Using the Compass Ring on a wristwatch

Created 10-10-2001
Updated 08-01-2002

Background
A watch equipped with a Compass Ring may be used to find the direction during daylight hours.

A compass ring will be calibrated with the directions of the compass "N", "S", "E", and "W" for North, South, East, and West. There may be intermediate calibrations and some compass rings will have degree markings.

A watch with a timing bezel may also be used if you substitute the numbers at "0", "15", "30", and "45" for the directions North, East, South, and West respectively.

The method described here is not particular to any specific watch and can be applied to all watches with a compass ring.

Finding direction in the morning hours (sunrise to noon)
Finding direction in the AM
A
- Point the Hour hand at the sun.

B - Rotate the compass ring until S (South) is half way between the hour hand and 12:00.

C - The correct directions are shown on the dial.

Finding direction in the afternoon hours (noon to sunset)
Finding direction in the P.M.
A - Point the Hour hand at the sun.

B - Rotate the compass ring until S (South) is half way between the hour hand and 12:00.

C - The correct directions are shown on the dial.

 

Note: Adjust the compass ring every hour to reflect changes in the sun's position.
When reading the compass direction ring, make certain that the hour hand is always pointed towards the sun.
When the hour hand is at 12:00 noon, S (South) should also be at 12:00.

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