How to Determine Compass Directions With a Watch

Looking for directions and without a compass? Here is a simple way to determine which way is north using your old-fashioned wristwatch. All you need is a sunny day. This method works best between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on days when the sun isn't high in the sky. The sun is highest in the sky mid-summer. Follow these steps, and you'll be on your way in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • Analog watch
  • Sunny day
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Instructions

  1. Get Oriented

    • 1

      Determine if you are on Daylight Saving Time.

      In many parts of the world, people set their clocks to Daylight Saving Time (DST) during the summer.

      In the United States, DST begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. Hawaii, America Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth or Northern Mariana Islands and Arizona do not observe DST. However, the Navajo Nation observes DST in Arizona.

      In Europe, DST begins on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.

      If you are on DST, reset your watch to standard time--one hour earlier. Example: If it is 3 p.m., reset your watch to 2 p.m.

    • 2

      Determine your location.

      Are you north of the equator or south of the equator?

    • 3

      Hold your watch horizontal to the ground.

      If you are north of the equator, point the hour hand toward the sun. South will be halfway between the hour hand and the number 12 (going the shortest way around the face). When you face south, north will be directly behind you, east is to your left and west is to your right.

      If you didn't reset your watch to Standard Time, south would be located midway between your watch's hour hand and 1 on the dial.

      If you are south of the equator, point the number 12 toward the sun. North will be halfway between the number 12 and the hour hand (going the shortest way around the clock). When you face north, south will be directly behind you, east is to your right and west is to your left.