Hello all. I’ve always been a digital clock user, but I am trying to get myself used to reading an analog watch.

For the most part it’s fine, taking me several extra seconds over digital so far.

But one thing I am struggling with is discerning the exact minute. Because the minute hand slowly moves over time as opposed to ticking, I have trouble telling whether or not it’s say…9:22 or 9:23 for example.

Because when the time is say…9:22 and 5 seconds, the hand will clearly be on the 9:22 mark. But when it’s 9:22 and 45 seconds, it looks like it’s actually 9:23 when it isn’t yet.

Is this just always a limitation that I’m stuck with using analog? How precise are you all with analog clocks? Is there a way I can more quickly determine the exact minute?

Thanks!

  • sem@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    2·
    13 hours ago

    I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Parallax Error yet.

    Because when the time is say…9:22 and 5 seconds, the hand will clearly be on the 9:22 mark. But when it’s 9:22 and 45 seconds, it looks like it’s actually 9:23 when it isn’t yet.

    The best way to avoid this error is to look exactly straight on at the watch or clock, which isn’t always possible for wall clocks. If you look from an angle, it is easier to mistake the time for 9:23 or 9:21 when it is really 9:22. This is a physical limitation of any measurement gauge or dial.

    The other bit of information is the second hand, if you have one.

    My mental algorithm goes something like this, it i were to step through it slowly:

    1. General impression of the clock. The shape of the hour and minute hand together. I recognize the approximate time: a few minutes past 9:20. This is usually sufficient precision for my needs.
    2. Minute hand fine position: somewhere between 9:22 and 9:23.
    3. Second hand position: at 45 seconds. I now know the time is 9:22:45.

    This gets faster with practice. Instead of having to work out the time, you’ll just know it, the more you do it.