The small dial on the six

The small seconds hand is a popular alternative to the central seconds hand, in which the seconds hand is positioned centrally with the hour and minute hands. It enables the seconds to be displayed precisely on a separate small dial, which is often located at the 6 o'clock position. This arrangement visually creates more space on the dial, making it easier to read the seconds precisely at a glance.

The positioning of the small seconds at the 6 o'clock position ensures a symmetrical and balanced dial design. It is particularly popular in Bauhaus watches, which are known for their minimalist design and focus on functionality , but the practical relevance of the small seconds is particularly evident in chronographs, where the long seconds hand is often used for the stop function. The seconds of the current time are therefore displayed on one of the sub-dials.

Watchmaking tradition reinterpreted

In the past, it was primarily the movement and the type of watch that determined whether and where the seconds were displayed. Today, it is mainly personal preference and aesthetic considerations that determine the structure and positioning of complications, thanks to better technical possibilities and greater choice. Although design-related reasons for positioning are less relevant today, the positioning of the small seconds at the 6 o'clock position remains very popular with enthusiasts and collectors due to its aesthetics and tradition. As a complication steeped in tradition, it is often integrated into modern designs, giving the watches a special flair.