Altimeter Watch

Altimeter Watches

Today there are lots of people buying altimeter watches. While they used to be primarily used only by pilots, that is certainly not the case today. They function just like the altimeter in an airplane but today people who participate in lots of different activities. An altimeter watch is a popular accessory for people who enjoy skiing, snowboarding, biking, ballooning and mountain climbing.

Most altimeter watches made today will show the time, temperature and altimeter (height above sea level) and have a compass on them too. The latest leap in technology is to actually incorporate a GPS (Global Position System) within the watch too. Although the most popular is to incorporate a compass watch into one with an altimeter too.

To function properly these watches must be calibrated by entering a known height above sea level along with the current temperature and barometric pressure. All these are available online or from your local TV stations website in the weather section. It's simple to enter the information into these units.

Once calibrated, they determine the altitude by comparing the current air pressure with that entered during the calibration process.

A popular use is by sky divers. There are models available that can calculate the rate of decent and then sound an alarm at a predetermined (programmed) height above sea level.

The GPS function utilizes military satellites just like most other GPS units today. The satellites are in geo-synchronous orbit which means they stay in the same place relative to their position with the earth. By comparing the time it takes to receive signals (done in thousandths of a second) from the different satellite positions the current location can be determined. In some models the accuracy is to within a few feet.

And it doesn't stop with just GPS, in addition to determining your location, some can give you information like your speed, your estimated arrival time (if you have programmed in your destination coordinated based on your current speed.

Some allow you to program in way points to help you keep on track with your programmed locations. They can also be used to allow you to backtrack via the same route to assist in getting you back to your starting point too.

We have one page on our site that lists all altimeter watches without regard to the brand. See all altimeter watches online.

These devices have more capabilities than ever before and the prices are cheaper too. These days, you get a lot more bang for your buck when you buy altimeter watches.