RETROGRADE DISPLAY
The graduation of a value indicated by a retrograde display spans only a segment of a circle. When the hand of a retrograde display reaches the maximum value of its graduation (e.g., the retrograde date hand on 31 July), it reverses direction and, in an almost instantaneous motion, returns to the minimum value of its graduation (to 1 on 1 August in the case of our example).
The retrograde display can be applied to various indications (seconds, minutes, hours, date, days, etc.). It is therefore common to find multiple retrograde displays within a single movement. This type of display allows for the harmonious arrangement of information on a dial, often saving space on its surface. However, the return jump of the hand consumes a certain amount of energy, which must be minimised to reduce its impact on the performance of the movement.
The quality of a retrograde display is appreciated for the precision of its actuation and the synchronisation of its jump with other instantaneous displays (retrograde or otherwise) when applicable (e.g., the synchronisation of the jump of a retrograde minute hand with that of a jumping hour disc).