A timegrapher measures the health and performance of a mechanical watch by displaying its rate, amplitude, beat error, lift angle, and beat rate. In general, a healthy movement has a rate close to 0 seconds per day, an amplitude of about 270°–310°, and a beat error below 0.6 ms. This free Timegrapher Result Analyzer helps interpret those readings and explains what they mean.
A timegrapher result analyzer converts technical measurements into easy-to-understand explanations. Instead of looking only at numbers, you can quickly determine whether your watch is running normally, needs regulation, or may benefit from servicing. The analyzer also estimates long-term accuracy and compares positional performance.
Analyze your mechanical watch's timegrapher readings and receive an easy-to-understand health report.
| Measurement | Ideal Range | Acceptable Range |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | -5 to +5 sec/day | -10 to +10 sec/day |
| Amplitude | 270°–310° | 250°–320° |
| Beat Error | 0.0–0.5 ms | 0.0–1.0 ms |
| Lift Angle | Usually 50°–55° | Movement specific |
| Beat Rate | 18,000–36,000 BPH | Movement specific |
Enter readings from multiple positions to check positional consistency.
| Position | Rate (sec/day) |
|---|---|
| Dial Up | |
| Dial Down | |
| Crown Up | |
| Crown Down | |
| Crown Left | |
| Crown Right |
Estimate how much your watch may gain or lose over time.
A timegrapher is one of the most useful tools for evaluating the condition of a mechanical watch. It listens to the escapement, measures the timing of each beat, and calculates values that indicate how accurately the movement is performing. While professional watchmakers use timegraphers during servicing and regulation, collectors and enthusiasts also use them to monitor a watch over time.
The rate shows how many seconds your watch gains or loses each day. A reading close to 0 seconds per day indicates excellent regulation. Small variations are normal because mechanical watches are affected by position, temperature, winding level, and movement design.
Amplitude measures how far the balance wheel swings. Healthy modern watches often produce amplitudes between approximately 270° and 310° when fully wound. Lower readings may indicate reduced power, lubrication issues, or the need for servicing.
Beat error measures how evenly the balance wheel swings between each tick and tock. Lower values generally indicate a better-adjusted escapement. Many well-regulated watches achieve values below 0.6 ms.
The lift angle is a movement specification used by the timegrapher to calculate amplitude correctly. Always use the manufacturer's recommended lift angle whenever possible.
Beat rate describes how many vibrations occur per hour. Common values include 18,000, 21,600, 28,800, and 36,000 beats per hour depending on the movement.
Neither is inherently better. The goal is to keep the daily rate as close to zero as practical.
Yes. Some watches continue to keep acceptable time even with reduced amplitude, although consistently low readings may indicate the need for maintenance.
Gravity affects the balance wheel and escapement differently depending on how the watch is positioned. Small positional differences are expected in mechanical watches.
Occasional testing is sufficient for most owners. Comparing readings over time can help identify gradual changes in performance.
A watch does not always require servicing simply because it gains or loses a few seconds each day. However, consistently low amplitude, increasing beat error, poor positional consistency, or a sudden change in accuracy may indicate that professional inspection or servicing is appropriate.
The Timegrapher Result Analyzer helps transform technical measurements into clear, practical information. Whether you are a collector, enthusiast, or watch owner, understanding rate, amplitude, beat error, lift angle, and beat rate makes it easier to evaluate the condition of a mechanical watch and monitor its performance over time.