All about hands. A guide to names and styles
Various
All about hands. A guide to names and styles
While the ticking heart of the watch lies in its mechanism, the hands on the dial become the unique details that quietly account for the passage of time with each measured movement. They come in a myriad of styles, each contributing to the unique character and perceived visual appearance of the watch.
As we embark on a journey through the delicate dance of the hands on the dial of a watch, in this article we will uncover the secrets of their design and the ingenious concepts through which each wearer can admire their appearance. Join us as we delve into the world of hands, where every tick is a picture of precision.
Table of contents:
The hands in a watch, an integral part of any timepiece
The handsin a wristwatch not only have a practical function, allowing the time to be easily read, but also have an aesthetic value. Their precise movement ensures the accuracy of the indication, and their style and shape can further influence the appearance of the watch. Gently moving hands in a watch add elegance and character, giving the timepiece a unique look. This is why hands are an important part of both the functionality and visual appeal of any watch. What types of hands can we find among the watches available in our shop? Let's find out!
Alpha guidance, synonymous with class and elegance in watchmaking
A distinctive feature of Alpha hands is their triangular shape, reminiscent of the capital letter "A". These hands typically have a slender and elongated profile, tapering towards the hour mark. Alpha guidance is known for its versatility, which seamlessly complements both vintage-inspired watches and modern, contemporary designs. The use of Alpha tips harkens back to traditional watchmaking, where craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount. Watches with Alpha hands often evoke a sense of nostalgia, recalling a time when elegance and precision were synonymous with watchmaking.
Arrow hands - precise time indication
Arrow hands represent the characteristic and familiar arrows with a pointed and angular design, culminating in a sharp tip. They can be boldly perceived as dynamic symbols that add a sense of direction and purpose to the dial. The arrow shape not only serves a functional purpose in timing, but also adds a layer of visual interest to the watch on which they are placed. Arrow-shaped hands are often associated with nautical and aviation-themed watches, but in addition to the association with specific motifs, the arrow tips give the watch a sporty and adventurous feel. The pointed shape lends a sense of movement, making them particularly popular in watches with chronographs or designed for outdoor activities.
The legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet, the Breguet hands
Named after the esteemed watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, Breguet hands were first introduced in the late 18th century. The hands quickly gained recognition in the watchmaking market for their unique design, characterised by an open, minimalist and hollow circle at the end. Breguet hands exude a sense of timeless elegance thanks to their simplicity. The open circle at the tip adds a touch of delicacy and elegance to them, and the choice of this type of design not only enhances the aesthetics of the hands, but also contributes to the legibility of the dial. One of the remarkable aspects of Breguet hands is their versatility. Although historically associated with classic and evening watches, they also find their use in other styles and occasions. Whether adorning the dial of a vintage-inspired timepiece or a modern one equipped with smart functions, Breguet hands adapt seamlessly to different circumstances, displaying their timeless charm.
Stick hands as the essence of modern simplicity
Stick hands are characterised by their simple and narrow shape. This minimalist design provides a clean and tidy appearance, improving the legibility of each hour mark. Their classic nature fits perfectly into the norms of modern design, making them a popular choice among the biggest watch lovers. An added bonus is that they integrate seamlessly with a variety of watch models - from evening to sports. Their classic and elegant form allows them to complement a variety of dial designs, making stick hands an option for those looking for a universal and timeless aesthetic.
Dynamic dial design with Broad-Arrow hands
TheBroad-Arrow hands emerge as a distinctive and dominant detail on the watch dial. The broad-arrow symbol has a long history, often associated with military use to signify ownership or authority. The distinctive element is undoubtedly their size and the size of the arrow located at the end of the pointer. The use of such a bold design not only promotes a great look, but also enables very good legibility of the dial.
Cathedral hands, timing as art
In the world of watchmaking, every element contributes to the overall visual appearance of a watch. With cathedral hands, every dial gains a touch of grace and sophistication. The tips of the cathedral hands are characterised by an elongated design, reminiscent of soaring arches. Their slender profile gently tapers to a thin point, creating a delicate detail that symbolises the essence of architectural beauty. Despite their intricate design, the cathedral cues prioritise legibility. The slender and pointed shape ensures that the hands do not adversely affect the reading of the dial. Thanks to the activation of the vintage style, many manufacturers are applying this type of detail to their pieces, giving contemporary watches a sense of nostalgia and belonging to a part of a particular history.
Dauphine hands as the epitome of subtlety
The origins of Dauphine hands date back to the mid-20th century. Known for their elegant and tapering profile, they are characterised by a wide base that gradually tapers to a thin, pointed tip. The resulting shape resembles the elegant and streamlined silhouette of a dolphin's fin, evoking a sense of fluidity and grace. One of the distinctive features of the Dauphine hands is their adaptability to different watch styles. Whether adorning the dial of a minimalist evening watch or complementing the intricate details of a particular model, these hands integrate seamlessly into a variety of designs. Their versatility has made them a favourite of watchmakers looking for a universal touch of elegance.
Fleur de Lys dedicated to lovers of class
TheFleur de L ys hands allude to the delicate motifs of lily flowers commonly used in various art forms. The term'Fleur de Lys' translates as'lily flower' in French. Such cues are characterised by an elegant appearance and whether adorning architectural elements, fashion accessories i.e. watches or decorative objects, Fleur de Lys cues often evoke a sense of timeless beauty. The flower symbol has historical significance and is associated with a variety of meanings including purity, religion and royal symbolism, making it a versatile piece to suit many occasions.
Natural Leaf guidance charm
Leaf tips have a distinctive design in which both the base and the tip are gently tapered, creating a unique leaf-like pattern. The middle part of the pointer gracefully expands, giving them an elegant and distinctive appearance. This thoughtful design not only enhances the aesthetics of the watch, but also reflects the meticulous attention to detail, presenting the combination of precision and artistic design inherent in Leaf-type hands.
Leaf hands for lovers of elegance
The hands ofa Lance watch are characterised by their elegant and streamlined appearance. With their pointed tip and slender design, they resemble a blade that exemplarily indicates each hour mark. This style is often chosen for its clean and tidy appearance, contributing to the overall legibility of the dial. Like alpha hands, Lance hands are versatile and can complement a variety of watch models, from classic and elegant to more contemporary and minimalist.
Lollipop hands - a sweet addition in the world of watches
Lollipop hands are a distinctive variety of watch hands, characterised by their unique design and luminescent properties. These hands can have a hollow interior, which is an eye-catching detail. At the end of each pointer is a minimalist lollipop-like circle emphasising the modern design. In addition, the tip of the hands is accentuated with a pointed section.
Obelisque hands - a unique beauty
Obelisks, with their tall, slender shapes and pyramidal tops, originated in ancient Egypt some 4,000 years ago. These monumental structures were often erected as symbols of power, commemorating pharaohs and celebrating their achievements. They became the inspiration for many manufacturers, who decided that Obelisque tips would make great commemorations of historic buildings. They feature a wide base, gradually tapering towards the top. There may be a luminescent coating on them so that we can enjoy great visibility of the dial even in poor lighting conditions.
Mercedes hands, combining precision with elegance
The distinctive design of the Mercedes watch hands is derived from the iconic, internationally recognisable Mercedes-Benz logo. Mercedes hands feature a unique design reminiscent of a three-pointed star. Creating the hands of a Mercedes watch requires meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to precision. Watchmakers use a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology to ensure that each pointer is perfectly shaped and aligned. The hands are often made from high-quality materials such as steel or precious metals, reflecting the striving for perfection found in Mercedes-Benz cars.
Sailing inspiration Paddle tips
The design of Paddle tips draws inspiration from the world of sport, particularly water activities such as kayaking. Their rectangular shape reflects the blades of oars. This application not only adds a sporty and dynamic character to the watch, but also improves the legibility of the dial. One of the key advantages of the Paddle hands is their versatility. In addition to aesthetics, the paddle watch hands serve a practical purpose. Their wider surface allows a larger plane to be covered with luminescent material, improving visibility in low-light conditions. This makes this type of hands an excellent choice for watches designed for outdoor activities or that require reliable legibility in a variety of environments.
Pencil hands - sketch your time
Pencil tips are a departure from standard time markers, taking inspiration from the iconic writing instrument, the pencil. Unlike conventional tips with solid or luminescence-filled shapes, pencil tips have a slender, elongated form reminiscent of a finely sharpened pencil. Tips typically taper gradually from a base near the centre of the dial to a thin point. Pencil hands are often associated with creativity, imagination and the act of bringing ideas to life on paper. By introducing pencil watch hands, watchmakers give their watches a sense of expressing individual personality and style. This choice will suit those who want to express themselves through expressive accessories.
Plongeur tips, synonymous with navigating the depths
If you are a fan or fanatic of the underwater world and lead an active underwater lifestyle seeking a new experience and creating memories then a watch with Plongeur hands will be an essential companion for deep-sea adventures . In an underwater world where visibility is limited, the legibility of a watch can make all the difference. Plongeur hands have been designed for divers, for whom legibility of the dial is the most important aspect. This type of hands is characterised by a large surface area, which allows for a generous application of luminescent coating to enable the time to be read even in extreme lighting conditions. It is worth adding that they are made of robust materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of an aquatic environment.
Skeleton hands - the unique beauty of an open mechanism
Skeleton watches are known for their transparent dials and openworked mechanisms, allowing the greatest watchmaking enthusiasts to discover their precise workings. While traditional watch hands move on a covered dial, skeleton hands indicate the time highlighting the beauty of bridges, gears or escapements. Designing skeletonised watch hands requires a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The holes or cut-outs in the models in question must be carefully crafted to ensure that the hands remain solid and able to indicate time accurately. Watchmakers use advanced engineering and precision machining to achieve the perfect balance between the beauty of clarity and the reliability of timekeeping.
The classic charm of the Spade hand
Spade tips are reminiscent of the digging tools they are inspired by. Among the various styles of hands, those of the Spade type stand out for their timeless elegance and classic charm. Their elegance lies in their simplicity, making them a popular choice for both vintage and contemporary watches. The use of Spade hands dates back to the early days of watchmaking, where they were chosen for their clarity and legibility. The pointed end of the pointer allows for precise and, above all, fast timekeeping.
Syringe hands, the precision of every second
In the world of watchmaking, many details can take unexpected forms. Syringe hands, which symbolise syringes used in the medical community, are one such example. By applying them to a variety of watch models, they add an unconventional and distinctive touch. Syringe hands are characterised by slender, pointed tips that taper towards the centre. The tips often have a centre filled with a luminescent coating, reminiscent of the barrel of a medical syringe. The association with precision and accuracy, inspired by a medical instrument, is in line with the basic principles of timekeeping. The cues imitating a syringe serve as a reminder that, like a carefully measured dose of medication, time is precious and should be precisely monitored.
Sword tips - blades of time on your wrist
The popular Sword type hands are reminiscent of the sword, which has been a symbol of masculinity for centuries. Characterised by their wide, tapering form with a pointed tip, they exude a sense of strength. The simplicity of their design contributes to their timeless elegance, making them a popular choice for many watchmakers. The use of sword hands in watch design dates back to the mid-20th century, when the trend for minimalist and subtle aesthetics became popular. The design reflects the elegance and precision associated with the weapons of a noble knight, symbolising a commitment to accuracy and excellence in measuring time.
Unconventional indication of time
Many manufacturers are moving away from the classic analogue hands and showing the passage of time through a variety of forms. This includes not only modern smartwatches, which show every hour thanks to smart displays, but also innovative systems. There is no doubt that the watch face is the canvas for any watchmaker and allows creativity and passion to be expressed.
While traditional watches have hands that move around a circular dial, some watches challenge the norm with unconventional methods of displaying hours and minutes. The Bulova brand is a great example that there are plenty of ways to combine great time indication along with timeless design. The Bulova Computron 96C139 reflects the spirit of the 1970s.The hallmark of the Bulova Computron is undoubtedly its trapezoidal envelope with a slightly slanted display. This is dedicated to drivers who find it difficult to read the time while driving.
In the case of the Police Rotor PL.PEWJP2228501 watch, analogue hands replace the modern time reading. It exemplifies the brand's commitment to bold design and precision engineering. With its distinctive details and functions, it is a captivating accessory that goes beyond simply indicating the time and is undoubtedly impressive.
The influence of the hands on the visual appearance of a particular watch
Each unique model, from the classic elegance of Alpha type hands to the contemporary appeal of skeleton hands, contributes to the overall character of the watch. As you can see, a variety of hands not only serve a practical purpose, facilitating the legibility of the dial, but also convey a symbolic meaning reflecting a particular taste or character. Take a look at our shop and find the perfect model for you :)
