WATCH COMPLICATIONS
In watchmaking, “complication” typically refers to any mechanism or information that adds to those intended for displaying time (hours, minutes, and seconds). They can be purely indicative or contribute to improving the watch’s performance and accuracy.
On this page, complications are divided into several major categories. For each complication, there is a detailed description of its origin, history, variants, manufacturing process, and how it functions.
ASTRONOMICAL COMPLICATIONS
Astronomical complications are all functions or indications that depend on celestial bodies and their positions. The information from a simple or complex calendar, moon phases, or even a precise star chart are all considered astronomical complications.
THE MEASUREMENT OF SHORT TIME INTERVALS
While their use has become widespread, chronographs and short-time measurement instruments were originally developed to meet the needs of scientists, the military, and later, athletes.
TIME ZONES
This chapter regroups complications with the second time zone indication and universal time.
STRIKING MECHANISMS
This chapter covers the different categories of striking hours, chimes on demand, and alarm mechanisms.
OTHER COMPLICATIONS
Watch complications that are not directly related to astronomical information, time zones, time measurement and sound signals.
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