How to Change Watch Hands: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Why Change Your Watch Hands?
Changing watch hands is one of the most impactful mods you can do. A new set of hands can completely transform the look of your custom watch — from sporty to dressy, from vintage to modern — without changing the case or dial.
If you have a Seiko mod project or want to refresh an existing watch, swapping the hands is a great place to start. Here is a step-by-step guide from Funny Items.
What You Need
- Replacement hands — Must match your movement (NH35 or NH34). See Watch Hands
- Hand press tool — A vertical press with die sizes for your movement
- Tweezers — Anti-magnetic preferred
- Case back opener — To open the watch and access the movement
- Movement holder — Keeps the movement stable
- Rodico putty (optional) — For cleaning fingerprints
Step-by-Step: How to Change Watch Hands
Step 1: Open the Case Back
Use a case back opener to unscrew the case back. Turn counterclockwise. Be careful not to scratch the case back or damage the gasket.
Step 2: Remove the Crown and Stem
Locate the stem release button (a small lever near the crown). Press it gently while pulling the crown out. The stem and crown will slide out together.
Step 3: Remove the Old Hands
Place the movement in a movement holder. Using the hand press tool or a hand-removal tool, carefully lift each hand off its post. Remove in this order:
- Second hand (top)
- Minute hand (middle)
- Hour hand (bottom)
Be extremely gentle. The hand posts are delicate and can bend easily.
Step 4: Clean the Dial
Use Rodico putty to remove any dust or fingerprints from the dial. A single speck of dust will be visible through the crystal.
Step 5: Install the New Hands
Using the hand press tool, install the new hands in reverse order:
- Hour hand — Press onto the hour post (largest, bottom)
- Minute hand — Press onto the minute post (middle)
- Second hand — Press onto the second post (smallest, top)
Use the correct die size for each hand. Press straight down with even pressure. Do not angle the tool.
Step 6: Check Alignment
Set the time to 12:00 and check that all hands are aligned. The hour and minute hands should both point straight up at 12. If they are slightly off, gently nudge them into position.
Step 7: Reassemble
- Reinsert the crown and stem
- Check that the hands move freely without touching each other or the dial
- Close the case back
- Check the time is correct
NH35 vs NH34 Hand Compatibility
| Feature | NH35 Hands | NH34 Hands |
|---|---|---|
| Posts | 3 (hour, minute, second) | 4 (hour, minute, second, GMT) |
| GMT hand | No | Yes (4th post) |
| Compatible with each other? | Hour/minute/second are interchangeable | GMT hand requires NH34-specific post |
| Post diameter | Hour 1.5mm, Minute 1.2mm, Second 0.20mm | Same + GMT 0.90mm |
If you are building a GMT watch with NH34, make sure your hands set includes a GMT hand. Browse GMT Hand for NH34 Movement and Hands Set for NH35 Movement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressing too hard — The hand posts are delicate. Use gentle, even pressure.
- Wrong die size — Using a die that is too large can bend the hand. Use the correct size for each post.
- Dirty dial — Always clean the dial before installing new hands. Dust is visible through the crystal.
- Misaligned hands — Check alignment at 12:00 before closing the case back.
- Touching the dial with tweezers — Use Rodico or plastic tweezers to avoid scratching the dial.
Browse Funny Items Watch Hands
- All Watch Hands — Complete sets and individual hands
- Hands Set for NH35 Movement — Hour, minute, second set
- Benz Hands Set for NH35 Movement — Mercedes-style hands
- GMT Hand for NH34 Movement — 4th hand for GMT builds
- Second Hand for NH35 Movement — Individual second hand
All parts ship worldwide from Guangzhou. Every product is inspected before shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change watch hands without removing the movement?
It is possible but not recommended. Removing the movement gives you better access and reduces the risk of damaging the dial.
Do I need special tools?
Yes. A hand press tool is essential. Trying to push hands on with fingers or pliers will bend or break them.
How long does it take?
For a beginner, about 30-45 minutes. With practice, it takes 10-15 minutes.
Related Articles
- The Complete Watch Modding Tool Kit — All the tools you need
- How to Choose the Right Watch Dial — Pick the dial to match your hands
- NH35 vs NH34 Movement Guide — Movement specs and compatibility