WATCH COMPASSES

Watches and compasses just seem to go together. Think about the analog version of both items—round, hands or needles as indicators, small, lightweight. Putting a compass in an old-fashioned pocket watch case makes a handsome package. Digital technology, on the other hand, makes it possible to combine two vitally important tools into one. At the touch of a button, a single instrument can switch from one mode to the other. And if you’re really good at losing small objects, a compass that’s strapped to your wrist is more likely to stay put.

Pocket Watch Compass

We’ve all seen it in movies and television shows—a well-dressed man snapping shut his pocket watch—but nowadays, the pocket watch is mostly found in museums. However, that style of case is a natural for a compass. It’s the right size and shape, and really dresses up and protects this essential item for any hiker or hunter. Modern watch cases can be found in polished stainless steel, machined aluminum, brass, and even plastic, with a fully functioning analog compass inside.

Wristwatch Compass

With advances in digital technology, it makes sense to incorporate a compass into a digital wristwatch. Instead of squinting at tiny numbers on the azimuth ring, you just read the bearing on the display. Most digital watch/compass combos also include other functions as well, such as stopwatch and thermometer. Silva, High Gear, and Suunto are just three makers of this type of compass. If you prefer an analog compass but like the convenience and security of a wrist strap, those are available too. The Expedition by Timex is a line of analog watch/compass combinations, while Suunto and Silva both make just plain compasses on a wristband.

Clip-on Compasses

If you already have a watch, you can easily add a compass to it just by clipping it to the band. This is the most popular style of clip-on compass, but others are made to clip or pin to your shirt, collar, or pack. These are functional compasses, but a little on the small side, so be sure you can read it before relying on it.