Using my Speedy Pro for timing engine bursts before entering Earth’s atmosphere it struck me that the tactile quality of the start/stop pusher on my watch is not particularly nice. I have to push really hard before the chrono eventually engages. It’s a big, sudden clunk rather than a gratifying mechanical click. Hard to describe in words I guess, but I wouldn’t really describe it as pleasant - even though the stopwatch itself works reliably enough. This is my first chronograph, so I can’t really compare it to anything. How stiff is the pusher action on the Speedmaster Pro supposed to be?
Bouncing off the atmosphere...that is a first world problem. The most fun fourteen seconds of your life. have fun. kfw
From my recollection, and I’m happy to be corrected if I’m wrong, the operation of the pushers on a 321 movement (as used by most moon astronauts) is smoother than with the 861/1861 movement.
Answering this question depends on what you think really hard is. My start/stop pusher actuates at approx 4lbs of force, and the reset pusher at near 3.25 lbs. Both actuate with what I would describe by a clean 'snap'. Edit: I should add that the tested Speedmaster is a 145.022-74. But I don't see why a modern one should be any different.
The "crisp clunk" and "clean snap" both described by @buramu and @gdupree are exactly how I'd describe engaging the chronograph and resetting the chronograph on my Ω861 and Ω1861. This "snap" is from engaging the cam and shuttle mechanism. And it also does indeed take some force to overcome - it isn't like pressing a key on a keyboard or a pusher on a quartz watch, this is a mechanical action. Note that from an operator's standpoint, you want some resistance to overcome so that you're not inadvertently starting, stopping, or resetting your chronograph when you don't want to just by reaching for or bumping your watch. In contrast, starting or stopping the chronograph on my Ω321s is a much smoother action, but is still unmistakably mechanical (again, compared to a pusher on a Timex or the rubber "POWER" button on a remote control, for example). The reset action feels identical between a 321 and the later calibres, but it should be since the reset action is the same. So while all this is subjective, I'd say that the way you described operating the chronograph, is about how I would describe it if I were asked!
The pushers do require a bit of effort. If you want a buttery, soft and easy push experience... try an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, but it's a costly E ticket.
That’s what she said. Seriously, though, I worried about the effort it took to actuate the pushers on my Moon Watch until I got my PO chronograph. It’s just as hard to push as the Speedmaster.
I’d rather it be that way. Accidentally resetting the chrono whilst it’s running wouldn’t be good. Compared to other chronographs I’ve used I don’t recall if being any less desirable of a click. Not unless you get into some patek and vacheron chronos that probably have angled teeth and shock absorbent mechanical couplings.
Very hard to quantify this. Go to an Omega store, grab a few models to try. If they feel close to yours, you’re okay. If yours is particularly hard to engage, you may have a problem.
Since the pushers are identical in every way between the top and bottom,. I'm not sure this has any credence.
What some call "smoother" I'll call mushy or "less distinct". When you are trying to accuractely time something, being "sharp" is a good thing.