What is a split-seconds chronograph? The split-seconds chronograph, in its present form, was first introduced in 1880. A split-seconds chronograph, or rattrapante, is a type of chronograph watch with two coaxial superimposed center-seconds hands that are controlled by two push-buttons. One push-button controls the split-seconds hand to stop or join the chronograph hand. The other pushbutton controls both the hands and all the chronograph functions. The two hands, the chronograph hand and the split-seconds hand, are used for timing several events that start simultaneously but are of different durations. To operate the split-seconds chronograph, both hands are started and remain superimposed. At the end of the first duration, the split-seconds hand can be stopped while the chronograph hand continues to move. The duration of the first event can be read. After recording, the split-seconds hand can be released to instantly move and join the chronograph hand, synchronizing with it and thus ready for another recording. At the end of each event the hands can be stopped and then returned to zero.