Hand Stacks: Why Height Matters
Author: Funny Items
Release time: 2026-08-25 18:22:30
View number: 12
Why Hands Sit at Different Heights
Watch hands don't all mount at the same level — they stack. Understanding hand stack heights prevents the most common hand-installation problem: hands that rub the dial or each other.
The Stack Explained
Each hand mounts on its own post of increasing height:
- Hour hand: mounts lowest, on the cannon pinion
- Minute hand: sits above, on the minute wheel post
- Second hand: highest, on the sweep pinion
- GMT hand (NH34): adds a fourth layer
Height Problems and Causes
| Symptom | Cause |
|---|---|
| Hands rub the dial | Hands too low for your dial/case stack |
| Hands rub each other | Wrong post heights or bent posts |
| Hands rub the crystal | Stack too high for crystal clearance |
| Date flips early/late | Hands pressed off 12:00 alignment |
Matching Heights
Hand sets are sold by height grade (e.g., standard, high, low). Match them to your dial-and-case combination — a dial with raised indices needs higher hands than a flat dial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix hand heights from different sets?
Not recommended — mismatched stacks cause rubbing. Buy matched sets from our hands collection.
How do I know which height I need?
Check your dial's marker height and case crystal clearance. When unsure, standard height fits most builds.
See also: our hands buying guide.