What is a tachymeter? What you need to know if you're buying a chronograph watch

If you like sporty watches, why not consider a chronograph with a tachymeter? However, some users may not be familiar with tachymeters. In this article, we will explain what a tachymeter is and how to use it, along with some models with a tachymeter.

What is a tachymeter on a wristwatch?

The tachymeter was originally designed for racers and is found on many chronograph models. If you are thinking of purchasing a chronograph model, it is a good idea to first understand the purpose, role, and appeal of the tachymeter.

A slide rule attached to a chronograph

Many chronograph models have a scale engraved on the outer edge of the dial or bezel. The term "chronograph" is a general term for watches with a stopwatch function. In addition to measuring time, it can also measure speed and distance when used in combination with various meters.

One of these is the tachymeter, a scale for measuring average speed, which, when used in conjunction with a stopwatch, allows you to determine your average speed. The numbers are engraved and get smaller clockwise from the 12 o'clock position.

Not only can it measure your cycling or running speed, but it can also be used to check how long it takes to complete a task at work.

The mechanism that highlights the appeal of the chronograph

Chronograph watches have an appealing mechanical look. Many models have a start/stop button and a zero reset button separate from the crown, giving them an appearance closer to a piece of equipment than a decorative piece.

Furthermore, the chronograph has subdials for 30-minute and 12-hour counters. Some say that the design is too complicated, but those who like mechanical designs will find the complexity appealing.

The tachymeter adds to the appeal of the chronograph, as its scale outside the dial gives it a more mechanical and sporty look.

The history of the wristwatch chronograph

If you're interested in chronograph models with tachymeters, you'll also want to learn about the history of the chronograph. This article explores the birth and development of the wristwatch chronograph, along with some of the most notable events in watchmaking history.

The birth and development of the wristwatch chronograph

The first wristwatch chronograph movement was the Caliber 13.33Z, developed by Longines in 1912. Eleven years later, Breitling introduced a wristwatch chronograph with a button that could start and stop the movement separate from the crown.

In the 1930s, chronograph mechanisms became smaller and new functions were added. The first wristwatch chronograph movement with a 12-hour counter was the Cal. 285, released by Martell in 1933 or 1934. This movement allowed the elapsed time to be visually checked up to 11 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds, laying the foundation for today's chronographs.

In 1936, Longines created the Caliber 13ZN, a chronograph movement with two pushers and a flyback function that allowed instantaneous resetting to zero and restarting.

The emergence of the automatic chronograph

For a long time, wristwatch chronograph movements were only hand-wound. In 1948, the ébauche manufacturer Lemania tried to create an automatic chronograph, but abandoned the idea because it was too thick.

The automatic chronograph that was later perfected was the Zenith Caliber 3019 PHC (commonly known as El Primero), which was released in 1969. Even now, more than half a century later, the Caliber 3019 PHC is still regarded as a masterpiece movement.

1969 was a special year in the history of the chronograph. In March, the Swiss brands Dubois-Dépraz, Heuer, Hamilton, and Breitling all announced automatic chronograph movements, and in May, Japan's Seiko also announced automatic chronograph movements and chronograph models equipped with them.

The emergence of a movement that supported the chronograph boom

The popularity of chronographs since the 1980s has been largely due to the DD2000 series chronograph module, released in 1983 by module manufacturer Dubois-Dépraz.

A mechanical watch module is a functional component that is mounted on a base movement to complete an ébauche (universal movement). Because it can be installed without modifying the movement, it is highly versatile and suitable for mass production.

The chronograph boom began in Italy in the mid-1980s and spread to other European countries and the United States. This was the era when models synonymous with chronographs, such as the Rolex Daytona and Breitling Navitimer, began to attract attention.

Wristwatches with a tachymeter

Many brands have released watches with tachymeters. We will introduce three highly acclaimed brands that offer chronographs, each with one recommended model.

TAG Heuer "TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph"

From TAG Heuer, popular for its motorsport watches, we recommend the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Ref. CBS2210.FC6534, released in 2023. It features an innovative design with no bezel and a tachymeter scale engraved directly on the outer edge of the dial.

The dial features a gentle curve that slopes from the raised tachymeter to the index. The reverse panda dial, which is black with three silver subdials, is also noteworthy.

The dial design is sporty, but the black leather strap gives it a subdued look.

Omega "Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph"

Omega is known for developing high-performance chronograph models, including the Speedmaster Professional, which was carried on the moon landing. One of these is the Speedmaster 38, a unisex chronograph with a small case diameter.

While watches with tachymeters have a mechanical feel, the Speedmaster 38 has elegant details that make it a great choice for those who appreciate a more delicate look.

The Ref. 324.23.38.50.02.002, in particular, is fitted with a Sedna gold and taupe brown leather strap, creating a soft, unified look. The subdials and date window are oval, adding a twist to the look.

Zenith "Chronomaster Sport Blue"

Zenith is a pioneer in automatic chronograph movements. The Chronomaster Sport, released in 2021 and garnering worldwide attention, is a part of the Zenith Chronomaster series, featuring a chronograph display that can measure time to within 1/10 of a second. The chronograph seconds hand, which normally rotates once every 60 seconds, rotates once every 10 seconds, enabling precise measurement.

The Ref. 03.3114.3600/51.M3100 is a new model from the Chronomaster Sport series released in 2023. With a metallic blue-based three-tone dial, tachymeter, and a thick three-row link bracelet, it is a watch with a strong sporty impression.

How to measure with a tachymeter

If you have a watch with a tachymeter, it might be a good idea to learn how to measure average speed and put it to good use. We will explain the basic operation method as well as some precautions to take when using it.

Only start and stop operations

Using a chronograph with a tachymeter is simple, as follows. While the detailed operation varies depending on the model, we will explain using a typical wristwatch as an example.

1. When the object whose speed you want to measure (yourself, your bicycle, etc.) starts moving, press the button at the 2 o'clock position on the chronograph to start measurement.
2. Once the watch has traveled 1km, press the button at 2 o'clock to stop it.

Then, check the tachymeter reading where the chronograph second hand stops to find your average speed. For example, if you travel 1 km in 60 seconds, the chronograph second hand should point to "60 (60 km/h)."

Perform the operations in the correct order

Chronographs are precision timepieces, and operating them in the wrong order can cause them to malfunction. Whether you use the tachymeter or not, be sure to operate the start/stop and reset buttons in the correct order.

Start comes first, then stop, then reset. Most chronographs have the start/stop button at 2 o'clock and the reset button at 4 o'clock.

Other precautions include running the chronograph once a month to prevent the lubricant from solidifying, and being careful of magnetism and impacts from dropping the watch.

Enjoy a sporty moment with a tachymeter watch

The tachymeter is a function used in conjunction with the chronograph to measure average speed. Watches equipped with a tachymeter emphasize the mechanical and sporty aspects that are the appeal of chronographs.

For those who appreciate functional beauty and car enthusiasts, we recommend a model equipped with a tachymeter. Use the watches introduced in this article as a reference to find a chronograph from each manufacturer that suits you.