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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Complication · Calendar & astronomy

Tri-Retrograde Calendar

Partially verified

A watch with three retrograde displays, typically date, day, and month or seconds.

Definition

A watch with three retrograde displays, typically date, day, and month or seconds.

Historical origin

The ultimate expression of retrograde horology, creating a very busy and technical dial.

How it works

Uses three cams and return levers within a single calendar module.

Pocket watch context

None.

Wristwatch context

Rarely seen; a showpiece complication for luxury brands.

Identification

  • Three separate arcs with jumping hands

Servicing notes

Extremely sensitive to lubrication; the return motion of three hands consumes significant power.

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.