There is no doubt that when it comes to precision measurement of elapsed time intervals, the chronograph is to be preferred to the elapsed-time bezel on the dive watch. Most chronographs have a center seconds register, as well as a sub-dial for showing elapsed minutes and elapsed hours (many of the earliest pocket chronographs had only a center elapsed seconds dial) and can measure elapsed time to a resolution of fractions of a second, limited only by the frequency of the balance.

Often, in the interests of a cleaner dial, chronographs will have only two sub-dials: one for showing elapsed minutes and the other showing the running seconds. The elapsed minutes sub-dial typically shows up to 30 minutes elapsed time but other intervals are not uncommon, with a 15 minute register offering better clarity for tracking five or ten minute start times in regatta timers (for instance). Forty five minute and even 60 minute registers can and have been made as well.