While dual-time watches were rendered a tad immaterial given the circumstances we lived in the past couple of years, their functionality is reverted to the forefront as travel is back on people's agenda once again. Put simply, a dual-time complication displays two time zones. (home and local) simultaneously that can be set independently. Of course, horology never settles for simplicity and so there are competing visions. Berner's Illustrated Dictionary of Horology shows this perfectly, with two definitions for the dual-time complication:
1. A device permitting display of the time of day in time zones of several selected locations.
2. A device makes it possible to move the hour hand in jumps of one whole hour without interfering with the display of minutes and seconds.
The distinctions here are subtle, but they are quite real. Nevertheless, the multi-time zone watch is highly practical and purposeful for globetrotters and frequent travellers alike. However, it would be most unwise to think of the dual-time complication solely as a tool for them. There are, after all, many reasons one might want to know the time in another time zone at a glance.
Business remains global, and we have all seen how the supply chain is impacted by how interconnected we are. This is especially true in Singapore, a nation that traffics in global trade. Wherever you are though, you must be able to liaise effectively with your foreign counterparts. On the more casual side of things, Asian sports fans probably want to know (precisely) the broadcast times of say, the NBA Championships or UEFA Champions League in their home time zones.
This brings us to another detail that adds unnecessary complexity to dual-time watches: the concept of home time and local time. To clarify, home time is your own time zone, while local time is the time in your current location. With that said, the two time zones can be whatever you wish to be.
This story is from the June/July 2022 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June/July 2022 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Made For Modern Life
The Volvo EX30 is the much-needed vehicle for a joyful and fuss-free ride.
Eastern Charm
With a blazing display of KARLS Group's culinary bravura, the Upper House KL gives classic Asian flavours a modern twist.
When Worlds Collide
Where revered tradition meets unceasing imagination, Hennessy has teamed up with French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel for its latest collaboration.
The Watchlist
Chronicling the finest timepieces and jewellery for those who appreciate the best.
Forged in Steel
Franck Muller celebrates Sincere Fine Watches’ 7Oth anniversary with avery special Vanguard.
Racing Through Time
Celebrating Rolex's timeless relationship with motor racing.
A Man And His Watch
Men's Folio Malaysia speaks to watch collectors about the first watch that drew them into the hobby.
MIND THE GAP
Millennial humour or Gen Z brain rot? While the online debate rages on, a closer look reveals that these two generations might be staring into the same mirror-realising they are not so different after all. So why does it seem like the two generations are always lost in translation?
Phases of Time
In an exclusive interview with Men's Folio, Thai actor \"Blue\" Pongtiwat Tangwancharoen dons the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and speaks about the concept of time as well as his latest endeavours.
GOING FOURTH
Even in the third interview with Nattawat Jirochtikul — or Fourth — there is more to be discovered about the actor and singer-songwriter, and Men's Folio learns of how much he has changed from the teen who won a talent competition to the young adult he is today.