The only times I saw the hands of the anemometer dials rock steady was when there was a dead calm. Despite the damping mechanisms they generally fluctuated about mean indications of direction and strength (speed) which is what you passed on to pilots. There were rules about rapidly notifying defined changes. Thinking back ( a long way) I believe our indicators were driven mechanically direct from anemometer on tower roof few feet above. 75ft agl. Pilots are better served today but wind and rain hasnt changed much.