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Watches 101: What is a Tachymeter Watch?

A tachymeter watch is more than just a stylish accessory; it’s a functional tool that brings precision and practicality to your wrist. Whether you’re a racing or aviation enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, understanding how a tachymeter works can add a new layer of appreciation to your timepiece. But what exactly is a tachymeter watch? And how does one work? In this blog, we’ll break down the basics and showcase a selection of our favourite tachymeter models. So if you want to learn more about this watch complication, read on!

What is a Tachymeter Watch?

A tachymeter watch is a timepiece with a special scale, typically on the bezel or dial, that allows the wearer to measure speed based on time and distance. By using the watch’s chronograph function to time how long it takes to travel a known distance, the tachymeter scale can quickly calculate speed; in units such as kilometers or miles per hour. Commonly used in motorsports and aviation, tachymeter watches combine functionality with classic style. Due to this, they are popular among those who appreciate precision as much as aesthetics.

How Does a Tachymeter Watch Work?

This type of watch works by using its chronograph function to measure the time it takes to travel a known distance, then referencing the tachymeter scale on the bezel or dial to determine speed. To use it, you start the chronograph at the beginning of the distance and stop it at the end; the position of the second hand on the tachymeter scale will indicate the speed in units per hour.

The math behind a tachymeter is simple. All you have to do is divide 3,600 (the number of seconds in an hour) by the number of seconds it takes to cover a measured mile or kilometre. The result is then read off the tachymeter as the second hand indicates.

Our Tachymeter Watch Recommendations

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer – European Exclusive in Factory Red

This European Limited Edition chronograph artfully combines vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. Inspired by classic European cars, its dark red matte dial features a tachymeter scale on the bezel, allowing wearers to measure speed over a known distance; a nod to its motorsport heritage. The watch is powered by Seiko’s solar-powered V192 movement, offering a 60-minute chronograph function and a power reserve indicator. Limited to 2,400 pieces, this timepiece includes an additional brown leather strap with a perforated design, enhancing its classic racing appeal.

Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph Special Edition

This timepiece pays homage to Bulova’s historic involvement in space exploration. The watch features a tachymeter scale on its black dial, which allows users to measure speed based on time travelled over a fixed distance. Bulova’s exclusive high-performance quartz movement powers this timepiece. And for unparalleled accuracy, it operates at a frequency of 262 kHz. Additional features of the watch include super-luminous hands and markers, and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal housed in a stainless steel case. The design of this timepiece concludes with two interchangeable straps. The textured black leather strap adds sophistication while the black NATO strap, with a nubuck leather patch, has a rugged look.

Longines Conquest Automatic Chronograph

This Longines timepiece seamlessly blends performance with elegance. Featuring a matte silver dial, with blue counters, it offers a sophisticated aesthetic. The 42mm stainless steel case is complemented by a blue ceramic bezel, which includes a tachymeter scale. With this scale, the wearer can measure speed over a known distance. Other features of the watch include applied indices and silver-polished hands with a Swiss Super-Luminova coating, and an exhibition case back that allows the wearer to observe the movement within. Said movement is an L898 calibre automatic movement with a 59-hour power reserve. Not only does this ensure great precision but reliability and accuracy too.

What are your thoughts on our ‘Watches 101: What is a Tachymeter Watch?’ blog? Will you be adding a tachymeter watch to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!

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