A luxury watch is far more than a way to tell the time. Many of the details found on high-end timepieces were originally designed with a genuine practical purpose, and the tachymeter is one of the best examples of this. If you have ever noticed the engraved scale around the bezel of a chronograph and wondered what it actually does, you are certainly not alone.
In our showroom, I regularly speak with customers who are drawn to chronograph watches because of their sporty, technical appearance. The tachymeter scale often catches their attention first, yet many are surprised to learn that it is a functional tool rather than simply a design feature.
Understanding the Tachymeter Scale
In watches from brands such as Omega and Breitling, you will often find a tachymeter located on the outer rim of the analogue face.Â
Originally developed for measuring speed over a fixed distance, a tachymeter works alongside the chronograph function to calculate units per hour, whether that is miles, kilometres, or even production output. While most people today are unlikely to use it for motorsport timing, it remains one of the most distinctive and fascinating complications found on a luxury watch.
Once you understand how it works, the tachymeter becomes more than just a decorative detail. It is a reminder of the engineering, heritage, and precision that make mechanical watches so interesting to wear.
Step by Step Guide to Using Your Tachymeter
Despite its technical appearance, using a tachymeter is fairly straightforward once you know what each part of the scale is doing. The key is to measure a fixed distance, usually one mile or one kilometre, and use the chronograph hand to calculate the average speed.
- Choose a fixed distance for your measurement, such as one mile or one kilometre.
- Start the chronograph at the exact moment the object begins moving.
- Stop the chronograph when the object reaches the end of the measured distance.
- Look at where the chronograph's seconds hand has stopped.
- Read the corresponding number on the tachymeter scale.
This number shows the average speed per hour. For example, if it takes 48 seconds to travel one mile, the chronograph hand will point to 75 on the tachymeter scale. This means the average speed is 75 miles per hour.
Calculating Lower or Higher Speeds
A standard tachymeter scale is designed to measure events completed within 60 seconds, meaning it works most directly for speeds above 60 miles or kilometres per hour. However, with a little simple maths, it can also be used to calculate slower speeds or measurements over shorter distances.
For example, imagine a runner completes a 100-metre race in 10 seconds. The chronograph hand would point to 360 on the tachymeter scale. Because 100 metres represents one tenth of a kilometre, the reading must then be divided by 10.
The Difference Between a Chronograph and a Tachymeter
This is one of the most common questions people ask when shopping for luxury timepieces. A chronograph is the stopwatch function itself. It allows you to start, stop and rest elapsed time using pushers on the side of the case.
A tachymeter is the numbered scale used alongside the chronograph to convert that elapsed time into speed. The two features work together. This explains why many people refer to tachymeter watches as chronographs.
Measuring Frequency and Productivity
People often overlook the fact that this tool can measure anything that happens over a set period. It can calculate frequency or productivity just as easily as speed.
Imagine you are observing a manufacturing process. If a machine takes 30 seconds to produce one unit, the seconds hand points to 120 on the scale. That means 120 units could theoretically be completed in one hour at that exact pace. This versatility highlights the true ingenuity of traditional watchmaking.
The Enduring Appeal of Motorsport Heritage
Smartphones and GPS technology have largely replaced the need for manual speed calculations. The tachymeter remains hugely popular in luxury watch design anyway. The feature automatically makes timepieces look much sportier. Even if you never plan to measure speed, it creates an interesting design element compared to a plain face.
The tachymeter became widely recognised during the rise of professional racing in the 1950s and 1960s. Brands developed chronograph watches specifically for drivers and engineers. One of my favourite additions to this category is the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer. The Speedmaster was introduced as a racing chronograph long before it became associated with space exploration. Enthusiasts still regard the engraved bezel as one of its defining characteristics.
You can see this same motorsport influence across collections such as the TAG Heuer Carrera. Clean dials and numbered bezels remain central to their design language. Wearing one of these pieces provides a tangible connection to the golden era of motor racing.Â
Choose Your Next Luxury Watch
At Banks Lyon, we supply a range of chronograph watches with designs ranging from understated classics to bold racing-inspired models. We stock timepieces from respected brands such as TAG Heuer, Cartier, OMEGA and Breitling.
To find the perfect piece for you, feel free to browse our collection online. You can also visit us in our Lancaster showroom, where a member of our team will be happy to help.Â
Alternatively, contact us to discuss your specific requirements and begin your journey into the world of luxury chronographs.Â