For the newly inducted into the world of horology, it is possible that the most unique watch you have ever encountered is a chronograph. While the watchmaking involved in crafting a chronograph remains one of the most complicated in the industry, it is by no means the most unique. One such example of a unique type of watch would be the 24 Hour Watch. Since the beginning of horology in ancient Egypt, our days have been divided into 24 hour segments. While the ancient Egyptians used sundials and astronomy to keep track of the passage of time, the 24 hour day has withstood the literal test of time, regardless of all the technological advancements or French Revolutions and decimal time.
What is a 24 Hour Watch?
The standard clock / wristwatch divides the day into segments of twelve hour segments, which makes it easier to read, but it may also make it difficult to determine whether it is morning or night at a glance. Even in conversation, we developed the terms ante meridiem (AM) - meaning before midday- and post meridiem (PM) - meaning after midday - to differentiate between day and night.
This inspired the creation of the 24 Hour Clock or Wristwatch, which allows people to know instantly the time, as well as time of day.
How to Read a 24 Hour Watch
The first time you look at the dial of a 24 Hour Watch can be overwhelming, simply because it is typically packed with numbers and details, and it can seem completely different from any other watch that you have encountered before. In actuality, however, reading a 24 Hour Watch is exactly the same as reading your standard 12-Hour Watch.
For a 24 Hour Watch, midnight is denoted by the shorter hour-hand and longer minutes-hand pointing at the top of the dial. To denote 12 noon, the hour hand will be pointed to the bottom of the dial where the 6 Hour mark would usually be located on a standard timepiece with the minutes-hand pointed to the top of the dial.
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It may take time - pun intended - to get accustomed to reading your new 24 Hour Watch, but don’t worry, you will be able to read this like a pro in no time. Wancher’s 24 Hour Watches are available in three variations - white dial, green dial, and black dial - which are currently available now. Take a look if you simply want to dip your toe into the world of 24 Hour Watches, or if you want to expand your personal collection of 24 Hour Watches.
If you consider yourself a visual learner, feel free to learn about 24 Hour Watches through our informative, hands-on Youtube video.
