Tachymeter timepiece: your companion for all adventures
The origin of the word tachymeter lies in ancient Greek and is made up of the two Greek words tachýs and métron, which translate as “fast” and “scale”. As the name suggests, chronographs with this function can be used to measure average speeds over certain distances or to calculate distances if there is a reference point. A special scale is used to determine the speed, which is typically located as a ring on the dial or on the bezel of the watch. With numbers from 500 to 60, the tachymeter scale on the watch is easy to recognize. An additional stop function is a prerequisite for measuring the speed, which is why many wristwatches with a tachymeter are also equipped with a stop function.
The use of watches with a tachymeter function
The tachymeter watch first became popular in the 1930s, when it was mainly used in aviation and motorsports. The watch was also used in shipping to measure speed. Nowadays, tachymeter watches are used in a very wide range of applications. From racing, car or horse racing, to calculating airspeed and the use of the kilometer per hour display: The tachymeter watch is not just a pretty accessory, but also a practical instrument at the same time.
How a tachymeter works
Do you own a watch with a tachymeter function, but don't know how to read the speed? We explain how a tachymeter works:
To measure the speed, a previously defined distance must be determined, e.g. 1 kilometer. To determine the correct time, you need to start and stop the second hand at the right moment. To do this, the second hand is started at the 12 o'clock position and stopped again after traveling the defined distance. You can now read the average speed on the scale at the position of the stopped second hand. If the distance is set at 1 kilometer and the second hand stops at the number 80, the average speed is 80 km/h. The tachymeter can be used not only to measure speed, but also for walking or running distances. All you need to do is change the reference value of the measurement.
In general, as soon as you know the length of the route, you can easily calculate most speeds using your tachymeter watch. For the sake of simplicity, 1 kilometer is used in most cases, as no conversion is necessary here. If you have selected a different distance, you will need to convert the reading again. Due to the human hand, the measured value may deviate slightly in some cases, so the tachymeter display should be interpreted as a guide value.
The accuracy of tachymeter watches
As mentioned above, it is possible that minor deviations may occur during the measurement. With most tachymeter watches, the distance traveled can be measured in short time spans of 15 to 75 seconds. The longer the selected distance, the more accurate the result will ultimately be. The tachymeter should therefore only be used to estimate the speed, as the length of the measurement can influence the result.
Our tachymeter watch: Voyager
The tachymeter watch from MIYEN MUNICH offers the ideal combination of attractive design and practical functionality and, thanks to the tachymeter, you can always set your own pace, no matter where you are. Our Voyager watch also has a stopwatch function and a 24-hour display to make it easier to measure the time. This functionality makes the Voyager tachymeter watch from MIYEN MUNICH a reliable companion, whether in everyday life, on the race track or when hiking. With the ability to calculate your speed without the need for a smartphone or other external device, this watch combines high quality and durability.
Discover our “Voyager” collection with useful tachymeter function now.
