Watch Tuner Timegrapher for iOS

Watch Tuner Timegrapher, by Bartlomiej Swiatek, turns an iPhone or iPad into a portable diagnostic tool for mechanical wristwatches that delivers timing data on the device. The app records watch ticks and presents numeric results for inspection during checks. Aimed at horology hobbyists and amateur repairers, it enables at-home regulation and routine measurement without specialized bench equipment.

Timegrapher uses the device microphone to capture the escapement sound and converts that input into diagnostic numbers. It reports daily rate (seconds per day), beat error (milliseconds), and amplitude (degrees), and presents a visual frequency trace for stability analysis. The tool supports automatic and manual selection of Beats Per Hour and offers an adjustable lift angle so amplitude calculations match the tested movement.

What measurements does Timegrapher produce and why they matter?

Is it safe to run and what platform requirements apply?

The app performs acoustic analysis rather than interfacing with the watch, so it does not modify the movement. It is built for mobile devices and requires a functioning microphone, either built-in or an external headset. The measurement process is specific to mechanical movements; quartz watches do not emit the escapement acoustics the tool detects, so they are not supported by the app.

Does it demand technical knowledge to operate correctly?

Automatic Beats Per Hour detection lowers the initial barrier, but several settings reward horological familiarity. Entering the correct lift angle is necessary for meaningful amplitude values, and interpreting amplitude and beat-error trends requires understanding of balance behavior. The high-resolution trace aids visual inspection, yet reading and acting on the raw metrics remains a technical task for users comfortable with watch regulation concepts.

How does it fit practical workflows compared to bench timegraphers?

As the most advanced entry in the Watch Tuner series, Timegrapher is positioned for portable, pre- and post-adjustment checks rather than full bench servicing. Measurement history and session logging let users compare performance across servicing intervals, and the community has generally praised its usefulness for DIY regulation. Swiatek's app supplements workshop tools by enabling spot checks and monitoring between professional services.

Final position: suitable for technically minded collectors who control test conditions

Timegrapher is a practical option for technically minded collectors who need mobile measurement and monitoring capability. The main caveat is that accurate sessions depend on a very quiet environment and careful microphone placement, so casual ad hoc checks may produce inconsistent data. Expect a short learning curve for setup and reading interpretation. Recommended.