Watch hands help identify and date a watch. Sword hands are long and pointed; baton hands plain bars; dauphine hands wide at the base and faceted; alpha hands slim tapering triangles; leaf hands curved like a leaf; cathedral hands have Gothic openwork; Mercedes hands carry a three-pointed circle; skeleton hands are cut out. This guide shows each with a photograph from a watch we have handled.
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- Paid the same day after inspection
Plain and modern
- Sword. Long, pointed, like a blade.
- Baton. Straight, plain bars.
- Alpha. Slim, tapering triangles.
- Arrow or lancet. A pointed arrow tip.
Dress and classic
- Dauphine. Wide at the base, tapering, often faceted; common on 1950s and 1960s dress watches.
- Leaf. A curved, leaf-like shape.
- Cathedral. Openwork like Gothic tracery, on older and military watches.
- Fleur-de-lis. A lily motif at the tip.
Sport and design
Hands are often replaced during servicing, so original hands matter when a watch is valued.
See also how we check a watch in our watch guides.
0 of 2 checked
1Mercedes
A circle with three points on the hour hand, on Rolex tool watches.
2Skeleton
Cut-out hands showing the dial beneath.
Not sure if your hands are original? Send a sharp photo of the dial for a free, honest check.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
Do original hands matter?
Yes. Hands are often replaced during servicing, and the correct, original hands for the reference are part of a watch’s originality. A watch is valued on its maker and model, the movement, its condition and originality, and any box and papers, judged against current demand and recent sales. We never publish figures.
Free, no obligation, and returned at our cost if you decline.
Read our Google reviews (opens Google)
- Maker and model
- Movement
- Condition
- Originality
- Box and papers
How selling works
- 1
Send photographs
of a sharp photograph of the dial, the case-back and any box or papers.
- 2
Free value inspection
We reply within one working day with an estimate, subject to inspection. If our offer differs, you can decline and we return it at our cost.
- 3
Paid the same day after inspection
by bank transfer or in cash, in Mayfair, at our Braintree office, by post or by free collection.
Insured up to £10,000 per parcel when you send to us.
Questions people ask
What are the main types of watch hands?
Sword, baton, alpha, arrow, dauphine, leaf, cathedral, fleur-de-lis, Mercedes and skeleton. Each has a recognisable shape, and several are typical of particular periods or makers, which helps identify a watch. If you have one, send photographs and we will tell you more, free.
What are dauphine hands?
Hands that are wide at the base and taper to a point, usually faceted so one side catches the light. They are common on mid-century dress watches of the 1950s and 1960s. Ask us if you would like to know more about your own piece.
What are Mercedes hands?
Hands with a circle divided into three segments on the hour hand, like the Mercedes-Benz star. They are best known on Rolex sports and tool watches, where they make the hour hand easy to read. Send a clear photograph and we will tell you honestly what we see.
Why do hands matter for value?
Because they are often changed during servicing. Correct, original hands for the reference are part of a watch’s originality, which buyers look for. A sharp photograph of the dial lets us check. We can look at yours from photographs, with no obligation at all.
How do I know my watch is worth selling?
Send photographs of the dial and case-back. We identify the maker and model, check originality and condition and give you a free value inspection, judged against current demand and recent sales. A short message with two or three photographs is all it takes to start.
Where can I sell my watch?
To a buyer who checks the dial, case and movement in person. We buy watches directly: a free value inspection from photographs, then an appointment in Mayfair or at our Braintree office, post or free collection. You are paid the same day after inspection.
Related guides
Thinking of selling a watch?
Send a photograph of the dial for a free value inspection, with no obligation.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
Thinking of selling? Find out how to sell your watch with a free valuation from photographs.
