COMPLICATED MECHANISMS
A “complicated mechanism” refers to any intricate mechanism that can be found in a watch movement. It differs from watch complication which displays additional time-related information. Complicated mechanisms can, for example, enhance the movement’s performance or precision (automatic system, constant escapement, tourbillon).
TOURBILLON
Its purpose is to counteract the effects of Earth’s gravity on the movement of a watch when it is in a vertical position. It cancels out these effects by rotating the regulating organ around its axis to achieve an average rate in different vertical positions and thus optimize the watch’s accuracy.
RESONANCE
It is a physical phenomenon that occurs when two objects (e.g., two balance wheels) located close together oscillate at similar frequencies. Through resonance, the oscillations of the two objects synchronize to a common average frequency, increasing their respective amplitudes. This phenomenon is particularly interesting when it comes to maintaining a watch’s frequency (and, consequently, its accuracy).
RETROGRADE DISPLAY
The scale in a retrograde display does not follow the traditional 360-degree angle, but rather a segment of a circle. When the hand reaches the last unit on this scale, it instantly jumps backwards to its starting point and begins a new cycle (e.g., retrograde seconds hand, retrograde date hand, etc.).
TYPES OF ESCAPEMENTS
From medieval clocks to contemporary wristwatches, escapements have continued to evolve. Various escapements have been developed for specific purposes and can be classified into different categories. While the Swiss lever escapement became widely used during the 20th century, the research on escapements continues.
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