Originally, watchmakers used simple watch movements that just told hours, minutes and seconds so that people could keep accurate time. Since then, watches have evolved a lot and there are lots of other calculations that watches can do.
Watch complications are features that tell you more than just the time. Mainly used in mechanical watches, features such as Alarm, Repeater, Calendar, Perpetual Calendar, Chronograph and Moonphase have come to be known as watch complications in horology. There are nine primary types of watch complications in three groups: Timing, Astronomical and Striking.
As technology advanced, watchmakers kept pushing the boundaries of innovation to include multiple complications in one timepiece.
Being able to set multiple alarms, track time in multiple time zones or automatically calculate the date, watch complications help perform many specific functions. Designed with the utmost attention to detail, adding several of these complications to the same timepiece makes it harder to assemble. For, a higher number of complications call for a greater degree of dexterity, craftsmanship, and ingenuity to design the components together.
While electronics and software apps have allowed smartwatches to include a multitude of features, packing these complications into a traditional watch is still an impressive feat which is a big part of what makes these watches so appreciated by watch aficionados – and makes them so expensive.
If you are interested in these, check out our recommended collection of rectangular, square, and tool watches that feature some of the watch complications discussed below.
Table of Contents
Types Of Watch Complications
Based on the functionality, there are broadly three main types of complications:
- Timing Complications that include different chronographs.
- Astronomical Complications including different types of calendars and Moonphase.
- Striking Complications that include alarm and repeater.
While these are the broad classifications, we take a deep dive below to understand each complication better.
Date
The most basic, yet the most important complication found in watches – the date display.
For many, the presence of date displace makes all the difference while selecting a watch. Given the advancement in design and innovation, there are four main types of date complications available now. Although, with thousands of watchmakers in the market, new styles and techniques keep emerging. It is worth remembering that these are the most common types of date complications.
First came the simple date window. Sometimes also called the aperture, the date window merely reflects the date and by rotating the crown of the watch, the date can be easily changed.
Second, came the big date with an enlarged window for the display of the dates. Many watches have two date boxes next to each other, showcasing 0-3 on the right box and 0-9 on the left box.
Third, came the pointer date. By taking the space on the outer peripheral of the dial, the additional seconds hand points to the date. Also known as the ‘bankers watch‘, this design eventually grew out of style. Although, some brands from the bygone era continue to design the watches with pointer dates.
Finally, watchmakers introduced a subsidiary dial which took the form of a second dial within the main dial to display the dates.
Day-Date
Slightly innovating from the date complication, watchmakers introduced the day-date complication to showcase the day of the week. The crown helps set the day and date. Typically, moving the crown in one direction sets the date, while moving the crown in the opposite, sets the day. The components of the day and date complications sit on two discs beneath the face of the watch where it automatically changes to the next day-date at might night every day.
Commonly, the date and day find their place next to each other in small boxes on the face of the dial. However, with new designs, the day box often finds its place near 12 o’clock or 6 o’clock hand as well. These watches require manual adjustment of date where the month does not end on 31st.
Calendar
Upgrading from the date and date complication, the calendar complication found its way into the market. By adding the month to the dial, the watches showcase date, day, and month, in addition to timekeeping. Such complications have multiple display styles and designs based on brand preference. Also known as the triple calendar or complete calendar, this type of complication is perfect for you if you need to keep track of the month. The calendar complications derive into two varieties – annual and perpetual calendar (explained below).
Perpetual Calendar
Probably one of the most complicated complications in watchmaking is the perpetual calendar. This feature is unique and not easily found in low-range watches. As the name suggests, this calendar complication truly stands the test of time. Due to its high-end design and functionality, watches with the perpetual calendar mainly found in luxury watches, given its cost. Known for the high accuracy of date, day, and month, the main feature of a perpetual calendar is that it automatically takes into account the leap year while changing to the next year.
On the other hand, the annual calendar complication does not take into account the leap year. Rather, the timepiece requires manual winding during leap years, failing which the month of February runs till the 31st.
Repeater
Another marvel of watchmaking enterprise, the repeater works with the help of a side lever on the watch case. Popular during the 18th and 19th centuries in pocket watches, the repeater complication found its way into wristwatches must towards the 20th and 21st centuries. There are two varieties of repeater complications that include minute repeater and quarter repeater.
The repeater enables the timepiece to produce a series of chimes in order to indicate the time. The minute repeater spells out the hours, quarters, and minutes through a series of chimes. On the other hand, the quarter repeater chimes only for hours and quarters. A low chime denotes the hour, two chimes (high followed by low) denotes the quarter and high chimes denote the minute. These features particularly stuck with the visually impaired to tell the time. Engineered by the masterminds of the watchmaking industry, the repeater requires complex designing and assembling.
Alarm
Pretty much as the name suggests, alarm features in a watch are quite useful in extreme conditions when you cannot rely on your smartphones. This complication allows you to set a particular time, at which the timepiece will ring to notify you. Unlike most other complications, even automatic and quartz watches can have this complication built into them. The design to include an alarm reflects the watchmaker’s ability to create complex timepieces.
The components for the alarm complications find their place below the dial linked to a notched cam. Upon reaching the said time set for the alarm to ring, the cam enables the mainspring to ring, thereby indicating the time. Once the alarm rings, the alarm usually requires a reset to ring again.
Chronograph
Chronograph, in simple terms, means a stopwatch or a timer. The chronograph complication is designed to avoid any interference with the normal functioning of the watch. Timepieces equipped with chronographs typically have two or three buttons on the side of the watch case, that work as start and stop buttons to record time. Based on its functionalities, there are three main types of chronographs available today.
Monopoussoir, or one-button chronograph, as the name suggests, comes with just one button pusher to start, stop and reset the time. Unlike modern chronographs, this particular type of complication cannot record interrupted time spans.
Next came the Retour-En-Vol, or the Flyback chronograph. Originally designed for pilots and race car drives to ensure accurate split-second readings, the Flyback chronograph comes equipped with two buttons. While the first button records start and stop time, pressing the second button counter resets and starts again from zero, enabling split-second recordings.
Then came the Rattrapante, or the split-seconds chronograph. This comes equipped with three buttons and two seconds handle. The added complications enable users to record two multiple events simultaneously.
Moonphase
Currently, the Moonphase is just a symbol to remember that reading time comes from the movement of celestial bodies. Click here to see some of our favorite Men’s Moonphase Watches and Women’s Moonphase Watches.
Tourbillon
Invented to provide the high accuracy of timekeeping by eliminating errors caused by gravity and watch positions, the Tourbillon complication in watches reflects a feature of high quality, durability, and longevity. While many watch enthusiasts may argue that the Tourbillon is not a true complication in a horological sense as it does not have a particular tangible function. Yet, the fact remains that the main idea of a Tourbillon is to ensure high accuracy and prevent any changes to timekeeping influence by gravity.
Originally invented for pocket watches, in today’s world, the Tourbillon are prized more for their aesthetics and those that appreciate complex watch mechanisms. They are challenging to make which also makes tourbillon watches very expensive.
Watch Complications: FAQs
Understanding watch complications can help determine the type of watch best suited for your needs, while also considering your budget and brand preference. It is not easy to find the perfect watch for all, but by identifying your preferred functionality, you can narrow the search to brands that specialize in making those watch complications. To further explain, here we answer some frequently asked questions below.
Conclusion
Ever since the invention of wristwatches, watchmakers have found new ways to innovate and design, maximizing the functionality, while at the same time minimizing any room for errors and inaccuracies. In lieu of these reasons, equipping watches with various complications paved the way to retain the basic essence of timekeeping. Simultaneously, allowing brands to pioneer in their watchmaking techniques.
Complications such as the Perpetual Clock, Date, Alarm, and Chronographs are widely popular amongst watch aficionados even today. Many fashion brands equip their timepieces with Moonphase to attract a wide customer base for the aesthetic elegance it adds to the timepiece.
Featured Image: Guy Sie
