Are Column-Wheel chronographs better than other types?
Tough question – much like the question of which watch is the best. Certainly column wheels are a traditional method of coordinating the chronograph components, and tradition counts for a lot. On the other hand, the newer, non-column wheel movements have certainly proved themselves in a variety of demanding situations. Both the column-wheel and non-column-wheel version of the Omega Speedmaster were certified for space flight by NASA. And the non-column-wheel Lemania 5100 has been one of the few mechanical movements to be accepted as sufficiently rugged by modern military forces. So – much like the question of which watch is best, I suggest that one think about which factors are personally most important in a chronograph, and make the decision from there.
