Watch hands are press-fitted onto the movement’s central posts. Their mounting holes must match those parts accurately. A set can look perfect and still be incompatible.
1. Match the movement, not the style. The hour, minute and seconds hands fit different parts of the central stack. Check the exact calibre and the supplier’s stated hand-fitting sizes before buying.
2. Never force a mismatch. A loose hand can slip or fail to move correctly. A hand that is too tight can be damaged during fitting, and forcing it risks damaging the movement. TMI’s current NH3-series technical guide recommends a movement holder and special equipment for hand installation.
3. Diameter is only the first check. Correct fittings do not guarantee a complete match. Hand length, stack height and clearance between the hands still need verification.
Watcher Insight: “Made for the same case” is not a compatibility specification. Start with the movement reference, then verify every dimension that affects fit.
