Eli5 – how does a gmt watch function as a compass by setting the watch to the local time? And is it accurate?

Question

I have seen 15 different YouTube videos on finding north using a gmt watch and I’m confused how accurate or useful that even is.

In: 1

Answer 1

That’s simply a trick that works because the design of analogue watches is based on how the sun travels.

You said you watched some clips on how to do it, but if you’re still confused here’s a [guide](https://www.wikihow.com/Use-an-Analog-Watch-as-a-Compass) on it.

And it’s as accurate as is necessary when you’re using your watch to find north. You probably would miss the pole by some hundred kilometers if you do that in Italy and manage to walk an exactly straight line from there, but in an emergency situation where you just need to make sure you don’t go in circles it works well.