Flyback function
The flyback function is, along with the rattrapante, one of the two most common functions on a chronograph watch. The name flyback comes from the fact that the hands fly back when the pusher is pressed. Unlike timepieces without a flyback function, where it takes one press to interrupt the stopping process, reset the hands and start a new counting process, this can be done with the push of a button on chronographs with flyback functions. When you press the button, the counting process stops and the hands return to 0. If you release the pusher again, the new process begins immediately.
For the first time ever, a watch with a flyback function was released by the Swiss watch manufacturer Longines. In 1936, Longines received a patent for its caliber L13ZN, which, after its introduction, was primarily appreciated by pilots who needed to trigger a new counting process quickly and easily in the cockpit without having to look. During the quartz crisis in the 1970s to around the mid-1980s, the function was forgotten by some people. Fortunately, the flyback function experienced a revival in 1996 thanks to newly released watches from Blancpain and Breguet.
The chronographs with flyback function have some well-known representatives. First of all, the in-house caliber 4401 with flyback function was released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and was built into the model series. Well-known references are: 26420SO.OO.A002CA.01 or 26420TI.OO.A027CA.01. Panerai is another brand with a representative of the flyback function in its ranks. The Luminor Chrono Flyback Ceramica reference PAM01298 or from the Submersible series with a titanium case the reference PAM00615. Further up in the price segment we also find one of the newer luxury watch brands. With its reference RM11-05 Automatic Flyback Chronograph GMT, Richard Mile is releasing a timepiece not only with a flyback function, but also with an annual calendar and a large date.
