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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Complication · Calendar & astronomy

Lunar Cycle Register

Partially verified

A complication tracking the long-term cycle of the moon, including nodes or apogee/perigee.

Definition

A complication tracking the long-term cycle of the moon, including nodes or apogee/perigee.

Historical origin

Advanced astronomical horology going beyond the simple 29.5-day phase.

How it works

Uses additional gearing to track the Draconic or Anomalistic lunar months.

Can indicate when eclipses are likely to occur.

Pocket watch context

Found in the most complex astronomical clocks.

Wristwatch context

Extremely rare in wristwatches, found in 'Mega Complications'.

Identification

  • Indicators for lunar nodes or distance to Earth

Servicing notes

Highly specialized; requires astronomical tables for setting.

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

Related photographs

Digital Triple Calendar Moon Phase PocketWatch – C1880
Digital Triple Calendar Moon Phase PocketWatch – C1880 — WatchMuseum.org, © WatchMuseum.org, used with permission. WatchMuseum.org catalogue record
Digital Triple Calendar Moon Phase PocketWatch – C1880
Digital Triple Calendar Moon Phase PocketWatch – C1880 — WatchMuseum.org, © WatchMuseum.org, used with permission. WatchMuseum.org catalogue record
Digital Triple Calendar Moon Phase PocketWatch – C1880
Digital Triple Calendar Moon Phase PocketWatch – C1880 — WatchMuseum.org, © WatchMuseum.org, used with permission. WatchMuseum.org catalogue record

No confidently matched photograph of this subject has been found yet. These photographs show a closely related record, and are not examples of the type described on this page.

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.