Hand-fitting guide

Watch hands are matched to a movement by the diameter of the hole at the hub. This guide explains the notation used in our movement spec tables and how to measure hands.

Reading the numbers

A hand size like 120 / 70 / 20 gives the hole diameters in hundredths of a millimetre: 1.20 mm for the hour hand, 0.70 mm for the minute hand and 0.20 mm for the second hand. A listing with two numbers covers the hour and minute hands only.

Matching hands to a movement

Hands are not standardized to a small handful of sizes, so use the hand sizes listed in the movement's spec table, or measure the hole in an old hand with a hand gauge or a caliper. The pivot must match the hole closely enough for the hand to press on squarely.

Length and clearance

The hole size decides whether a hand fits; the length decides whether it reads well on the dial and clears the markers, the crystal and the other hands.

Shop hands kits