Apart from the shape of the case and the dial of your watch, its hour markers play a bigger role than you could have imagined. Sometimes, we don’t even realize how much influence these elements have in the overall design of replica watches. It seems to us that these details on the dial only have the function of showing the time. But we are wrong if we think so. The type, shape, and size of the hour markers tell us a lot about the spirit of the watch. Also, they have the ability to “dress up” a replica watch with either a sporty or a formal look. They are those details that whisper to us about how modern or how traditional the replica watch is.
I bet you know a lot about crystal types, dial patterns, and types of mechanisms in replica watches. But how much do you know about the type of hour markers?
Today, I will talk specifically about these elements. I want you to discover their aesthetic and functional value. I want you to know what each type represents, so that the next time you buy a replica watch, you know about its meaning. Also, I will give you concrete examples of replica watches with different types of hour markers, to make your selection even easier.
So, let’s dive in, shall we?
NUMERALS hour markers
It is very easy to recognize this type of hour markers because the name is very suggestive. The indexes are the numbers themselves that make up the hours on the dial from 1 to 12. They can be of different types. These can be Arabic, Roman, or Breguet type.
This type of hour markers was the most frequently met in watches, especially in the 20th century. At that time, watchmakers emphasized fast and clear legibility, leaving no room for interpretation. Accordingly, the numerals themselves were the best solution in order not to mislead the owner of the watch.
The watch history suggests that in the early 20th century, manufacturers mostly opted for Arabic indexes. Gradually, the trend changed to Roman numerals closer to the 21st century, with the revival of the classic style of watches.
In general, Arabic hour markers are specific to casual watches with a sporty touch. The Roman alternative is predominantly specific to classic watches with vintage elements.
Some replica watches with Numeral hour markers include, but are not limited to, Cartier Tank, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, and Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso.
As for the Breguet numerals, they are nothing more than the same Arabic numerals, only with a more delicate silhouette. These will be accompanied by additional flourishes to add a more elegant spirit. According to the name, it is easy to understand who was the creator of this type of hour markers. None other than Abraham-Louis Breguet. This type of numerals is mainly specific to Breguet watches, and less common to other brands.
DAGGER hour markers
The shape of this type of markers is reminiscent of the shape of a triangle with a faceted structure. In most cases, the tip of the triangle points toward the center of the dial and is considered a classic markers’ style. Watches with Dagger markers are extremely legible and mainly refer to watches with classic appeal. And rightly so, as this concept alludes, in fact, to traditional models from the ’50s. Many sources refer to this style as the Dauphine style. Actually, they are synonymous.
Watches with Dagger hour markers are not the most popular in the replica industry. And it is not in the original one either. Watches with this style of markers primarily address to a narrow niche, namely the one that resonates with traditional and classic timepieces. Some examples of replica watches with Dagger hour markers include the Patek Philippe 2510 and the Omega Railmaster 2914.
DELTOID hour markers
The deltoid style of the hour markers is strongly reminiscent of the shape of a kite. Many call this type of indicators Diamond style, for its faceted shape. Overall, this type of hour markers has a lot in common with the previous model, the Dagger. In the 50s, that is, in the time when it was trendy, this style was very rare. Very few manufacturers dared to include it in the design of watches.
This was exclusively specific to dress watches and as a rule, only the high society allowed themselves the luxury of opting for such a model. In the entire horological industry, watches with Deltoid hour markers occupied no more than 3% in 1950. Accordingly, they were of exclusive rarity. Today, the Deltoid style of hour markers is predominantly present in elegant and formal imitations such as the Rolex 6605 and the Omega Constellation 2652.
ARROW hour markers
This type of markers also has something similar to the Dagger type, namely in its triangular silhouette. The difference, however, consists of the fact that the face of the triangle is flat. Some manufacturers can assign facets, but they are barely noticeable from different angles.
As in the case of the Dagger indicators, the Arrow markers will always point to the center of the dial, that is, to the watch hands, better said. If Dagger triangles can be elongated or wider, Arrow markers always illustrate an equilateral angle.
This type of indicators was very popular and versatile in the 50s and 60s and remains popular today. Watches with such markers are often given a playful and versatile connotation. At the same time, they were mostly specific for dress watches.
In the replica watches industry, you will find this type of markers in the Longines 5967 models, as well as the Omega Constellation Pie Pan. Dials with Arrow hour markers are extremely legible and do not load the dial too much.
STICK hour markers
The Stick-style hour markers are one of my favorites. I love how refined they look in watch faces. At the same time, they are minimalistic and elegant, turning any type of watch into a gorgeous one. The stick-type hour markers harmonize wonderfully with practically any dial design element. No matter how complex a watch is, stick hour markers are a perfect solution to “unload” it from complexity.
Brands vary nicely with this type of markers. They can make them clean and flat, or they can add visual volume by adding thickness.
In the 60s, this type of markers was the most popular among affordable and luxury watches. These occupied approximately 60% of the market share and were in great demand.
Today, this style of indexes is predominantly found in watches with chronograph functions to balance the “load” dial.
In the replica watch industry, you will find Stick hour markers in both dress and casual timepieces. Respectively, you can opt for Patek Philippe Calatrava, IWC Ingenieur 666, or some Omega Speedmaster replica watches to enjoy their light spirit.
BATON hour markers
Starting from the stick concept, manufacturers gradually added volume and thickness to create the Baton concept. They bring to mind a rectangular construction that lacks the suppleness and refinement of the stick concept. As a rule, they look more robust and more ubiquitous on the dial, being covered with a lume coating, in most cases. If stick markers exude a 2D appearance, the Baton alternative exudes a three-dimensional one.
The Baton indexes language is slightly severe and significantly increases the readability of the dials. For this reason, they are specific for diver or even chronograph sports watches.
Patek Philippe Nautilus, Hublot Big Bang Unico, and Zenith El Primero replica watches are just a few examples. Personally, I accept this type of hour markers only in the context in which the manufacturer calibrates the dial load so that it does not seem too busy.
SQUARE hour markers
I think it is superfluous to explain the specifics of the form of this style because the name speaks for itself. I don’t even have much to say about this style, except that one of the angles of the square usually points toward the center of the watch.
The beautiful part of this type of indexes is that it fits equally well in both formal and casual watches. History tells us that this type of hour markers invaded the horological industry towards the end of the 50s, and then withdrew towards the beginning of the 65s. Then, it revived again around the 90s, being associated with diamond decoration.
Some examples of Square markers are identified in Rolex Datejust 16233 Diamond Dial, Tudor Pelagos, and Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” replica watches. You will see how refined and at the same time sporty these hour markers look, depending on the general style of the watches.
CIRCULAR hour markers
While the concept of this style is pretty clear, you may be a little confused about its variations. You will find 2 types of circular indexes in modern horology. The first option refers to generous and observable circles. In most cases, they benefit from a lume filling, to be clearly visible in the dark. The second option refers to the minimalist concept, where the indicators are just tiny, round, and strict.
The first type is specific to sports watches, namely diver watches. They started to take over the industry towards the end of the 80s, with the boost of sports watches.
The second type, the tiny dots, allude to older watch models, namely those specific to the 40s. Respectively, this style of markers can be found today in watches with a strong historical connotation, mostly formal, and of perfect elegance.
Take a look at the Seiko SKX replica watch with generous and expressive markers. Also, see Rolex GMT Master 1675 Rootbeer. You will be perplexed by how much the face of the watch changes just because of the size of the circular markers.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, hour marker styles are not just functional attributes. These talk about the style of the watch, as well as its sport or elegant type. Brands usually experiment with these styles, creating dials where stick markers meet triangle types. Also, you can meet watches in which the hour markers are completely missing. I think these are the highest form of horological minimalism.
Either way, now that you’ve become a little wiser in terms of watches, you just have to choose the style that best suits your spirit. Which type of hour markers do you resonate with the most?!