Overview of different time displays

Wristwatches are usually associated with a relatively round dial, twelve hour markers on the edge and hour, minute and second hands in the middle. However, there are designs that deviate from this standard. In this article, we present examples of such designs that particularly caught our eye.

Single-hand watches – many designs

Since the 1990s, watches with a single hand have been gaining momentum. Brands such as Neuhaus, Botta and Meistersinger were pioneers in this area. The coarse scale, which only shows the hours, certainly has its charm. This is also due to the decelerating effect created by the hand, which moves slowly but steadily. Instead of the normally very precise time display, you have an approximate "just before 9". For people who usually work in extremely hectic environments, this is absolute proof of luxury. The concept of watches with just one hand is not new; it dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, for example in the form of pocket, grandfather or church tower clocks. At that time, the technical conditions were not yet advanced enough to allow more precise time displays. This has changed since industrialization, but the return to pre-industrial watchmaking traditions is a beautiful homage.

Highest accuracy with regulators

Watches with a regulator display also have a rather unusual design that differs significantly from the standard hand arrangement. Here, too, there is a central hand whose presence determines the dial and which only shows the minutes. The hours and seconds can be read on the decentralized subdials. From a historical perspective, regulators were manufactured in order to be able to calibrate other watches using particularly accurate timepieces. They were primarily used in laboratories where absolutely precise timekeeping was necessary and were then increasingly used as wristwatches.

Regulator watches are now available in numerous designs and from a wide range of brands. One of the entry-level models is the Hamilton Jazzmaster Regulator Automatic, for example. The elegant stainless steel dress watch in a classic design has its subdials asymmetrically distributed over its 42 millimeters; the hours at 10 o'clock and the seconds at 5. Another prime example is the Patek Philippe 5235/50R from the Complications collection. The rose gold watch has an annual calendar as well as the regulator display. In contrast to the Jazzmaster, however, its subdials are arranged symmetrically. Here, the hours are at 6 and the seconds at 12 o'clock. The classic design of the watch is complemented by slim hands and a railway minute track.

Mechanical watches, digital displays – a good combination?

Digital displays are reminiscent of quartz watches from the 70s and 80s. Surprisingly, they also work very well in conjunction with mechanical watches. Casio and Seiko have already set a good example here, but we would also like to highlight the Zeitwerk from A. Lange & Söhne and the Omega De Ville Prestige Jumping Hour.

What does the future hold?

We are currently seeing a lot of promising, innovative approaches that make us want more. The watches from the Swiss manufacturer Uhrwerk, for example, have made a name for themselves with their futuristic design, the highlight of which is the satellite display with the semi-circular minute scale. HYT has also made a positive impression here: the so-called Meca Fluidic Technology, which all of the brand's watches are equipped with, shows the passing hours using a colored liquid - something completely new. We look forward to seeing what the next few years bring.