Jaeger US Army Air Forces Stopwatch Tachymeter

Some objects don’t just belong to history — they helped make it.

This stopwatch is an original WWII U.S. Army Air Forces Jaeger Tachometer, manufactured by the Jaeger Watch Company of New York, the same firm responsible for precision aviation instruments, military timers, and dashboard gauges throughout the war. This example is a scarce early Model, featuring its original, felt-lined, fitted case, complete with an instruction sheet.

Designed for use alongside the legendary Norden Bombsight, the tachometer was a critical calibration tool. In practice, the bombardier would place the tip of the tach against the bombsight’s adapter shaft, take multiple readings, and average them to ensure the sight’s disc speed was precisely tuned. When minutes meant miles — and accuracy could determine the fate of a mission — this small, hand-held instrument was indispensable.

The mechanism remains fully operational: press the button, and the movement engages; spin the black shaft, and the needle rises, sampling RPM before settling to a reading. It’s both a technical artifact and a piece of lived wartime engineering — built to work, and remarkably, still does.

The tachometer measures approximately 2¼ inches across and sits securely in its original case, lined with green felt and featuring a closable latch. This is not decorative nostalgia. It is a true aviation instrument from the era of B-17s, B-24s, oxygen masks, sheepskin jackets, and blurred photographs of contrails stretching across the high sky.

A rare, evocative artifact from the air war — compact in the hand, expansive in story.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.