Different Rolex Hands used over the years

[Zwicky]

I am very curious to learn more about the various hand-shapes that Rolex used over the years.

What were they called?

When were they used?

I have three very distinct hand styles in my collection.

From top to bottom: 1957, 1963 and 1973:

[crowncollection]

1st and 2nd photos alpha hands

Last standard hands

[Paul]

I believe the first two pics show dauphine hands, referred to by some folks as daggers.
I'm thinking they are one and the same - someone will yell if I'm wrong cos hey always do

I'd call the hands shown in the last pic pencils.

[Zwicky]

Interesting, thank you..!

Then there is this sort, a "coffin" shape, like a dagger with no waist, and note that the hands extend beyond the spindle, like the stick hands do..:

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by Zwicky

Interesting, thank you..!

Then there is this sort, a "coffin" shape, like a dagger with no waist, and note that the hands extend beyond the spindle, like the stick hands do..:

These are called dauphine hands

[Zwicky]

Excellent..!

Is there a timeline or perhaps something in some of the old catalogs to indicate years used?

I'll assume that Rolex never offered a choice of hands as an option..

[dexvd]

This would be neat to find out, would be cool to figure this out with the different dial marker variants, I'm a fan of the shark tooth/arrow head style which I think was used in the ~50s

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by Zwicky

Excellent..!

Is there a timeline or perhaps something in some of the old catalogs to indicate years used?

I'll assume that Rolex never offered a choice of hands as an option..

Originally Posted by dexvd

This would be neat to find out, would be cool to figure this out with the different dial marker variants, I'm a fan of the shark tooth/arrow head style which I think was used in the ~50s

No choice unfortunately


Dauphine 1940-1960
Alpha 1950-1965 approx

Standard or baton some call them 1960-now.
Always some overlap regards

[R.W.T.]

There is no timeline really excepting those modern stick hands are mid to late 60's. I mean I guess there is but it's not narrow.

Alpha hands which are the first shown (thanks to Adam for correcting me as for many years they were assumed to be dauhphine and many people consider them to be)....were used all the way back in the 1930's - 60's

The others in the last set of photos are actually alpha hands. Variations of those...probably 30's and up as well into the 60's.

Hands tend to go with dial styles. Some crossover exists.

We also have what I call "fish" hands...that are simply awful hands...lol....the lume is GOING to fall out...it's only a matter of time.



Leaf hands as well.

[Zwicky]

Thank you..! What year are your watches with the "fish" and "leaf" hands, respectively?