Clock with World Time Design: Sompex 8120

World time watches show the time in all 24 time zones, which differ by whole-hour intervals. They are the perfect companions when it comes to keeping track of the correct time across the globe. While the world time function used to be of interest mainly to travelers, today it is the basis of what the modern, connected person does and how they act. Of course, all common smartphones also show the different times worldwide, but glancing at your own wall clock is something very special for lovers of mechanical watches. The Sompex 8120 impresses in this world time look.

The history of world time

In America in the 18th century, there were no fewer than 71 different time zones. Local time was based on the position of the sun. Each private railway company therefore had its own time, and changing trains on long journeys from east to west was a true gamble. At the Meridian Conference in 1884, the Earth was then divided into 24 whole-hour time zones and the London suburb of Greenwich was declared the prime meridian – essentially the synchronization base.

Longitude is of enormous importance in determining world time. The Earth's 360 degrees are divided by 24, which is the number of hours in a day. That gives 15. Within a zone of 15 degrees of longitude – adapted to national borders – the same time is meant to apply. The next zone is shifted by one hour each time.

Our Sompex 8120 with world time motif

Our Sompex 8120 World is a rectangular, analog wall clock made from a white, flat metal case. The dial features a black world map motif with the names of all countries. Printed on it are gray index markers, and the hands are red, making it a real eye-catcher on the black-and-white dial! However, this wall clock only has the look of a world time clock; it does not have the corresponding functions. As an example, we show you a real world time clock from our shop that displays all 24 time zones, the Hermle 30504-002100.