From Track to Timepiece: What is a Tachymeter Watch?

As we continue through 2025, the luxury watch industry continues to evolve, embracing both innovation and nostalgia. The recent Watches & Wonders fair in Geneva showcased timepieces that not only honor traditional craftsmanship but also integrate modern design elements.

Notably, the resurgence of motorsport-inspired watches has brought the tachymeter back into the spotlight, appealing to a new generation of watch aficionados.

In this article, we will talk about the intricacies of the tachymeter and how to use it. We will also include a list of beautiful luxury watches that feature tachymeters. 

What is a Tachymeter?

A tachymeter is a scale typically found on the bezel or dial of some analog watches that allows the wearer to measure speed based on time and distance. It is used to calculate the speed of a moving object over a known distance.

How Does a Tachymeter Work on a Watch?

A tachymeter uses the chronograph (stopwatch) function combined with a fixed scale to convert elapsed time into speed. This fixed scale is usually engraved around the bezel or printed on the dial

How to Use a Tachymeter? 

1. Start Timing: When a moving object passes a known starting point (like a mile marker), you start the chronograph by pressing the start button on the watch.

2. Measure Time Over a Known Distance: Let the object travel a measured distance (commonly 1 mile or 1 kilometer). When the object reaches the end of that distance, you stop the chronograph.

3. Read the Speed: Look at the position of the chronograph seconds hand and read the corresponding number on the tachymeter scale. This number tells you the average speed of the object over that distance.

Example:

• If the object takes 30 seconds to travel 1 kilometer, the chronograph hand will point to the “120” mark on the tachymeter scale, indicating a speed of 120 km/h.

• If it takes 45 seconds, the scale might read around “80,” meaning 80 km/h.

The tachymeter scale is based on the formula:

• Speed = 3600 / Elapsed Time in seconds

Because 3600 seconds equal one hour, dividing 3600 by the time it took to travel the known distance gives you speed in units per hour.

Important Notes:

• The tachymeter works only if the distance is fixed and known.

• It typically measures speeds between about 60 units/hour (for 60 seconds elapsed) up to around 400 units/hour (for 9 seconds elapsed).

• It can also be used to calculate other rates, such as production output per hour, by measuring the time taken for one unit.

What Units Can a Tachymeter Measure?

A tachymeter can measure any unit of speed, as long as the unit of distance and the time measurement are consistent. The scale itself doesn’t specify units. It’s up to the user to apply it correctly.

Common units a tachymeter can measure include:

• Kilometers per hour (km/h) — if you measure the time to travel 1 kilometer.

• Miles per hour (mph) — if you measure the time to travel 1 mile.

• Units per hour — for example, if you measure how many products are made or processed in an hour, timing how long it takes to produce one unit.

What are Some Popular Luxury Tachymeter Watches?

Here are 10 of our recommended popular luxury watches featuring a tachymeter. We will also include estimated tachymeter watch prices.

1. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

The Rolex Daytona is one of the most iconic tachymeter watches in the world, originally designed for professional racing drivers. Renowned for its precision, durability, and timeless style, it’s a symbol of luxury and performance.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Rolex Caliber 4130, automatic chronograph

• Case Size: 40mm stainless steel or precious metals

• Tachymeter Scale: Engraved on Cerachrom ceramic bezel

• Power Reserve: ~72 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Key Characteristics:

• Highly accurate chronograph function

• Scratch-resistant ceramic bezel with tachymeter scale

• Robust Oystersteel or precious metal construction

• Strong collector demand and brand prestige

Brand New Price: Approximately $15,000 - $45,000
Pre-Owned Price: $18,000 - $50,000 

2. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch

Known as the “Moonwatch,” the Omega Speedmaster is legendary for its role in NASA’s Apollo missions. Its tachymeter bezel is classic, and it remains one of the most recognized chronographs globally.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Omega Caliber 3861, manual-wind chronograph

• Case Size: 42mm stainless steel

• Tachymeter Scale: Fixed bezel with engraved scale

• Power Reserve: ~50 hours

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

Key Characteristics:

• Historically significant space heritage

• Manual winding for authentic vintage feel

• High legibility and precision

• Relatively affordable luxury chronograph

Brand New Price: Around $6,500 - $7,500
Pre-Owned Price: $4,000 - $6,000

3. TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02

The Carrera is TAG Heuer’s flagship chronograph line, designed with motorsports in mind. The Calibre Heuer 02 movement adds modern reliability and precision to this classic tachymeter watch.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre Heuer 02, automatic chronograph

• Case Size: 43mm stainless steel or ceramic

• Tachymeter Scale: Engraved on bezel

• Power Reserve: ~80 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Key Characteristics:

• Modern, sporty design

• Long power reserve for a chronograph

• Skeleton dial options available

• Strong value in luxury sports watches

Brand New Price: Around $5,500 - $6,500
Pre-Owned Price: $3,500 - $5,000

4. Breitling Navitimer

The Navitimer is a pilot’s chronograph with a built-in slide rule bezel for aviation calculations, combined with a tachymeter scale for speed. It’s a sophisticated tool watch.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Breitling Caliber 01, automatic chronograph

• Case Size: 43mm stainless steel or precious metals

• Tachymeter Scale: Integrated on inner bezel

• Power Reserve: ~70 hours

• Water Resistance: 30 meters

Key Characteristics:

• Classic aviation-inspired design

• Complex bezel functions (slide rule + tachymeter)

• Large, legible dial

• Strong brand heritage in aviation

Brand New Price: $7,500 - $10,000
Pre-Owned Price: $5,000 - $7,500

5. Zenith El Primero Chronomaster

Zenith’s El Primero was one of the first automatic chronograph movements and is famous for its high-frequency accuracy. The Chronomaster models feature a tachymeter scale and a beautifully finished movement.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Zenith El Primero 400, automatic chronograph

• Case Size: 42mm stainless steel

• Tachymeter Scale: Printed on the outer dial or bezel

• Power Reserve: ~50 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Key Characteristics:

• High beat rate (36,000 vibrations per hour) for precision

• Classic chronograph design with open-heart versions

• Strong mechanical pedigree

• Elegant and sporty

Brand New Price: $7,000 - $9,000
Pre-Owned Price: $5,000 - $7,000

6. IWC Portugieser Chronograph

The IWC Portugieser Chronograph combines elegant design with precise chronograph functionality, featuring a clean dial and a tachymeter scale on select models. It’s a refined choice for lovers of classic watchmaking.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: IWC Caliber 79350, automatic chronograph

• Case Size: 41mm stainless steel or precious metals

• Tachymeter Scale: Usually on select versions, printed on inner bezel or dial

• Power Reserve: ~44 hours

• Water Resistance: 30 meters

Key Characteristics:

• Sleek, minimalist design

• High-quality finishing and craftsmanship

• Balanced dial layout with clear chronograph registers

• Versatile for formal and casual wear

Brand New Price: $7,000 - $9,000
Pre-Owned Price: $5,000 - $7,000

7. Hublot Big Bang Chronograph

Hublot’s Big Bang Chronograph blends bold, avant-garde design with the practicality of a tachymeter. It's known for its large case and fusion of materials, as well as its modern design.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Hublot HUB4100, automatic chronograph

• Case Size: 44mm, various materials (steel, ceramic, carbon fiber)

• Tachymeter Scale: Engraved or printed on bezel

• Power Reserve: ~42 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Key Characteristics:

• Distinctive “fusion” of materials

• Large, sporty presence on wrist

• Skeletonized dial options

• High-impact modern styling

Brand New Price: $15,000 - $25,000+
Pre-Owned Price: $10,000 - $18,000

8. TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11

The Monaco is instantly recognizable for its square case. While its tachymeter is less prominent than others, certain Monaco models include tachymeter markings.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Calibre 11, automatic chronograph

• Case Size: 39mm square stainless steel

• Tachymeter Scale: Present on some models on the dial perimeter

• Power Reserve: ~40 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Key Characteristics:

• Iconic square case design

• Racing-inspired style

• Vintage yet modern feel

• Bold dial with chronograph registers

Brand New Price: $6,000 - $7,000
Pre-Owned Price: $4,000 - $5,500

9. Rolex Explorer II (with Tachymeter Bezel on Vintage Models)

Though not a traditional tachymeter chronograph, some vintage Explorer II models (like the Reference 1655) have been adapted by collectors for timing and speed calculations. Rolex’s chronographs remain the most popular for tachymeter use, but Explorer II is notable for its rugged utility.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Rolex Caliber 3185/3186 (GMT function, not chronograph)

• Case Size: 40mm stainless steel

• Tachymeter Scale: Absent on modern models; vintage models adapted by enthusiasts

• Power Reserve: ~48 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Key Characteristics:

• Rugged, explorer-style design

• GMT complications for additional timing

• Highly collectible vintage models

• Not a traditional tachymeter but sometimes used similarly

Brand New Price: Discontinued, modern versions ~$8,000
Pre-Owned Price: $10,000 - $20,000+ (vintage collectible pricing)

10. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore is a luxury sports chronograph that features a bold design and integrated tachymeter scale, combining haute horlogerie with a powerful, masculine aesthetic.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Audemars Piguet Caliber 3126/3840, automatic chronograph

• Case Size: 42mm to 44mm stainless steel or precious metals

• Tachymeter Scale: Printed on dial or engraved on bezel, depending on model

• Power Reserve: ~50 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Key Characteristics:

• Iconic octagonal bezel with exposed screws

• Sporty yet luxurious presence

• High-end finishing and craftsmanship

• Complex dial with multiple textures and colors

Brand New Price: $30,000 - $50,000+
Pre-Owned Price: $25,000 - $45,000

Conclusion

The tachymeter, though often overlooked in the age of digital precision, remains a timeless symbol of mechanical ingenuity and purposeful design. 

It endures as a signature feature on many of the world’s most iconic chronograph watches. Its resurgence in modern luxury timepieces reflects a broader trend: a desire to reconnect with craftsmanship, precision, and heritage in an increasingly digital world.