Measures the pointers on the dial (5)

I believe the answer is:

hands

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'pointers on the dial' is the definition.
'hands' can be an answer for 'pointers' (hand is a kind of pointer). I am unsure of the 'on the dial' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hands that I've seen before include "Measures of horse's height" , "Body parts; crewmen" , "Crew members" , "Workers" , "Units for measuring horse's height" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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