Different Uses of a Stopwatch That You Can Benefit From Daily

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The uses of a stopwatch have been shelved due to technological advancements but not anymore!

Ever since 1822 when stopwatches were first recognised, they have measured time and events. Many years later, the introduction of smart phones paved the way for what we now call the phone timer. 

This smartphone feature acts as countdown timers where users can keep track of multiple events at one time. Sounds familiar?

However, as technology continues to advance, the functions and uses of classic stopwatches have adapted to the demands of the modern world. Not many people know it, but this device can actually help users improve discipline, mindfulness, and enjoyment around everything they do.

In this post, we will define stopwatches, including their history, how they work and their functions up to this day. This guide will also show you can the uses of a stopwatch can benefit you in your daily grind.

Introduction to Stopwatch, Chronograph, and Chronometer

Stopwatches were not built into conventional watches until a complex version called the chronograph came along. Chronos means “time”, while graphos means “to write”—when put together, it means a device to record time.

A chronometer, in contrast, refers to a device used to express time accurately. A great example of this is the marine chronometer. It is an essential item used for sea navigation, with accurate and safe reading.

The word chronometer is also used to refer to watches with certified Swiss precision standards.

The first stopwatches were mechanical analogue devices with hands to display time. Now, most modern models are quartz digital devices. Both types are nonetheless required to perform the same functions, such as:

• To start and stop the time, and measure the time elapsed.
• Take continuous measurements by resetting the time to zero.
• Take continuous measurements in the smallest units needed for competitive events.
• Record split times and measure times for multiple competitors or tasks.
• Provide highly accurate and precise time measurements.

The Birth of the Stopwatch

Records show that time measurement functions were added to watches during the 17th century. Yet the designs for stopwatches first appeared in the 18th century.

In 1695, a British man named Samuel Watson invented the “Physician’s Pulse Watch”, requested by John Floyer, a surgeon. The device was a pocket model that could be stopped by operating a lever.

It was able to measure to an accuracy of 1/5 second. But George Graham later came up with a start-stop watch that could measure time to 1/16 second. He was a British inventor who notably contributed to the advancement of watches through inventions.

The world’s first stopwatch was acknowledged under the name of Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec in 1822. King Louis XVIII tasked the French watchmaker to create it, following the restoration of royalty in France.

The king was a keen fan of horseracing, so the first renowned watch was for recording the times of horses. Later, Rieussec’s chronograph was used at the Champ de Mars Racecourse, on the site where the Eiffel Tower is now located.

This was the first time that results were recorded based on finishing times, rather than horses crossing the line.

And did you know that this mere pocket watch also made its debut to time Olympics events at the first Modern Games in 1896? But the end of mechanical timekeeping at the Olympics took place in 1960. As per Gear Patrol, it is due to the increasing precision of electronic timekeeping.

Advances in technology and industry over time led to stopwatches being used over a wide range of fields. From sporting events, military to measuring the speed of cars and aeroplanes, to name a few.

Fast forward to the present day, the function of the stopwatch did not change that much. But how it works and its uses promise more upgrades in the future.

How Does a Stopwatch Work?

Unlike clocks and wristwatches, stopwatches do not tell the time of the day. Instead, it tells the person how long it took to perform a certain task.

It does this using the start and stops buttons. Basically, when the start button is enabled, it will begin tracking the time until you click stop.

A handheld stopwatch usually displays the time taken in minutes, seconds, and one-hundredth of a second. Moden stopwatches can record time down to a millionth of a second for more accuracy.

The function

A stopwatch usually has a digital screen in the centre of the buttons. This screen shows the amount of elapsed time. And the buttons on top provide specific functions, such as starting, stopping, and splitting time.

Generally a stopwatch follows the below layout:

The button on the left is the splitting button, used for measuring lap splits, cumulative splits, and resetting the time.

The middle one changes the mode, whereas the right button is the start and stop functions. Modern models can have more features like an alarm or even a calendar function.

Tip: When buying one, make sure to refer to the manufacturer’s manual to see the list of all functions that come with the stopwatch you wish to purchase.

The basics

A stopwatch works by pressing the start button when the event begins. For instance, if you were timing a race, you would press the start button when it starts.

Press the stop button when the winner has set at the finish line or when the entire race is over. The calculated time will show on the displays just as the time of day would appear on a wristwatch.

Clear the watch once done so you can use it for the next game.

When it comes to how you should wear it, most stopwatches do not have wristbands. You will mostly like to carry it around your neck or in your pocket. A great example of this is this stopwatch with a lanyard (TI1270).

This handy stopwatch can be a useful tool for your work, training, and everyday life. It can measure elapsed time for up to 24 hours and has an accuracy of 1/100th of a second!

In addition to being water-resistant, it features a split time as well as alarm and calendar functions.

Advanced features

There are stopwatches that feature a split button for timing parts of an event. Suppose the race you are timing is a relay, which requires a time record for each leg.

Press the start button at the beginning of the track-and-field sport. When the runner has finished one leg and passed the baton to the next runner, press the split button.

The slick thing about this feature is when the watch displays the time for the first relay, it continues to cumulate time for the next runner—up to the total race.  Just press the split button until the relay race is over, then press stop.

To record the time for each team, press split to get the score for the first relay and so on. Keep in mind that some models can only hold a certain amount of split times. Hence we recommend checking the feature list to see how many split times your stopwatch can hold.

Timer

The main core of a stopwatch is the timer. As mentioned earlier, the timer times how long it takes you to do something, not timing the actual event.

Assume you are leaving home to go to work. Press the start the moment you step out of your front door. When you reach the office, press stop. The time it took you to get to your workplace from your house can be seen on the stopwatch.

Parts

A stopwatch has a display (some call it the “face”) that shows all the time data. And there are two types for this one: analogue and digital.

Each is divided by separations that measure hundredths to thousands of a second. Analogue has hands to express time, while digital displays it on a small screen number.

We already mentioned this, but both analogue and models have action buttons. These buttons let you start and stop time, or restart the count, make a lap, or split the count into partial times.

What Does a Stopwatch Measure?

A stopwatch, both analogue and digital, can measure time in three ways:

• Cumulative. This records how long it takes between one event and another. For one, the time is taken for an athlete to go from the starting point to the finish line.
• Laps or splits. This shows the time between a series of events, such as how long the runner runs each lap.
• Cumulative and laps. This measures the time between a series of events and in total. For instance, the time taken for a sprinter to run each lap and the entire race in total.

How To Use a Digital Stop Watch?

Digital stopwatches are common in laboratories. They can measure a time interval up to 0.01 seconds, indicating the time lapsed as the start/stop button is pressed.

The time interval is recorded between the start and stop of an event. See the accumulated numbers on the screen to note the time.

The reset button restores its initial zero settings and you can start timing the next activity.

How To Use an Analogue Stopwatch?

Mechanical stopwatches measure a time interval up to 0.1 seconds. They feature a knob that is used to wind the spring that powers the watch.

This lever control can also be used as a start-stop and reset button. The stopwatch will start to record the time when the knob is pressed. When pressed the second time, it stops. The third press brings the needle back to zero.

Different Uses of a Stopwatch

When it comes to science, knowing how long something takes is important. This includes research, investigation, and understanding a certain matter.

Scientists use stopwatches in kinetics, both in chemistry and physics, and experiments. This is to determine the following:

• Reaction. The time it takes before an event occurs.
• Speed. The time something takes in general.
• Velocity. The speed of something travelling in a particular direction.

Stopwatches have always been important and an essential in the sporting world, too. This device makes it possible to record time as close to the mark as possible.

Be it analogue or digital, stopwatches are used for three common reasons:

• For measuring performance and determining rank. How long it takes an athlete to run a 100m sprint, for instance? The time taken will determine first, second and third place.
• Part of training. Most athletes use a stopwatch for their training, tracking their performance and progress with their coach.
• During gameplay. Soccer matches use a cumulative and lap/split stopwatch to calculate extra time needed for timeouts during the game.

Sporting events are highly competitive, every second (even a millionth of a second) counts! So time must be recorded as precisely as possible. The difference between first and second place for two athletes could be as little as 0.0001 of a second.

Other beneficial uses of a stopwatch

Did you know that stopwatches are also used as punch clocks? Some companies rely on this type of timekeeping for tracking their employees hours and evaluating their efficiency.

The advanced setting even allow for break time adjustments. An analogue stopwatch would be perfect for you if you want something mechanically operated for monitoring time.

Inaccurate timekeeping can also cause billing headaches. This is where a stopwatch comes into play for precision billing! It helps provide precise time data to ensure you nail every moment spent on projects and clients.

And if you really want to go a non-digital route for setting a timer, you can time anything with a stopwatch! This includes meditation, writing, chores, work intervals, and other daily life situations.

This practice gives you the sense of permission to be dedicated in whatever you decided to do and make it worthy of your time.

The Bottom Line

Electronic timing did not replace mechanical timing. In fact, this mighty mechanical hand timer has proven its worth again and again.

Even with electronic app timekeeping, nothing beats the accuracy and precision that a stopwatch offers for different uses. It may not be a necessity, but incorporating it into your lifestyle can also help make your daily life more manageable.