The Movement Clinic · Self-test
How to check your watch's hand alignment
Applies to any mechanical watch, not only Tudor — this is one of the seven procedures in the section that isn't brand-specific.
Why this test works
The number one source of false alarms here is parallax — almost every 'my hands are misaligned' post is a photo taken at an angle.
The steps
- Shoot straight down: watch flat, phone parallel to the dial.
- Set the watch to exactly 12:00:00 and photograph it.
- Repeat at 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00.
- Compare the hand positions against the hour markers at all four shots.
What to log
- Photo at 12:00:00
- Photo at 3:00
- Photo at 6:00
- Photo at 9:00
- Offset observed at each, if any
Reading your result
| Pattern | What it means |
|---|---|
| A consistent, identical offset at all four positions | A hand fitted a fraction off-true — cosmetic, not a fault. |
| An offset that varies around the dial | A motion-works problem. |
| Offset appears only right after pushing the crown in | The crown can nudge the hands through normal gear clearance — not a defect. |
Related
Run the symptom checker for a verdict on your exact watch.
The Movement Clinic is an independent publication by Timekeeper PH. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Tudor or the Rolex Group. This self-test is general guidance, not a substitute for a qualified watchmaker.