How to Read a Watch Dial
By World of Watches •
Most dials show hours, minutes and seconds with three hands, often with a date window. Extra sub-dials, scales and bezels add functions such as a stopwatch, a second time zone or a speed scale. Here is how to read them.
The Basics
- Hour hand: The short, thick hand.
- Minute hand: The long hand.
- Seconds hand: The thin hand that sweeps or ticks.
- Date window: A small opening that shows the date.
Sub-Dials And Scales
- Chronograph sub-dials: Show elapsed minutes and hours.
- 24-hour hand: A GMT hand shows a second time zone.
- Tachymeter: A scale used with a chronograph to measure speed.
- Rotating bezel: Times a period, such as a dive.
Practise
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sub-dial?expand_more
A small dial within the main dial that shows an extra function.
What is a tachymeter?expand_more
A scale that helps measure speed over a known distance.
Why does my watch have a 24-hour hand?expand_more
It shows a second time zone.