Little known GMT fact :)

[gioarmani]

Not many people know that on a GMT bezel, the wearer can use the 24-hour dial for approximate navigation anywhere between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Polar Circle. But, both the 12 and the 24 hour hand must be synchronized to display local time.

Method 1: When laid horizontally, the dial will head North if the 24 hour hand is pointed towards the sun.

Method 2: If the 12 hour hand is pointed at the sun, the 24 hour hand will point North.

The margin of error directly depends on the difference between local official time and actual local solar time, which is why you have to be between the Tropic of Cancer & the Arctic Polar Circle. But one doesn't need to get too much in the technical details for approximate North, East, South, West navigation.

[Victoria]

Another excellent tip from Gioarmani!

I think I heard that from Bear Grylls too, but no matter. Thanks.

[Nanuq]

You got it! Take care to handle Daylight Savings Time, or your "north" will be off by 30 degrees.

[gioarmani]

You got it! Take care to handle Daylight Savings Time, or your "north" will be off by 30 degrees.

Very true.

[cornerstone]

Or get yourself a "Jungle Master"

Perhaps I could 'reverse engineer' a GMT out of it, point it North and it tells me the time in Paris...