Watch GlossaryTime Zone
A time zone can be defined as the local time of a region or a country
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What Is Time Zone?
A time zone is a standard time allocated to a region, approximately 15 degrees wide longitudinally. It is defined by the difference, or offset, from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), written as UTC- or UTC+ to indicate the hours ahead or behind UTC. Introduced in the late 19th century with the advent of railways, time zones standardized local times across different regions. Some regions use Daylight Saving Time (DST) during summer months to make better use of daylight by setting the clock an hour ahead of standard time. Military time zones, on the other hand, numbering 24, are based on one hour per 15 degrees longitude and are used in aviation, maritime, and telecommunications. Also, India has been observing one time zone, Indian Standard Time (IST), corresponding to UTC+5:30, since 1947.
Watches with functions like dual-time, GMT, and world timers can display multiple time zones simultaneously, useful for travelers and professionals working across different regions. For instance, the Orbis Mundi India Edition by the independent Swiss player, Bovet is created for the modern-day traveller, with a special focus on the Indian market. This world timer encased in a 42mm red-gold case is operated by the crown that is positioned above 12 o’clock. One has to turn the crown counter-clockwise to set the hours and minutes and clockwise to set the 24-hour dial with the world time zone display. Its cobalt-blue dial decorated by intricate guilloche work displays the balance wheel and regulating organ with its three-arm rotating second hand, along with a 20-second semi-circular indication at the six o’clock position. It houses the in-house Calibre 15BM01HU—a hand-wound movement beating at a frequency of 21,600vph with at least a seven-day power reserve.
Types Of Time Zones
Ideally, there should be 24 time zones, each covering 15 degrees of longitude with a one-hour difference. However, the International Date Line (IDL) and zones with 30 or 45-minute offsets increase the total number of time zones.
