Dauphine hands are long, tapered watch hands that narrow to a sharp point. The classic form is a stretched triangle with facets down its length. Those facets catch the light, which gives the hands extra visual interest. It is one of the most widely used and best-liked hand styles.
Where it comes from
The style caught on in the middle of the twentieth century, especially in the 1940s and 1950s. Omega, Longines and Patek Philippe did much to make it popular. Two explanations are given for the name. A common explanation links it to the son of a French king. Others say it refers to his wife instead.
How are Dauphine hands different from sword or baton hands?
Dauphine hands tend to be slimmer and more refined than sword or baton hands. Beside either of those styles, a Dauphine hand usually looks thinner and more finely made. Its classic form is a long, stretched triangle. It narrows toward the tip and ends in a sharp point. Facets run down its full length, so the surface is shaped rather than flat.
Which watches have Dauphine hands?
Watches from Omega, Hamilton and Tissot have Dauphine hands. Omega is also one of the names that did much to make the style popular. Grand Seiko is known for its own take on it. Its Dauphine hands have crisp angles, and their facets are polished to a mirror finish. The style is widely used, so these are only a few examples.
Checked
