What Is a Tachymeter? A Watch Expert Explains

You may have heard of one. Your watch may even have one. But what is a tachymeter exactly? Read this article to find out.

While many watch aficionados would agree that a chronograph watch with a tachymeter scale looks cool, few know how to use one. 

However, the tachymeter scale has always been useful for utilitarian and practical purposes. 

So, if you own a watch with a tachymeter scale, you may want to get to grips with how it works. After all, you could find it quite a useful tool for daily tasks. 

Here’s a quick guide on how to work a tachymeter and a few examples of some watches that feature one.

What Is a Tachymeter for on a Watch?

So, what is a tachymeter for on a watch? 

Well, a tachymeter, also called a tachometer, sits on the dial or bezel of a watch. It combines with the chronograph seconds hand to measure the speed of an object. 

With a tachymeter scale, you can measure speed based on time traveled over a fixed distance. Alternatively, you can measure distance over a fixed speed. 

Read on to find out how. 

How To Use a Tachymeter

Whether you’re calculating the average speed of a car or timing your child running a race, tachymeter scales are useful. Here’s how to use a tachymeter on a watch.  

As you may already know, a chronograph watch — like the Rolex Daytona — permits the wearer to measure elapsed time. It also comes equipped with a tachymeter scale. 

On modern Daytona watches, you’ll see that the 9 o’clock location displays the elapsed hours. The 3 o’clock location shows elapsed minutes, and the central chronograph seconds hand features the seconds. 

The tachymeter scale surrounding these features on the bezel measures average speed based on distance. It can do this by measuring speeds up to 400 units in kilometers or miles.  

To use the function on the bezel, you’ll need to engage the pushers to access the chronograph functions. The top pusher will start and stop the central chronograph hand, and the bottom pusher will reset the timing. 

By unscrewing the push-pieces, you can activate the top pusher. This begins the timing of a car going around a one-mile track, for example. To do this, press the top pusher on a chronograph watch once when the object begins to move.

Then press the pusher once more to stop the timing when the car has reached one lap. Check to see where the chronograph hand points to. If it points to 140 on the tachymeter scale, it shows that the car was moving at 140mph. 

To start a new timing, you simply reset the watch with the bottom pusher and repeat the process.  

What Is a Tachymeter Good for?  

If you’re wondering what reason you might need to use a tachymeter on a watch, these examples may help. 

Here are three of my chosen tachymeter watches and why I love them so much.  

Rolex Daytona 116500

First off, the Rolex Daytona is one of the most coveted sports watches on the planet. Why would you want one, you ask? 

Many, many reasons. 

This model’s 40mm stainless steel bodywork puts the tachymeter scale perfectly on show as a central feature.

It surrounds a smooth white dial with ultra-fine hashes to mark out every 12 seconds. The tachymeter scale on the black Cerachrom bezel sits atop a 100-meter water-resistant case.

You also get a three-link Oyster steel strap, three chronograph counters, and 5-minute increments marked out in white gold. If you haven’t yet explored the advantages of owning a Rolex watch like the Daytona, know that it’s a superb investment. 

Renowned for holding its value well, this tachymeter watch will likely appreciate over time. 

Tudor Black Bay Chrono 

Speaking of Rolex, its sister brand gives the Daytona a run for its money with the Black Bay Chrono. 

The chronograph complication by Tudor accompanies a tachymeter scale that is crisp and legible. 

Easy to use, the wide bezel features a tachymeter ring that enhances an ivory-white dial. 

This sporty model bears a bi-compax chronograph layout with sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock.

You also get luminous hour markers, hands, and a domed sapphire crystal glass front. This glass creates a warped effect over the dial when viewed at a 90-degree angle. 

Although not a dive watch, you still get a sufficient 200-meter water-resistant case and a tri-link stainless steel bracelet for good measure.  

Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Chrono

Last on the list is the Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Chrono. 

If you liked the original Hamilton Chrono-Matic, you’ll love this timepiece. 

The watch was officially one of the first self-winding chronographs. Tipping its hat to the vintage style of that very watch, this retro model has pump-style pushers and a large crown. 

The reverse panda look of this watch marries together a deep blue background with white-filled sub-dials.

A very retro-looking tan leather strap finishes the style of this watch perfectly. Meanwhile, inside the model is the H-32 automatic movement. 

No longer self-winding, this watch is both sporty and classic. It reworks the 1968 version of the Chrono-Matic watch perfectly. 

Of course, the tachymeter scale in matching silvery white makes the bezel appear chunkier and more pronounced. 

This is a design that will appeal to anyone with a preference for vintage sports watches!  

Conclusion

This guide has hopefully answered that burning question: “What is a tachymeter? “. If you own a watch with a tachymeter scale, you may want to start using it now you know how. 

If not, you may just adore the style of a tachymeter watch. Its distinctive sportiness and functional look are a hit with many watch enthusiasts, whether acquainted with how to use the function or not.  

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