BSA Service Sheet 203 illustrates how it was done, "Stick down the hole"
A precision measuring device, trig calculations etc are all far too complicated for what is required, namely a spark in the right place to suit the compression ratio and the fuel octane rating, neither of which will be exactly as it came from the Factory on the day. So the published figures are for how things were back then.
The only true test is how it performs on the road. So to get a runner, stick in the hole or degree disc is just the starting point, and certainly good enough for for sluggards like me.
Swarfy.