How to use your watch as a compass?

Part 5 - How to use your watch as a compass

This is probably one of those things that you will never have to use but still it could be a lifesaver and is interesting to know. People are always impressed with this one.

I shouldn't have to say (but I will anyway) but you need an analog watch as opposed to a digital watch for this one as the hour hand is required. This is for direction only, I doubt that anyone would be able to use their wristwatch for navigation but if you think you can go for it.

Step 1 - While holding your watch horizontally in front on you locate the sun and point the hour hand directly at the sun.

Step 2 - Using a match, blade of grass etc. Place it halfway between the hour hand and the number 12 (make sure your hour hand is still pointing at the sun)

Step 3 - Once halfway between the sun and 12, you have your south - north line. i.e. the direction you are looking in should be south and north behind you - in the southern hemisphere this is reversed.

Step 4 - If you are using daylight saving time on your watch, use the number 1 as a reference point instead of 12

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Notes:

If you do not have an analog watch, simply draw a watch face and use that instead

The closer to the equator you are the less precise this method becomes