The use of instruments that are cutting-edge and at the same time functional is more and more common in sport, hiking and mountaineering.
To all mountain lovers, Pce Instruments offers an altimeter watch with a classic design, leather strap and stainless steel case with hardened mineral glass, which is in fact an innovative, analogue, multifunction device.
The multifunction altimeter watch Penta 5 in 1 has the normal time display, a compass function, barometer, thermometer and altimeter. Fitted with a high-precision quartz movement, this watch shows the time in analogue form, 12/24 hours, and has an alarm function. The large central hand gives the seconds and at the same time shows the compass direction. Changes in the weather are shown by a section with 3 weather symbols.
Temperature readings range from -15° to 45° C. The watch's altimeter measures height from 0 to 9000 metres in steps of 10 metres.
| Compass |
main direction indicator bearing in degrees (resolution 0 ... 360 °) magnetic declination compensation |
| Altimeter | 0 ... 9000 m resolution 10 m height shown in kilometres from 1000 m |
| Barometer | weather forecast in 3 symbols: sunny, cloudy, rain |
| Thermometer | temperature shown in ºC -15 ... +45 °C |
| Time | time in AM / PM (12/ 24 h) alarm |
For further information: Professional measuring instruments
How to use it properly on a hike
An altimeter that measures altitude through atmospheric pressure is affected by changes in the weather: if the pressure varies, the altitude shown shifts even when you are not moving. That is why it is worth calibrating it at the start and checking it again every time you reach a point of known altitude, such as a summit, a hut or a pass marked on the map. In the same way, an altitude that changes while you are standing still is a useful clue that the weather is about to get worse, or better.
The built-in compass should be held flat and away from metal objects or electronic devices, which can throw off the reading. It remains a back-up tool: it does not replace the topographic map or the ability to find your way. For the basics read how to use a compass and the comparison between GPS and paper map.
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