The Dubois Dépraz chronograph module: Switzerland's best-kept secret

"They" are the Dubois Dépraz chronograph module The firm worked steadily, but it was in 1983 that its breakthrough came: the birth of the Dubois Dépraz calibre 2000, better known as the chronograph module In the case of a modular chronograph, power is transferred from the base movement to the module via a single wheel connected to the center seconds wheel of the base movement, which acts as a "Host" to the module.

It isn't just the chronograph complication that runs through the module though; the regular timekeeping hands are also geared through the module and run directly off that Like most things, the chronograph module has its advantages and disadvantages The Dubois Dépraz module leaves companies free to use their in-house base movements - most often produced at considerable time and expense on budgets that don't match those of the huge conglomerates - without the additional cost of having to produce a chronograph as well.

Personally, the module is by no means my favourite chronograph and certainly not the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie. . Source