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Tachymeter

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(tuh-KIM-i-ter)

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A tachymeter is a scale on a watch used to measure speed based on time traveled over a fixed distance.

What does

Tachymeter

mean?

A tachymeter is a scale inscribed on the bezel or the outer edge of a watch dial, used to measure speed based on time traveled over a fixed distance. It is a crucial feature in chronograph watches, allowing the wearer to calculate speed in units per hour, such as kilometers or miles, without the need for electronic devices. To use a tachymeter, the chronograph function is started at a known starting point, and once the wearer reaches the endpoint of a measured distance, the chronograph is stopped. The position of the second hand on the tachymeter scale will indicate the speed. For example, if it takes 30 seconds to travel one kilometer, the tachymeter scale will show a speed of 120 units per hour. This tool is particularly useful for pilots, race car drivers, and other professionals who require quick and accurate speed calculations. The tachymeter scale is typically calibrated to measure speeds ranging from 60 to 400 units per hour, making it versatile for various applications. Its presence on a watch not only adds functionality but also enhances the aesthetic appeal, often associated with precision and technical sophistication in horology.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tachymeter on a watch and how do you use it?

A tachymeter measures average speed over a known distance. Start the chronograph at your starting point, then stop it when you've traveled exactly one unit (one kilometer or one mile). The chronograph seconds hand points to your speed on the tachymeter scale. For example, if it takes 30 seconds, the scale reads 120 km/h.

Where is the tachymeter located on a watch?

Tachymeters appear on bezels (rotating bezel on sports watches), printed on the outer edge of the dial, or on a flange/chapter ring between the dial and crystal. Bezel-mounted tachymeters are most common on racing chronographs. The scale typically runs from 60 to 400 units, corresponding to speeds achievable in under 60 seconds.

Which watches are famous for their tachymeter?

The Rolex Daytona, Omega Speedmaster, and TAG Heuer Carrera are the most iconic tachymeter chronographs. Breitling's Navitimer features a circular slide rule for complex aviation calculations. The Speedmaster famously used its tachymeter in space navigation by NASA astronauts, cementing the complication's technical heritage.

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Close-up of a Himalayan Project wristwatch with a gray and pink dial and a fabric strap with a pink stripe.

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