH was another level. What made me sold the DH is the 19mm lug to lug, the smaller case diameter with really short lugs and a quite thick case, it felt a bit too small and tall for me.
I still look at the brand and thinking of buying another one, maybe the 1945 military chrono.
Dan Henry could have used a VK67 in order to have an hour recorder. That being said, the VK63 seems to be more popular.