How to Use Your Watch As a Compass

Whether you're lost in the woods or wondering which direction the windows face in a house you are thinking of buying, you may need to find north without a compass. An ordinary wristwatch can provide the answer. Follow these steps to find out how.

Things You'll Need

  • Matchstick
  • Analog wristwatch or digital wristwatch
  • A sheet of paper
  • A pencil or pen
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Instructions

  1. Northern Hemisphere

    • 1

      Holding the watch so the hands are parallel to the ground, point the hour hand toward the sun.

    • 2

      Take a matchstick and lay it on the watch face so the head covers the number halfway between the hour hand and the number 12.

    • 3

      The match head is pointing south, and the other end points north.

    • 4

      If your watch is set to daylight saving time, use the number 1 as a reference point instead of 12.

    Southern Hemisphere

    • 5

      Holding the watch so the hands are parallel to the ground, point the number 12 toward the sun.

    • 6

      Take a matchstick and lay it on the watch face so the head covers the number halfway between the number 12 and the hour hand.

    • 7

      The match head is pointing north.

    • 8

      If your watch is set to daylight saving time, use the number 1 as a reference point instead of 12.