Mercedes Hand

[ahmadadnan]

I have seen other watches with the Mercedes hand, like a Tag. What's the deal with that? When I saw it on someone's hand I thought it was a Rolex until I looked closely and saw the Tag logo.

[tandrup]

Rolex is not the only watchmaker who uses the Mercedes hand - I think it is as simple as that. I've seen them as well on a variety of other sports brands.

[sakuraba]

I've read somewhere that the mercedes logo is the best shape/ design to hold the lume.

[Warnsboy]

I saw a thread with this question in another forum and this was the best answer in that thread.

"The Mercedes symbol is a three pointed star (Rising Star) with each point representing the three modes of transport: land, air, and sea. It has been incorporated into the design of the Rolex sports line (Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer, etc). The consensus out there amongst the aficionados of the watch world is that the Rising Star symbol is not only a great design but also functional. Its purpose is to hold the lume component of the watch and provide visibility of the hour hand when it is overlapped by the minute hand."

[Tony-GB]

Originally Posted by Warnsboy

I saw a thread with this question in another forum and this was the best answer in that thread.

"The Mercedes symbol is a three pointed star (Rising Star) with each point representing the three modes of transport: land, air, and sea. It has been incorporated into the design of the Rolex sports line (Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer, etc). The consensus out there amongst the aficionados of the watch world is that the Rising Star symbol is not only a great design but also functional. Its purpose is to hold the lume component of the watch and provide visibility of the hour hand when it is overlapped by the minute hand."

Superb explanation, Michael. Cheers.

[Speed]

Yet another explanation for the shape is to let the hour hand show when it is behind the minute hand.

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by ahmadadnan

I have seen other watches with the Mercedes hand, like a Tag. What's the deal with that? When I saw it on someone's hand I thought it was a Rolex until I looked closely and saw the Tag logo.

They are technically known as Cathedral hands.Mercedes Logo is similar .

[kyle L]

It holds the lume better? On my Tag, the lume is tritium, and a chunk fell off of the minute hand. It's still holding on strong without any cracks with the mercedes hand.

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by kyle L

It holds the lume better? On my Tag, the lume is tritium, and a chunk fell off of the minute hand. It's still holding on strong without any cracks with the mercedes hand.

I think it is the size as well as shape that make it popular.I had an Omega Seamaster bought new in 1993 it lost the lume on the three point after a couple years ,probably defective from day one.Once replaced lasted untill I sold it last year.