Introducing luxury watch parts: "hands"

Today we will be introducing luxury watch parts: the hands .

"Hands" play an important role in reading the time. There are a wide variety of types, from simple ones to ones with unique shapes. Such "hands" not only determine the impression (appearance) of the watch itself, but also affect visibility, so they are one of the important points to consider when choosing a watch.

So this time, we will be introducing 20 types of hands along with some representative models, so please enjoy until the end.

① Bar needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona/daytona-326167/

This is the most orthodox shape with a flat, rod-shaped tip, and because of its simple design, it is widely used in both sports and dress models. Incidentally, the hands used in the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak are also of the "bar" type, but because of their shape similar to a linear motor car, they are also called "linear hands", and on the Audemars Piguet official website they are referred to as "Royal Oak hands".

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/audemars_piguet/royal-oak/royal-oak-328392/

②Mercedes needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-326790/

It is called this because its shape resembles the "three-pointed star" emblem of the well-known German luxury car, Mercedes-Benz. This is also a representative Rolex hand and is used in many popular sports models such as the Submariner and GMT Master II.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/omega/speedmaster-256883/

④ Squid hook

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/blackbay-pro-260309/

The squid needle was first used on Tudor diver's watches in the 1970s, and has since become one of the brand's signature designs, widely recognized around the world. It is named "squid needle" simply because it looks like a squid (it is called "snowflake" overseas).

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/blackbay-296128/

⑤Leaf needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/perpetual-calendar-chronograph-328099/

As its name suggests, this watch has a beautiful, flowing leaf-like shape that goes perfectly with a classic dress watch. The delicate curves reminiscent of willow leaves give it a soft impression, and it is a traditional hand that is used in many models, including the IWC Portuguese.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/iwc/portugieser-309959/

⑥Breguet hands

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/breguet/classic-325382/

This was invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the founder of Breguet, and features a hole that is slightly off center, giving it a crescent moon-like decoration. With its elegant appearance and unique shape, it is a popular "hand" that is used not only by Breguet, but by many other brands.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/cartier/tortue-321840/

⑦Apple needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/worldtime-266947/

Named for its resemblance to the apple, this hand is similar to the "Breguet hand", but instead of being crescent shaped, it is a larger perfect circle. It is also a shape unique to Patek Philippe, and was mainly used in the second generation "World Time" "Ref. 5130".

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/worldtime-34/

⑧ Piercing needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/worldtime-298083/

This needle features a unique shape with a hole, and is called a piercing needle because the tip is spear-shaped and the base is shaped like an accessory earring. This is also a shape unique to Patek Philippe, and is mainly used in the third generation "World Time" "Ref. 5230".

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/worldtime-44/

⑨Dauphine needle (dolphin needle)

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/calatrava/calatrava-315950/

Characterized by a sharp diamond shape that gives off a classical and sharp impression, this watch takes its name from the French word "dauphin," which means a crown princess. Perhaps because of the similar pronunciation, it has also become known as a "dolphin hand," and is widely used by brands such as Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Grand Seiko.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/jaeger_lecoultre/reverso-288878/

⑩ Pencil needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/panerai/luminor-logo-313944/

The pen-shaped hands are a distinctive feature of this watch, and because they are easy to apply luminous paint to, they are often used in military watches that require high visibility. The design goes well with the simple, modern dials of Panerai watches and other watches.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/panerai/radiomir-305965/

⑪ Batons

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/cartier/santos-223699/

Characterized by its rod-like shape and pointed tip, this hand gives off a classical yet modern impression. At first glance, it looks similar to a "pencil hand," but the distinguishing feature is that it is not straight, but has a slight bulge and is pointed toward the tip. It is particularly popular with Cartier, and makes the distinctive dial design stand out even more.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/cartier/tank-asymmetric-243337/

⑫Arrow Needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/omega/sea-master-220871/

It has its roots in military watches, such as those used by the British military, and as its name suggests, the tip of the hand is shaped like an arrow, which is why it is also known as the "arrow hand" or "arrow hand." This shape is often seen in diver's watches, including Omega, which require high visibility.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/omega/seamaster-aqua-terra-282077/

⑬Sword Needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/calatrava-317954/

As its name suggests, this watch features a sword-like shape and is used in many sports models from brands such as Omega. Not only does it have a large surface area that can be coated with luminous material, but some models also have a skeletonized center of the hand to add an accent to the design.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/omega/sea-master-007-217409/

⑭ Spade needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/perpetual-calendar-retrograde-326172/

This watch features the spade shape that has been used since the days of pocket watches, and is not only cute in design, but also has excellent visibility due to its pointed tip. It is used in many uniquely designed models by brands such as [Franck Muller] and [Ulysse Nardin].

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/franck_muller/tonneau-curvex-244790/

⑮ Cobra needle

*Source: https://www.montblanc.com/ja-jp/%E8%85%95%E6%99%82%E8%A8%88_cod1647597311033631.html

This watch, which features an hour hand shaped like a cobra's head, was a popular design in the 1940s during World War I. Because it exudes a vintage atmosphere, it is used in many of its military and pilot watches by Montblanc, Seiko, and Longines.

*Source: https://www.seikowatches.com/jp-ja/products/prospex/alpinist

16. Serpent Needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/blancpain/villeret-226641/

Characterized by its unique curved shape, the name comes from the Latin word "serpent," which means "snake." It was inspired by pocket watches with pointer dates, and is often used to display things other than the hour and minute hands. This is a design we highly recommend for those who want a unique watch.

*Source: https://www.blancpain.com/ja/villeret/ultraplate-6653q-1127-55b

⑰ Rosen needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/cartier/pasha-171666/

This needle is characterized by its shape that resembles a thin, elongated diamond, and its name comes from the French word "l'ausange," which means diamond, just as it looks. At first glance, it looks like an "alpha needle," but the key to distinguishing it is that the widest point is right in the center of the needle.

Representative model equipped with "Losange needle"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/franck_muller/casablanca-310468/

⑱Lightning Needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/milgauss/milgauss-326168/

This watch features a zigzag shape based on the motif of lightning, and is called the "Inazuma" hand, as the design suggests. This unique shape represents the effect that magnetism has on the watch, and is only used on the "Milgauss", Rolex's antimagnetic model.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/milgauss/milgauss-320023/

⑲Modern hands

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/calatrava/calatrava-geneva-boutique-rue-du-rhone-328747/

This hand has a thin protrusion at the tip, and is one of the traditional shapes often used in antique watches. Because the tip of the hand points to the minute counter, it is a design with excellent visibility, and is now often used in pilot watches.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/perpetual-calender-317220/

⑳ Fleur-de-lis needle

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/others/quai-des-bergues-260303/

The name comes from the French "fleur-de-lis," which means iris flower, and has been used for centuries on European coats of arms and flags, but is said to be particularly closely associated with the French royal family. Just by having this hand installed, the watch will be transformed into a noble and prestigious atmosphere.

*Source: https://czapek.com/product/emerald-green-l/

summary

What did you think.

Looking back on it, we can see that there are a variety of "needles", including orthodox designs and shapes derived from those. Another interesting point is that there are brands that add their own essence to the design and create their own unique shapes. We encourage you to search for your own "favorite needle".

If you're unsure of which model to choose, or are having trouble deciding, please feel free to contact us at our store, where we have knowledgeable staff on hand to give you accurate advice based on design, functionality, budget, and more.

Once again, we hope this article helps you find your favorite luxury watch.

see you!