How To: Use a Compass Bezel
Watches are good for many things. Obviously, they’re pretty good at telling the time. They can also be passed down as heirlooms. And, depending on your particular approach to watches, they can be anything from diving instruments to collectibles, among other things. But did you know you can use your watch as a compass?
Compass bezels are one of the coolest features a tool watch can have. If you spent time in Scouts as a kid, were on the orienteering team in high school, or just plain love being outdoors, a compass may be a trusted piece of equipment for you.
In the watch collecting community, a compass bezel is one of those unique features that really get enthusiasts going. Sure, most people won’t find themselves lost in the wilderness, just as most people who have dive watches don’t go further than the deep end of the pool. But the point is, if you do get lost, your watch can help you find your way back to civilization. And that might help you sleep better at night. At the very least, it’ll give you something to talk about at your next watch meet-up!
So how does a compass bezel work? First, you need to be able to see the sun. If it's too cloudy or if it's nighttime, this trick won't work. Next, make sure that the 12-hour hand and the GMT hand are both set to the same timezone. Once that's all correct, if you turn your watch so that the 12-hour hand points at the sun, your GMT hand will point directly north (unless you're in the southern hemisphere, in which case it would point south). Now that you've identified true north, rotate the compass bezel so that it lines up with the GMT hand, and you'll have all of your cardinal directions mapped out. Pretty cool, right!?
You can use the compass bezel in the field to know which way to go or your can use it for orienteering on a map in plotting out your route. Either way, it's one more tool in your kit to make the Humboldt GMT SAR Edition the most go-anywhere, do-anything watch we've ever made.
If you're looking to add a robust tool watch with a compass bezel to your collection, Oak & Oscar has you covered! Explore the new Humboldt GMT SAR Edition here.
And just in case you're a visual learning, we've made a nice little video for you too! Check it out below!