How to use an analog watch as a compass

If you find yourself in an emergency situation or are simply an adventure lover, knowing how to use an analog watch as a compass can be very useful. In this guide, you will learn how to use your watch to find the right direction when you're off-road.

How does it work?

The analog watch can be used as a compass thanks to its hour hand. This hand always points towards the sun at solar noon (not civil noon). So, if you know the exact time of day and know where the sun is, you can determine the north-south direction.

• To do this, hold the watch flat on the palm of your hand and position the hour hand towards the sun.
• Point the 12 o'clock arrow towards the sun.
• Now imagine a straight line passing between the hour hand and twelve o'clock.
• This line represents the south-north direction. The midpoint between the hour hand and twelve o'clock indicates the southern direction.

Remember that this method only works if the sun is above the horizon and it's not cloudy. Also, you need to know the exact time of day to use it correctly.

In any case, it's always better to have a real compass with you when you're off-road, but knowing how to use an analog watch as a compass can be a great emergency solution.

How an Analog Watch Works

An analog watch is composed of several parts that work together to indicate the time accurately. The main part of the watch is the movement, which contains all the necessary components to make the watch work.

Watch Movement

The watch movement consists of a series of gears and toothed wheels that move in sync to keep the exact time. The basic mechanism involves a pendulum or spring as a source of energy, but modern watches use lithium batteries.

The watch movement also includes the hour hand, minute hand, and second hand. The hands are connected to a system of gears and toothed wheels, which rotate them with precision. The hour hand moves slowly, while the minute hand moves faster. Finally, the second hand moves even faster.

Oscillating Crystal

Inside the watch movement there is also an oscillating crystal, which vibrates at a constant frequency when an electric current is applied. This vibration of the crystal makes the integrated circuit inside the watch movement work, which controls the speed of the hands.

Dial or Face

The dial or face is the part of the watch that shows the time. It's often made of metal or plastic and has numbers or markers to indicate the hours. The hour hand points to the numbers on the dial, while the minute hand indicates the smaller segments between the numbers.

Watch Case

The watch case protects the movement and dial from the outside. It can be made of various materials such as steel, gold, titanium or plastic. Most analog watches have a crown on the case, which is used to set the time and adjust the hands.

• The movement of the watch is composed of gears and wheels that work together to keep accurate time.
• The oscillating crystal operates the integrated circuit inside the watch movement, which controls the speed of the hands.
• The dial displays the time with numbers or markers to indicate the hours.
• The watch case protects the movement and dial from the outside.

Determining North Direction with a Watch

To determine north direction using an analog watch, follow these steps:

1. Hold the watch in your hand: The watch should be held so that the hour hand points towards the sun.
2. Orient yourself towards the sun: Look at the watch and locate halfway between the hour hand and twelve o'clock. This line represents south-north direction. Orient yourself so that this line faces towards the sun.
3. Improvised compass: Imagine having an improvised compass divided into four equal parts like a pie. The top part of "pie" indicates north direction. So if you are correctly oriented towards the sun, then top part of "pie" will be your north direction.

Remember that this method only works when there is sunlight and only in temperate zones where Sun moves regularly enough to indicate reliable north direction. In other zones or adverse weather conditions, you may have to rely on other tools to find the right direction.

Calculating Position with a Watch

Once you have located north using the watch, you can use this information to calculate your approximate position.

To do this, you need to know the exact time of your watch and the local mean solar time. The local mean solar time is the average solar time at the Greenwich meridian corrected for your position's longitude. You can find this information online or on a topographic map.

Suppose you have an analog watch and it is currently 2:30 PM. Your local mean solar time is 12:30 PM if you are east of the Greenwich meridian or 3:30 PM if you are west.

Now look at the angle between the hour hand of the watch and the point where the sun is in the sky. If you are in the northern hemisphere, rotate the watch so that the hour hand points towards the sun. Then imagine an imaginary line passing through the center of the watch and dividing the angle between the hour hand and point where sun is half way. This line represents an approximate direction towards south.

If you are in the southern hemisphere, rotate the clock so that the hour hand points towards the sun, but then imagine an imaginary line passing through the center of the clock and dividing the angle between the hour hand and the point where the sun is located in half. This line represents an approximate direction towards north.

Once you have determined the approximate direction towards south or north, you can use it to orient yourself on the map and calculate your approximate position.

• If you are east of the Greenwich meridian, draw an imaginary line from your position southward on the map. Then draw a second imaginary line from your position eastward. Where these two lines intersect indicates your approximate position.
• If you are west of the Greenwich meridian, draw an imaginary line from your position southward on the map. Then draw a second imaginary line from your position westward. Where these two lines intersect indicates your approximate position.

Remember that this method provides only an approximate estimate of your position and is not as precise as using more advanced navigation tools. However, it can be useful in emergency situations or when you do not have access to other navigation tools.

Conclusion

In summary, the analog clock can be used as a compass, but only in emergency situations or when you do not have access to a traditional compass. The technique requires practice and precision to work correctly.

Always remember to have a reliable compass with you and know how to use it before undertaking outdoor activities. Additionally, if you find yourself in an emergency situation, try to remain calm and evaluate your options before acting.

If you need further information on survival techniques or how to use specific tools, consult reliable sources or seek advice from industry experts.

• Remember: using the analog clock as a compass is only a temporary survival technique and should not replace the use of a traditional compass.
• Be prepared: always carry the necessary tools for outdoor activities and learn how to use them correctly before undertaking them.
• Stay calm: in case of emergency, try to remain calm and carefully evaluate your options before acting.