Compass Trick

Compass Trick – Watch as a compass

Each watch can be used as a compass when the sun is shining (and only then). For GMT and Explorer II, the 24-hour hand is the compass, but it also works with any other watch. Stunning. Here is a guide, which was thankfully provided by the watch collector, Georg Burger.

 

Watch with GMT function

 

kompass

Compass function with Rolex GMT Master and Explorer II
(Quelle/Source: Georg Burger)

 

It’s easy with the Rolex GMT Master or Explorer II:

  1. Point the “normal” hour hand at the sun.
  2. The 24-hour hand is then the compass needle and points exactly north (if the location is in the north hemisphere; otherwise the pointer points south).

Important: The hour hand and the 24 hour hand must display the same time.

 

Normal watch without second time zone

However, it even works with a normal watch, even if you need to “think about it,” which is otherwise unnecessary with the GMT or Explorer II:

  1. Align the hour hand in the direction of the sun.
  2. Imagine a line from the center of the watch to the number 12.
  3. The position halfway between the imaginary line and the hour hand is pointing south.

Important: During daylight savings time, the imaginary line must pass through the 1 o’clock position instead of the 12 o’clock position.

 

Title picture: worac / 123RF Lizenzfreie Bilder