The Aquitaine Sundial Ring review
The Sundial ring from Retroworks is the kind of things you are likely to buy on a whim, which is just what happened when I was browsing Amazon.
It's too thick and wide to be worn as a ring, and I'm really not the type of person to wear rings or jewelry. However I was curious to see for myself if it really work.
Well, It does. Almost. The inner track rotate to position the small hole at the correct month marker, and then the ring has to be set with the correct latitude marker up. With a bit of luck the sun will then cooperate and shine a beam of light through the hole, which will light the hour marker on the track inside.
If it sounds like a delicate act of juggling it's because this is exactly what it is. But it does show the time, with some noticeable caveats.
Firstly, it only work in the Northern hemisphere. It's also accurate to 15-30 minutes, roughly, maybe. Obviously the sun has to shine too. Therefore, I'm still not convinced if it's better or worse at telling the time than just standing still and looking at my own shadow.
My conclusion is that it's a cool gadget and a suitable gift for someone who's interested in watches and horology and has the patience to set and balance it correctly. be aware that being made of steel it might get difficult to take it off in case of an emergency.
The Aquitaine Sundial Ring review
Yes
No
- It work, kinda.
- doesn't need winding or a battery
- Can be used as a ring (maybe)
- Nerdily cool
- Doesn't work in the Southern hemisphere
- Getting everything right is difficult
- Not the most accurate timepiece
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Still keeps better time then a MVMT😜
Great, now all the RingCrunch people are going to come over here and make things miserable for everyone.
Nomos has something similar but at 185US$ I doubt if it's such a good deal.
There is a Nomos version on sale on Catawiki right now, currently at €101.
Nomos Glashutte 2022 - Peasant Sundial Ring Sunwatch - Catawiki
Put it on a Toshi.
Still keeps better time then a MVMT😜
Oooh, sick burn!