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Compass direction using a watch

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Specialized 24 Hour Watch with Compass Card Dial

Direction Finding Watch

The photo to the left shows a specialized 24 hour watch optimized for finding directions using the sun. With the watch set to indicate local time, the hour hand is pointed directly at the sun. North is indicated by the local noon position (In the Northern Hemisphere).

It is also possible to approximate one's bearings using an analogue watch. The method is as follows: 1) Hold the watch with 12:00 pointed towards your left. 2) Rotate into position so that the hour arm is pointing towards the sun. 3) The point halfway between the hour arm and 12:00 points towards the south.