Glossary

An altimeter is a device that measures altitude or elevation above sea level. It is commonly used in aviation, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities to help determine one's location and to aid in navigation.

An altimeter can work based on various principles, such as barometric pressure or GPS technology. A barometric altimeter measures altitude by measuring the atmospheric pressure, which decreases as the altitude increases. The device contains a small aneroid barometer that expands or contracts with changes in air pressure, which moves a needle on the display to indicate the current altitude.

Altimeters are commonly found in watches designed for outdoor activities, as well as in dedicated handheld devices used by hikers, climbers, and pilots. They often include additional features, such as temperature readings and weather forecasting.

Mechanical wristwatches with altimeter features are relatively rare, as most altimeter watches use electronic sensors to measure altitude.