Rolex’s watch collection is diverse, yet certain design elements are consistently found across different series, marking a signature feature of the brand’s timepieces. For instance, the seemingly inconspicuous component, the hands of the watch, can sometimes be found with the same design across various Rolex collections. As Rolex watches typically feature a simple three-hand design, the length, size, and shape of the hands play a crucial role in differentiating the units of time. For example, the hour hand is usually made thicker and shorter, the minute hand longer, and the second hand finer. This combination alongside the hour markers allows for a clear reading of the current time. Thus, while the hands may appear mundane, they are indispensable for the watch’s primary function of time indication.
When discussing the hands of Rolex watches, many immediately think of the Mercedes hands, a design spanning the Submariner, GMT-Master II, Yacht-Master, and Air-King series. However, the brand’s range of hand designs certainly doesn’t end with the Mercedes style. Let’s explore some of the common hand designs found in Rolex watches, including the iconic Mercedes hands.
- Baton Hands
The most fundamental hand type in Rolex’s repertoire, typically featured in entry-level models such as the Datejust or Oyster Perpetual. The surface of baton hands is often filled with strip-shaped luminous material to enhance night visibility.
- Mercedes Hands
As mentioned earlier, Mercedes hands are commonly found in Rolex’s popular sports watch series. The name derives from the hour hand’s circular section, which bears a resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star logo. However, Rolex’s adoption of this design is not intended as a tribute to the luxury car brand; rather, the inclusion of those three lines helps to secure the luminous material more effectively.
- Pencil Hands
True to their name, pencil hands feature a pointed tip in the shape of a triangle, paired with a baton-shaped body, resembling a pencil. The Yacht-Master II once utilized this type of hand, but during its 2017 redesign, the series switched to Mercedes hands, resulting in a more conspicuous appearance.
- Chronograph Hands
These hands immediately bring to mind Rolex’s sole chronograph model—the Daytona. The design of the Daytona’s hands carries a distinctive flair, featuring a concave profile along the length of the hand, while the luminous material is applied within the front edge. Additionally, the Daytona stands out as the only Rolex model currently sporting three sub-dials paired with smaller hands.
- GMT Hands
Rolex watches featuring dual-time functionality are primarily known through the GMT-Master II series, although the brand also offers this feature in the Explorer II and Sky-Dweller models. Setting aside the Sky-Dweller, which uses an inverted triangle indicator paired with a 24-hour disc for display, both the GMT-Master II and Explorer II include a fourth hand at the center of the dial. The GMT hand on the former is shaped like an upright triangle, whereas the latter’s GMT hand adopts a more isosceles triangle shape.
- Lightning Bolt Hands (Discontinued)
This distinctive hand type was exclusively found on the Rolex Milgauss series, discontinued in 2023, renowned for its high magnetic resistance. Unlike other collections where the uniqueness of the hands is mostly seen in the hour hand, the Milgauss featured a lightning bolt design for its second hand. Moreover, the brand employed a vivid orange coating, making the lightning bolt hand stand out strikingly against the dial.
These are among the common hand designs seen in Rolex watches. Which one do you prefer? Do these hand designs influence your decision when selecting a watch? We welcome you to share your opinions in the comments section below.
