Watch Terminology Dictionary

A part that indicates time. It is generally made of a piece of metal about 0.1 to 0.2 mm thick. Daniel Quale is said to have been the first to use an hour hand in a portable watch in 1691. Second hands became common after the 19th century. Generally, quartz watches with low torque have thin and short hands, while mechanical watches with high torque have thick and long hands. The most common material is brass. However, quartz watches often use lightweight aluminum, while high-end watches often use heavy precious metals.