FAQ

What is a Tachymeter for and how to use it?

A tachymeter is a scale inscribed around the bezel of an analog watch, or sometimes printed on the dial, used to compute speed based on travel time or measure distance based on speed. It is particularly useful for measuring the speed of a moving object over a known distance or the distance covered at a constant speed.

How to Use a Tachymeter to Measure Speed:
1. Know the Distance: First, you need to know a fixed distance, typically one kilometer or one mile.
2. Start the Chronograph: As the moving object (e.g., a car) passes the starting point of your measured distance, start the chronograph function of your Jowissa watch. This is usually done by pressing the top pusher next to the crown.
3. Stop the Chronograph: Once the moving object reaches the end of the measured distance, stop the chronograph by pressing the same top pusher.
4. Read the Speed: Observe the position of the chronograph's central seconds hand on the tachymeter scale. The number on the tachymeter scale corresponding to the seconds hand's position indicates the speed in units per hour (kilometers per hour or miles per hour), based on the one-unit distance you measured.
- For example, if it took 30 seconds to travel one kilometer, the seconds hand would point to "120" on the tachymeter scale, indicating a speed of 120 kilometres per hour.

How to Use a Tachymeter to Measure Distance:
1. Know the Speed: You need to be traveling at a constant speed.
2. Start the Chronograph: As you begin timing, start the chronograph function of your Jowissa watch.
3. Time a Duration: Let the chronograph run for a specific amount of time, for example, 60 seconds.
4. Read the Distance: Note the number on the tachymeter scale corresponding to the position of the chronograph's central seconds hand. This number represents the distance traveled in the unit of speed you are using (kilometers or miles) during that specific time interval (e.g., per minute if you timed for 60 seconds).
- For example, if you are traveling at a constant speed and after 60 seconds the seconds hand points to "80" on the tachymeter scale, you have traveled 0.8 units of distance (kilometers or miles) in that minute.

The tachymeter function on your Jowissa chronograph is a testament to the precision and functionality inherent in our timepieces, blending traditional horological features with practical applications for everyday life.

Are quartz watches accurate?

Yes, quartz watches are known for "high accuracy." Because the quartz crystal vibrates at such a stable and high frequency, they are typically much more accurate than mechanical watches, often varying by only a few seconds per month.

Is a Chronograph different from a Chronometer?

Yes, these terms are often confused but mean different things. A Chronograph is a watch with a built-in stopwatch function (buttons to start, stop, and reset). A Chronometer is a specific certification given to a high-precision watch movement (usually mechanical) that has passed rigorous accuracy tests by COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute). A watch can be both, but "Chronograph" refers to the function, while "Chronometer" refers to the accuracy rating.

Can I leave my chronograph running all the time?

While possible, it is generally not recommended for battery-powered quartz watches. Leaving the chronograph function running continuously drains the battery significantly faster than standard timekeeping. To preserve battery life, we suggest stopping and resetting the chronograph hands to zero when you are not actively timing an event.

What is a Chronograph?

In modern parlance, the word 'chronograph' is used to refer to a timepiece which, along with telling the time, serves to measure short times using at least one additional hand. The latter can be started, stopped and reset to zero without disturbing the smooth running of the movement, by means of a control system, generally composed of pushbuttons. If the chronograph function is not associated with a watch as such, the instrument is simply referred to as a timer (or sometimes a stopwatch).

Technically speaking, the chronograph mechanism can be either built into the watch movement, or mounted on the latter in the form of an add-on module. A significant step was taken in 1816, when Parisian horologist Louis Moinet developed what he called a compteur de tierces.

What is the meaning of the brand name JOWISSA?

The name Jowissa is a combination of the surname and lastname of the company founder Josef Wyss. He founded Jowissa in the village of Bettlach, Switzerland in 1951. Jowissa has been active and in business without interruption since then.

What does "Swiss Made" actually mean?

A watch can only be labeled "Swiss Made" if it meets strict legal standards set by the Swiss government. It requires that the movement is Swiss, the movement is cased up in Switzerland, and at least 60% of the production costs of a watch taken as a whole must from Switzerland. At Jowissa, we proudly assemble our watches by hand in Bettlach, Switzerland, ensuring every timepiece meets these high standards of quality and precision.

Speed and Precision: The Tachymeter Watch

At Jowissa, we design our tachymeter watches for the man who values functionality and dynamic style. We understand that a chronograph is more than just a timekeeper; it is a tool. That is why we have equipped our LeWy collection with a precise tachymeter scale on the bezel, allowing you to calculate speed based on travel time—a feature originally developed for professional racing drivers. We combine this technical sophistication with robust Swiss movements to ensure reliability. Whether you are at the racetrack or navigating the urban jungle, our goal is to provide you with a timepiece that balances the utility of a stopwatch with the rugged elegance of a classic racing watch. Measure your performance with the precision we are known for.

Why shop Jowissa

Jowissa's enduring legacy in men's watchmaking since 1951, all Swiss Made

Enduring Legacy since 1951

Jowissa's enduring legacy in men's watchmaking is evident in every piece, showcasing a commitment to Swiss precision and a unique design philosophy honed since 1951.

Swiss Made - Manufactured in Switzerland by Jowissa - Assembled by hand - Automatic watches and quartz watches.

(Hand) Made In Switzerland

Each Jowissa watch is assembled by hand in Switzerland. We strive for excellence in production and quality control since 1951. Choosing to shop with Jowissa provides you with the distinct advantage of owning a meticulously crafted timepiece that carries the legacy of Swiss craftsmanship, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail.

Swiss Jowissa Team in Bettlach Switzerland. Great dedication to quality and service for our Swiss Made Watches.

Strong Brand Foundation

Jowissa is an independent 3rd generation family run business. Our watches are designed and built by a dedicated team of long term employees, whose expertise is ensuring trustworthiness and exceptional after-sales service.