The blue paddle hand is a unique feature of the A781. It is definitely correct because it doesn't appear on other models... not even the blue-dialed fraternal twin of the A781, the A782. The blue paddle hand creates contrast and stands out against the A781's dial (just as the red hand does on other models). To accept the red paddle hand, you must accept that two versions of the A781 were produced. I doubt that any A781 was originally fitted with a red paddle hand, but controversy arises from the Pfeiffer-Belli archive photo in Rössler, which shows an A781 with a red paddle hand. Rössl-erratum, in my opinion... one that was once brought up by a prominent Zenithista as an argument against the originality of my blue-paddled A781. By the way, Rössler also states that the A781 was produced in 1971, but I believe the bracelet dates and advertising make a better argument for 1973.
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