What Is An Altimeter?

Blake Malin

Windup Watch Shop     |     June 19, 2024

An altimeter is a device used to measure the altitude of an object or a person above a particular fixed level, usually sea level. There are various types of altimeters, including pressure, sonic, radar, laser, and GPS. In this instance, we will be focusing on the kind that uses atmospheric pressure to make measurements, as these are commonly found in aircraft and used by skydivers, hikers, and mountain climbers. The technology is relatively straightforward: the higher the altitude, the lower the atmospheric pressure.

If you are a pilot, you will likely have an altimeter gauge in your cockpit. If you are skydiving, you will likely have a large gauge on your wrist. The likelihood of being able to read a tiny display on your wristwatch while falling at terminal velocity is next to none. Therefore, the active person reading this will likely be an outdoor enthusiast, a hiker, or possibly a mountain climber. So, what are some of the cool things you can do with an altimeter on your wrist?

• Bearing-Elevation Intersects: This is the point where a compass bearing intersects an elevation contour line. You can use your compass and altimeter together to find your position.
• Feature-Elevation Intersects: This refers to the point where a known feature, such as a creek, road, or ridge, intersects your known elevation.
• You can use your altimeter/barometer to predict weather changes. High-pressure systems usually bring stable, dry weather, while low-pressure systems may indicate possible rain, snow, thunder activity, and cooler temperatures.
• Your altimeter can help you estimate elevation gain (or loss) per hour, allowing you to adjust your pace accordingly.
  
• As a neat party trick, you can demonstrate it to your friends while you’re out on a hike.

EDC To Go Along With Your Rugged Watch

The following are three excellent examples of watches with built-in altimeters that are worth serious consideration here in our Windup Watch Shop. As always, the Windup Watch Team is available via consultation to answer any questions you have. In addition, all of these products are eligible for free domestic shipping across the US.

ORIS PROPILOT ALTIMETER

Our initial pick is the Oris Propilot Altimeter, a pilot-style wristwatch featuring an analog altimeter display and a mechanical automatic movement with a 56-hour power reserve, based on the Sellita SW300. This watch is not small by any means; however, its design allows it to fit the average wrist. The mixed carbon and grey DLC-coated titanium case makes it very light and durable, contributing to its comfort and wearability. Keeping the Propilot secured is an impressive green textile strap, with brown leather lining and a grey PVD-coated titanium folding clasp that includes a fine adjustment system. This watch is water-resistant up to 100m, so you can take a dip without any concerns. If you are looking for the ultimate analog altimeter watch, you may have just found it.

CITIZEN PROMASTER ALTICHRON

Next up is the Citizen Promaster Altichron, which is made of lightweight black DLC-coated titanium and this one has an additional trick up its sleeve. Not only does it feature an analog altimeter, but it is also an electronic compass. Powered by light using Eco-Drive technology, it will never require a battery replacement, and thanks to precision quartz timing, it will always be remarkably accurate. The twin pushers on the left side of the case enable the wearer to switch between the altimeter and compass functions. The Citizen Promaster line of watches is renowned for its toughness, and the Altichron is no exception, as it is also water-resistant to 200m. If you need a tough, reliable, and capable altimeter watch, the Citizen Altichron could be the one for you.

CASIO G-SHOCK MUDMASTER

When you think of tough and rugged watches, one name that comes to mind instantly is G-Shock. Not only do they make the most durable watches on the planet, but they are also equally capable of making the finest ABC watches. You may wonder, what is an ABC watch? The acronym stands for Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass. The Mudmaster GWG2000 is such a watch, however, it is so much more. In addition to features like alarms, chronograph, timer, and multiple time zones, it is solar-powered and equipped with multi-band 6 Atomic timekeeping. This means that it automatically receives a daily signal from a satellite to correct the time. It is also 200m water-resistant and completely mud-resistant, as the name suggests. If you are in search of the definitive adventure watch, look no further. You have found it.

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