I have recently discussed the different types of hour markers that you can find in the replica watch industry. I thought that I should continue my logic of thoughts and talk about the types of hands. These, along with the hour markers, have an important role in assigning a certain connotation to the watches. Through the prism of their silhouettes, lengths, and complexity, we can deduce the style of the timepiece. Moreover, each design element in a watch, viewed as a whole, suggests something to us. Whether it whispers about the classic or modern style of the watch, the hands add a strong aesthetic impact.
Have you ever thought about what type of hands is specific for modern timepieces? And what about the classic models? These are some questions that I will cover extensively in this article. All I can tell you, for now, is that what we know today about modern is actually a well-forgotten old. In this context, it is probably time to adapt the definition.
Today I propose to share some key types of watches hands that are most often found in Swiss replica watches. To make a connection between things, I will also refer to older watch models. Through their prism, you will see what has remained available from the old hand styles and what new has been added to the watch industry. With no further ado, buckle up, as I’m going to accompany you through the journey.
Sword-type of hands
I will start with one of the most popular types, mainly for traditional and minimalist replica watches. This type is specific through a sword shape, as the name suggests. In many instances, the watch community also recognizes it by the name of Glaive hands.
This type of hands usually has a narrow base that gradually widens towards the middle and narrows again towards the top. The tip, in turn, may or may not be faceted.
Depending on the model and brand, some sward hands benefit from a luminous material filling. This variation of Sword hands is also known as the Plongeur style. So when you come across such a replica watch, know that it actually has Sword hands, even if it is called “Plongeur”.
The sword hands style has always been present in the watch industry. The trend for this style has risen and fallen periodically, but it has never been absent from the catalogs of watch brands. A curious thing is that the Sword style looks extremely well on different types of watches. In the past, they were mainly associated with military timepieces. However, the watchmaking houses adapted them very quickly for other types of watches as well. You will surely come across Sword hands both in elegant watches with traditional notes and in sports ones.
If you like this type of hands, you can find it in many Rolex replica watches, including the 5517 Milsub imitations. Other brands also use it quite regularly. Cartier, for example, is a staunch follower of this type of hands, especially in its Santos collection. For more sporty preferences, Omega Ploprof replica watches are a potential option.
Syringe-type of hands
This type of hands looks a bit more pronounced on the watch dials due to their barrel base. The tip of the hands is very thin, reminiscent of the shape of a syringe, exactly as the name suggests.
We find this type of hands predominantly in classic watch models. In the last decades, watch manufacturers use this type of hands when they needed a large space for luminous filling.
Like the sword hands type, the syringe version was specific for military watches in the past. However, they were never extremely popular, always being eclipsed by more elegant forms.
Replica watches from the Fossil or Sinn catalog are highlighted by this type of hands.
Cathedral-type of hands
As you have already gotten used to, the names of hands are highly suggestive to understand their shapes. This is also the case with cathedral hands that allude to stained-glass windows specific to old churches and cathedrals.
The design of these hands is usually complex and embossed. The hands have a wide torso which in turn supports the semi-oval structure of the facets. As a rule, there are 3 faces, but some brands also make multi-faceted models. Due to the complexity of the look, the hour and the second hand vary slightly between them. The reason is to visually reduce the “load” and so that the dial does not look too busy.
Respectively, the hour hand expresses a cathedral-like setup. The minute hand, in turn, only completes the picture with a more refined silhouette, while keeping the syringe-esque contours.
In the past, watches with such hands were popular in the post-war period. The brands filled the surfaces of the hands with luminous material, making them extremely versatile. After a slight decrease in popularity, these types of hands regained interest in the ’50s. The Montblanc 1858 replica watch is a good example where you can discover the specifics of cathedral hands.
Leaf-type of hands
This type of hands is very subtle and fine. These allude to the Art Noveau concept and many watch lovers know it as the Feuille type of hands. When you look at a watch with such hands, you perceive it as a delicate and fragile tool. The silhouettes of the hands have curvy and broad contours at the base, transitioning gorgeously towards a needle tip.
With the appearance of leaf hands in watches, they set a new fashion standard in the industry. In the ’50s, this type of hands attracted immediate attention and ended up occupying approximately 20% of the industry. Brands turn to this style when they want to decorate their watches with an air of candor and subtlety. Respectively, these are mainly found in dress watches.
Omega, IWC, and Audemars Piguet are faithful followers of this style of hands. Consequently, the CK2360s, Novecento, and Jules Audemars replica watches will satisfy your desire to enjoy Feuille hands.
Alpha-type of hands
This style combines flirty shapes with sharp ones. Alpha hands are specific for their deltoid silhouette in which the base is short, contrasting with an elongated tip. This type of hands can be found in different styles of watches, from elegant to sporty, including casual watches. Replica watch sales statistics suggest that the public predominantly prefers this hand design when picking dress watches.
Rolex is the brand that loves this type of hands. You can find many watches with alpha hands, one of them being the 6305 Ovettone model. In the same context, Piaget Polo S or IWC Cal. 89 replica watches are also representatives of this type of hands.
Dauphine type of hands
When we talk about the dauphine type of hands, we are actually referring to a close member of the alpha style, combined with elements of the leaf style. The dauphine hands silhouette revolves around the concept of a short base in the shape of a diamond or deltoid and an elongated tip. The difference from the alpha type, though, consists of the fact that the broadest point of the diamond is specifically located on the pinion. Due to this position, the hand technically separates into a short trunk and a long tip appointing on the hour markers.
The appearance of dauphine hands is usually clean and elegant due to the facets that make the light play in different shadows on its surface. It is assumed that the name “Dauphine” comes from French origins. However, there are no concrete data to explain its roots.
In the 50s and 60s, this style was ubiquitous in the industry, found in approximately 50% of watches. These hands decorated the watches with a sophisticated and exquisite air, exactly what the public of those times loved.
In contemporary times, dauphine hands are a specific component of refined and classic watches that reflect delicacy and luxury.
Basically, every watch brand has models with dauphine hands in its collection. An example worthy of appreciation is the Patek Philippe Calatrava 2508 replica watch. Omega also does not neglect the aesthetic value of dauphine hands, including them in the CK2846 Seamaster watch. In the same context, Jaeger LeCoultre, who is a master of dress watches, uses this style of hands when it wants to add grace to its accessories. A model worthy of attention is the Reverso replica watch.
Arrow-type of hands
This type of hands is one of the most favorable for watch lovers. These not only contribute to the aesthetics of the watches but are also extremely practical to fill them with luminous material.
In older watch models, it is possible to find combined hands. That is, the minute hand has the shape of an arrow, while the second one comes in the dauphine style.
In the modern world, we see such examples somewhat less often, watch brands opting for the same style for both hands.
Arrow watch hands are more popular in modern industry than they were in the old days. Some replica watch models featuring Arrow hands include but are not limited to the Seamaster Aqua Terra and Speedmaster CK2915.
Pointer type of hands
Do you remember when I talked about baton type of hour markers in the previous article? Well, Pointer hands sound something similar. In many instances, they are also called baton hands, sharing the same concept with baton hour markers. It is a style as simplistic as possible, limited to only a thin line. As you can see, this type of hand complements hour markers of the same style.
If other types of hands grew and fell in popularity throughout history, baton/Poiter hands were always stable in the public eye. Minimalism is always in vogue and the audience resonates with this style regardless of the historical period.
Watches with this style of hands grab attention with their accuracy and simplicity. At the same time, despite the simplicity, these watches look extremely elegant and refined.
To convince yourself of this, just take a look at Patek Philippe Ellipse, Piaget Altiplano, or Vacheron Constantin Patrimony replica watches. These timepieces steal the attention and the heart with their delicate gorgeousness.
Index type of hands
Index hands are a sportier and more robust alternative to baton ones. The main difference between them is the thickness of the hands. While baton style is about suppleness, index style is about being noticeable. Respectively, the index hands benefit from a thicker and wider body, being filled with luminescent material. The audience also knows this type of hands by the name “pencil hands”. The silhouette is reminiscent of the shape of the pencil that features a short tip.
This type is somewhat more modern, appearing for the first time around the 65′-70′ years. Index hands enjoy wide popularity due to their sporty and versatile appeal. At the same time, brands can opt for this style for more elegant watches as well.
Some suggestive examples include the Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch, the Rolex Oysterdate 6694, as well as the Panerai Luminor replica watches.
Stripe-type of hands
Stripe hands appeared as a variation of the index style. But unlike the last one, the stripe style assumes an elongated rectangular body, exempt from the tip. The history of watches shows that initially, the shape of this style was limited to a relatively short and wide rectangle. Gradually, the brands began to elongate it slightly, reducing its width at the same time. A brand following this style is Rolex, which mainly uses stripe hands for its non-sport watches.
Like the index style, the stripe hands refer to a more modern concept, appearing in the second half of the 60s. It is a very versatile and common style, being characteristic of watches with a sporty touch. Many brands opt for this type of hands, which neither burdens the watch dial too much nor emits flamboyance. This style is “very in place” finding itself at the top of the preferences of the modern audience. Zenith, Tudor, and Jaeger LeCoultre love this style of hands. Some models in the imitation industry include, but are not limited to El primero, Deep Sea Master Mariner, or Datejust 1601 replica watches.
Breguet type of hands
The Breguet brand designed not only its own hour markers but also its own hands. The style of Breguet hands involves very slim silhouettes that host a hollow circle towards the outer extremity.
Breguet uses this type of hands especially when it also uses Breguet hour markers because they complement each other. However, it is possible to meet this type of hands in combination with other types of hour markers. The Breguet brand aims to give its watches an archaic connotation through this style of hands. They can exude an antique and slightly flamboyant appeal, only suitable for lovers of watches with a strong historical connotation.
Not only Breguet uses this type of hands. Brands such as Longines have borrowed the Breguet style to include it in their vintage watches. Some examples of imitations include Breguet Classique and Longines Lindbergh Weems replica watches.
Mercedes type of hands
It is not difficult to deduce why this style bears the Mercedes name. Their appearance is very close to the logo of the car brand. Stylistically, Mercedes hands have something in common with the cathedral type, but they have a larger surface for luminous material.
In their design, we see the well-known circular point towards the top of the hands, as well as the same barrel-shaped body. The Mercedes logo can be found specifically in the hoop of the circle. In most cases, only the minute hand has this design. The second hand comes as a complementary attribute in the form of an index.
The given style is one of the most popular in modern horology and is predominantly characteristic of sports watches, especially diver watches. Rolex opts for Mercedes hands very actively, although it is not the only brand that favors it. Starting with the 80s, Mercedes hands remain in vogue until today, adding a daring and expressive charisma to modern watches.
In the world of replica watches, you will find a wide variety of models featuring Mercedes hands. Among them, the most successful models are the Omega Seamaster 200 Pre-Bond, as well as the Rolex GMT Master and Explorer collections.
Final Notes
These are the main styles of replica watch hands. As you can see, some of them refer to older watch styles, while others are more representative of modern watches. Also, watch brands love to experiment and combine these styles, creating truly amazing concepts.
Regardless of the favorite type, each style of hands has its own role. Some decorate the replica watch with a romantic, elegant, and refined charisma, while others add a strongly sporty connotation. Either way, it is extremely delightful to observe how watch brands integrate them into their concepts. As a result, they become not only minute and second indicators, but real decoration components.