All About the Use of the Tachometer

Today, a little culture and especially some clarification on the use of your tachometer. The word is a little barbaric and yet it designates a rather practical instrument once we know how to use it!

The tachometer or "tachometer scale " is a tool whose purpose is to measure the speed of movement of an object or a person in motion. In watchmaking, it corresponds to the graduated dial and calculates the average speed (usually in kilometers per hour) over a given distance. It usually works with the second hand.

We find the tachometer function on chronograph models. It can also be displayed on the dial screen of some digital watches like Naviforce watch.

Manual

On a tachometer, the information is read between the second hand and the corresponding scale, for a maximum of 60 seconds. To use it, you must start the chronograph at the first distance marker, then stop it at the next marker. So you get the average speed between these two benchmarks. The calculation is often done on the basis of a distance of 1000 meters (1km).

Take a more concrete example: you are driving on the road, from a landmark (a terminal for example), press the push button activating the chronograph mode (it is usually the button at the top right) of the dial). Press it again when you cross the second mark (second mark). Looking at the number on which the second hand has stopped, you will get the average speed of your vehicle (depending on how long it took to travel the distance).

If the second hand is over 60 for example, it means that you have moved at 60km/ hour.

On the other hand, if the duration is greater than 60 seconds, the distance to be measured will have to be proportionately shorter. For example, if you measure the time over 500m, it will multiply the value obtained by 2. Know that tachymeter is still a more accurate tool over a long distance (1000m or more).

The different types of tachometers

The tachometer with specified scale: graduation based on 1000 meters, it indicates the speed in kilometers per hour.

The tachometer with unspecified scale (Bulova): the distance is not indicated here, so we must assume that the calculations are done on 1000 meters.

The tachymeter with two levels of scale (Baume Mercier): several graduations are present on the telescope, the first being based on 1000 meters and the second on 100 meters.

Some tachometers may be in the center of the dial (Baume Mercier) and not only around.

Diving Watch: How to Use the Rotating Bezel?

Waterproofness, impact resistance, legibility ... Among these essential criteria for diving watches, we will today address the subject of the rotating bezel, a time control system underwater.

The rotating bezel is a French invention and it made its first appearance in 1952.

It is a mobile outer ring fixed on the dial of the watch and to calculate accurately the duration of immersion and, in fact, the passage of different levels.

Depending on the model, the telescope can rotate in one direction (unidirectional) or much more rarely in two directions (bidirectional). It is generally equipped with a security to block the ring so that it does not go out during the dive, thus distorting the immersion time. If, by accident, the telescope were to shift, know that this will be possible only in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, even if the duration is distorted, it will not be able to indicate less time than you have spent and therefore does not present any danger.

The rotating bezel can be graduated or not and is divided into 60 minutes or 12 hours. The indexes of the dial are generally luminescent, thus offering an excellent visibility even in the darkness of the depths.

Rotating bezel: operation

The scope of the diving watch from NORTH EDGE Watch is particularly simple to use. To calculate the time spent underwater, simply place the zero mark of the telescope (small triangle or marking line) in the same position as the minute hand just before diving. The marker remains fixed while the needle continues to advance, marking the time spent in immersion since it was fixed.

To calculate a specific time, for example, 30 minutes, look where the minute hand is and then move the marker 30 minutes after it. If the minute hand is 15, rotate the crown so that the marker is on the 45 (ie 30 minutes). You will be able to know exactly how much time you have left.

Of course, besides its original function for diving, the rotating bezel is used for any kind of time calculation, from pasta cooking to sports performance. It is, therefore, a particularly useful tool!

Some of the most popular models include the Rolex Submariner (cover photo), Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea, Omega Seamaster, Tudor Pelagos and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.

Understand the Tightness of Your Watch

It is marked "waterproof 30 meters" on your watch, so naturally, you expect to be able to go down to 30 meters underwater. But guess what? It's wrong! If you do, you risk destroying it. To see more clearly about the waterproofness of your watch, follow our guide!

Before you start, be aware that manufacturers indicate the degree of tightness of a watch in meters or atmospheres (the famous ATM).

Waterproof / Water Resistant

If on the back of your watch it is not indicated "water resistant" or that no information is specified, then consider it as allergic to water. Avoid showering, rain and even splashing. We even advise you not to leave it in the bathroom during your shower, the steam could be fatal.

Waterproof 30 meters / 3 ATM

Here again, forget the diving with the small fishes. A 30-meter waterproof watch is resistant to occasional splashing and possibly rain, but will not support any immersion such as handwashing, washing up or showering.

Waterproof 50 meters / 5 ATM

Is your watch waterproof 50 meters? Congratulations, you have a Skmei watch that goes underwater! To you the pool, but beware, no dive and if you use it at sea, consider rinsing with fresh water and drying it properly.

Waterproof 100 meters / 10 ATM

Snorkeling time! So, shower, bath, and tonic swim in the pool without any problem. You can swim a few hours with the fish but no diving with the bottles. Remember to rinse your watch well after going out to sea.

Waterproof 200 meters / 20 ATM

A 200 meters water resistant watch allows you to swim, jump in the water and scuba diving with bottles. The use of push buttons is not recommended underwater unless the manufacturer's instructions indicate otherwise.

Two standards to know:

The ISO 2281 standard: It validates the tests of the watches bearing the designation "waterproof" which are intended for a common use of the simple swimming or the bathing.

The ISO 6425 standard: It is interested in so-called diving watches (100 meters and more) which must withstand immersion of a depth of at least 100 meters and must have a time control system such as a telescope graduated.

All About The Watch Buckles

The watch clasp is what we can call a size detail! Indeed, this small element that we do not always look at, however, is of great importance since it is thanks to him that your watch will hold correctly on your wrist, will open and close easily.

The watch buckles

We advise you to go around the various loop systems.

The pin buckle

This is the most common locking system. The buckle is composed of a loop on one side of the bracelet and a metal rod on the other. This one will slip in the small holes of the bracelet, in the same way as for a belt.

This type of clasp is generally used for timepieces made of leather, plastic or silicone, but never for metal bracelets. It can also take many forms, colors, and decline in several materials depending on the watch. The main advantage is to be able to adjust the size of the bracelet very accurately, especially for people with fine wrists.

The simple folding clasp

This system is the second most common. It is particularly practical because even if the mechanism opens, the bracelet remains attached to the wrist instead of falling and simply close it. Thus the bracelet never opens completely in two parts.

The single folding clasp is articulated and composed of a single "V" joint. It unfolds (opening) then folds on itself (closing) with a push. It is used for most steel bracelets.

This type of closure is metal (steel, gold or silver) and takes different forms, more or less wide.

Some watches from Naviforce watch are also equipped with an additional security system consisting of blocking the clasp, especially for sports models, thus avoiding that the model does not open impromptu in case of movement too pronounced.

Double butterfly or folding buckle

Compared to the simple folding clasp, this one is composed of two joints and hidden under the bracelet when the watch is closed. It opens by pressing the two small buttons protruding discreetly on each side of the bracelet. This system is particularly used on ceramic bracelets and appreciated for its discretion.

Clasp with clip / ratchet

This system is similar to that of the folding clasp, but more simple since it involves the clip on the bracelet by pressing it. It is found on several metal bracelets, especially on vintage watches. It is also appreciated for its discretion since it merges with the links of the bracelet.

Sliding clasp

The latter is close enough to the clasp clip but allows to adjust the size of the bracelet by just sliding it, and therefore to perfectly adjust it to the wrist.

Some watches from Naviforce watch have no need for a clasp as on models with elastic strap for example. Other models in fabrics have scratch bracelets but this system is not the safest and wears quickly enough.

What if My Mechanical Watch Took Water

Wrong handling of the crown, wear of seals, cracked glass: unfortunately, sometimes water enters a Skmei mechanical watch. The mist inside the glass is one of the first signs. In this case, it is necessary to intervene quickly because the more you let the time pass, the more the damage can be important and irreversible.

Call on a watchmaker

It will first start by looking for the origin of the problem by performing several types of tests, ie find the element responsible for the entry of water into the watch and then fix it.

The watchmaker will have to open the Skmei watch and check the damage caused by the leak. These can be at the level of the dial and/or movement. For gimbals, for example, a simple cleaning and drying operation can sometimes be enough if the owner of the watch has brought it quickly enough to the professional, while others will be forced to change if the room is too damaged. Moisture may especially damage the light coating, anti-reflection glass, rust the various components, etc.

For its part, the movement will also be examined. It may, in particular, be removed and cleaned in a machine provided for this purpose, reassembled on the watch, oiled and then returned to working order. If parts are rusted, they should be cleaned, repaired or even replaced, which will cost more and require more time. The spiral spring or the ball bearings of the rotor are particularly fragile and sensitive to water.

What if my mechanical watch took water?

In general, the case is completely dismantled in the watchmaking workshop. The professional will ensure that all moisture has been removed from the case before reassembling the Skmei watch, using air guns and hot plates.

What you can do on your side

Be careful because improper handling can make the situation worse! It is imperative to avoid placing the watch in contact with a heat source such as a radiator or a hair dryer for example because it accelerates the rusting process and can take off the paint for example.

As you can see, it is best to call a qualified professional directly as soon as possible to minimize damage and facilitate repairs.

Our advice

To avoid water problems in your watch, it is essential to always remember to screw the crown and push buttons after handling.

Also have the waterproofing of your timepiece checked every year, as well as the battery as a good watchmaker will normally have to change the joints at the same time and provide you with a receipt attesting to its good resistance to water.

Finally, if you notice that steam is forming inside your watch, take it immediately to a watchmaker.

Choose a Watch For a Small Wrist

While in recent years, the trend has clearly moved towards a larger watch production, some sometimes reaching diameters exceeding 50 mm as well as the limits of good taste! Of course, the extreme opposite has suffered and it has become difficult today to find a watch when a wrist whose size can hardly accommodate these oversized models. Even more, since the average of watches on the market seems to oscillate between 38 mm and 42 mm. So here is an article in which we will give tips to assist the fine wrists in choosing a new watch.

1. Do I have a small wrist?

Choosing a watch is like choosing any garment. If it does not work, it will look disproportionate to the rest in terms of size. Thus, a watch that is too large for a small one will give the impression of being even smaller than one is really or worse: that of a child wearing an adult model. In the case of a too small, it will also be unsightly. Nowadays with this fashion of large-diameter winner watches, so-and-so will be wearing the finest tailored costume, but the eye will inevitably be attracted to the small or very fine who wears it on his wrist.

But in the background, what is a small wrist? To tell the truth, it has nothing to do with the general stature, and the taller men can have fine wrists when the smaller ones are wider. If we can estimate that the choice of a watch size is more in the feeling than in the figures, note as a reference that a circumference below 17cm can be considered as relatively fine. Obviously, some situations can be treated differently. Let's admit a small and stocky man, he will be able to choose a riding more thick than someone tall and lanky. Everything is in respect of the proportions!

2. How to choose a watch for a small wrist?

It's one thing to keep in mind no matter how big your wrist is. When choosing a watch, beyond its primary function (give the time), we also choose a fashion accessory to complete and perfect an outfit. Once again, respect for proportions will play a big role in creating a harmonious whole, and there are certain benchmarks to be relied on.

A. The diameter of the case

The size of the watch is obviously the most important factor when you have a small wrist. Indeed, the case (the metal frame in which your watch is located) will determine the place that will take the watch visually. Thus, we can agree to stay below 40mm or less for very thin wrists.

B. The thickness

The second thing to look at is the thickness of the watch, because it is quite possible to find on the market models of reasonable diameter but very bulky. Thus, the more the case will be fine, the better will be the rendering on a small wrist. It does not mean going to the women's department at a jeweler, but simply finding narrower models. All you have to do is say that their small size means that the work these watches have undergone is all the more remarkable and they will not lose any value over time.

C. The bracelet

Generally, the size of the bracelet goes with that of the watch and they are thinner and narrower on smaller diameter models, brands often having the ideal size required for a model to purchase. Thus, it goes without saying that once again, the correct proportions must be respected on this point.

D. The design

Although a watch may be small in diameter and thickness, it is nonetheless characterized by other parts of its anatomy that can quickly move it to other dimensions. Indeed, the crown, the bezel, the buttons are so many parts that can make it seem much more imposing than it is. In general, the simplest watches will always fit fine wrists without any risk taking. So play the card of simplicity!