GMT Hands: Troubleshooting the Fourth Hand
Author: Funny Items
Release time: 2026-08-25 18:43:37
View number: 10
When Your GMT Hand Misbehaves
The NH34's fourth hand occasionally frustrates builders. Here are the common issues and fixes.
Common Problems
| Symptom | Cause |
|---|---|
| GMT hand won't move independently | Crown in wrong position — GMT sets at position 1, not 2 |
| GMT hand loose or falling off | Under-pressed at installation — re-seat with proper die |
| Grazes hour/minute hands | Stack height mismatch or bent post |
| Doesn't track exactly 24 hours | Normal tolerance — quartz-regulated base keeps it near-exact |
| Dial hole too small, hand won't seat | Dial lacks the ~2.7mm GMT center hole — wrong dial type |
The Two-Position Rule
Remember the crown map:
- Position 1: sets GMT hand (and date) independently
- Position 2: sets local time — hour/minute jump, GMT stays put
If your local time and GMT move together, you're in position 2. Full crown details in our crown positions guide.
Installation Reminder
The GMT hand presses on first — it's the lowest layer of the four-hand stack. Order and technique in our hand stack guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert an NH34 back to three hands?
Physically yes (skip the GMT hand), but a GMT dial will show an empty stub where the 24-hour scale expects it. Use a proper NH35 dial instead.
Parts reference?
Our NH34 build guide covers dials, hands and cases.