Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Complication · Calendar & astronomy

Bi-Retrograde Calendar

Partially verified

A watch featuring both retrograde date and retrograde day displays.

Definition

A watch featuring both retrograde date and retrograde day displays.

Historical origin

A design-focused complication that creates a symmetrical, architectural dial.

How it works

Combines two independent retrograde mechanisms, often mirrored on either side of the dial.

Pocket watch context

None.

Wristwatch context

A signature of brands like Maurice Lacroix and Harry Winston.

Identification

  • Two distinct arcs for day and date with snapping hands

Servicing notes

Requires synchronization of two return springs.

General guidance only. Complicated mechanisms should be assessed and serviced by a qualified watchmaker or clockmaker specialist, not adjusted at home.

Diagram

date ring, thirty-one positionsdate aperturedriving wheel and jumper
Schematic: calendar work under the dial. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  2. Britten, F. J., Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers
  3. Horological Journal (British Horological Institute), technical articles

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.