The Breitling watch, particularly models like the Navitimer, is renowned not only for its precision timekeeping but also for its integrated slide rule, a logarithmic scale that transforms the watch into a powerful analog calculator. Before the advent of affordable electronic calculators in the 1980s, slide rules were indispensable tools for engineers, pilots, scientists, and anyone needing to perform complex calculations quickly. Learning to use the logarithmic scale on a Breitling watch unlocks a wealth of practical applications, from converting units to calculating fuel consumption and airspeed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the principles behind the slide rule, demonstrate how to perform various calculations, and answer frequently asked questions about using the logarithmic scale on your Breitling watch.
The Legacy of the Slide Rule: From Mechanical Marvel to Horological Feature
The slide rule's history is a fascinating journey from early logarithmic tables to sophisticated mechanical calculating devices. Before the 1980s, complex mathematical computations relied heavily on these analog tools. The precision and speed they offered were crucial in various fields, especially in aviation and engineering. The Breitling Navitimer, introduced in 1952, capitalized on this need, integrating the slide rule directly into the watch, making it a vital instrument for pilots. While modern digital calculators and computers have largely replaced physical slide rules, the logarithmic scale on a Breitling watch remains a testament to ingenuity and a practical tool for those who understand its capabilities. It serves as a backup calculation method, independent of batteries or electronic signals, and offers a certain tactile satisfaction that digital devices lack.
Understanding the Principles: The Logarithmic Scale Explained
To effectively use the logarithmic scale on your Breitling watch, you need to grasp the fundamental principles behind it. The slide rule works based on the properties of logarithms. In simple terms, a logarithm is the exponent to which a base number (usually 10) must be raised to produce a given number. For example, the logarithm (base 10) of 100 is 2 because 102 = 100.
The key advantage of logarithms is that they transform multiplication into addition and division into subtraction. This is because:
* log(a * b) = log(a) + log(b)
* log(a / b) = log(a) - log(b)как пользоваться логарифмической линейкой на часах breitling
The logarithmic scale on the Breitling watch is designed so that the distances between numbers are proportional to the logarithms of those numbers. When you rotate the bezel, you are effectively adding or subtracting logarithmic distances, which corresponds to multiplying or dividing the numbers represented by those distances.
Components of the Logarithmic Scale on a Breitling Watch
Typically, a Breitling watch with a slide rule has two main scales:
* Outer Scale (Fixed): This scale is usually printed on the watch face or bezel and remains stationary.
* Inner Scale (Rotating): This scale is printed on the rotating bezel, allowing you to align it with the outer scale.
Both scales are logarithmic, but the inner scale is the one you manipulate to perform calculations. The numbers on the scales are typically represented from 10 to 99 (or sometimes a similar range), with markings for intermediate values. The position of the decimal point is determined by the user based on the context of the calculation. This is a crucial aspect of using the slide rule and requires careful consideration.
How to Use the Logarithmic Scale on a Breitling Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let's dive into the practical application of the logarithmic scale. Here are some common calculations you can perform:
1. Multiplication:
* Set-up: Align the "10" (or "1.0" depending on the scale's markings, also called the index) on the rotating bezel with one of the numbers you want to multiply on the fixed scale.
* Read the Result: Find the other number you want to multiply on the rotating bezel. The corresponding number on the fixed scale is the product of the two numbers.
* Decimal Placement: Determine the correct placement of the decimal point based on the approximate magnitude of the numbers being multiplied.
Example: Multiply 12 by 15.
1. Rotate the bezel so that the "10" (index) on the rotating scale aligns with "12" on the fixed scale.
2. Find "15" on the rotating scale.
3. The number on the fixed scale that aligns with "15" on the rotating scale will be approximately "18".
4. Since 12 x 15 is approximately 180, the answer is 180.
2. Division:
* Set-up: Align the dividend (the number being divided) on the fixed scale with the divisor (the number you are dividing by) on the rotating scale.
* Read the Result: Find the "10" (index) on the rotating scale. The corresponding number on the fixed scale is the quotient (the result of the division).
* Decimal Placement: Determine the correct placement of the decimal point based on the approximate magnitude of the numbers being divided.
Example: Divide 150 by 12.