Glossary · Trade
Complication
Any function added to a watch beyond basic timekeeping, such as striking, calendar or chronograph work.
Explanation
A complication is any watch function beyond displaying hours, minutes and seconds: striking, calendars, chronographs, alarms, moonphases and so on. 'Grand complications' combine several, traditionally a repeating mechanism, a chronograph and a perpetual calendar. Each complication adds parts, cost and fragility, and complicates servicing.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Complication”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Wristwatch
Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon in platinum, No. 35
“Complications: Quadruple tourbillon regulator, small seconds, power reserve indicator”
Wristwatch
Habring 2 X Massena Lab Erwin "Massena Lab"
“The Habring 2 X Massena Lab Erwin "Massena Lab" dead beat seconds wristwatch, case number 01/50, dates to 2019. Measuring 38.5 mm in diameter, the timepiece is cased in polished…”
Pocket watch
Charles Ami Lecoultre Diablotine 1/4 Jump Split Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch
“This antique pocket watch is an 18kt yellow gold hunter-cased timepiece crafted by Swiss watchmaker Charles Ami Lecoultre, dating according to the source to circa 1887. The 55 m…”
Clock
Hunt & Roskell engraved carriage clock
“This miniature carriage or mantel clock measures approximately 14 cm in height and features an engraved gilt-brass rectangular case. According to the owner, it was originally pu…”
Pocket watch
Rare Diablotine Duplex Pocket Watch
“This pocket watch, dated by the seller to circa 1870, features an engraved sterling silver case reported at 55 mm in diameter. According to the seller, the watch houses a fully …”
Wristwatch
Angelus Steel Chronodato Wristwatch
“This stainless steel wristwatch is an Angelus Chronodato dating to circa the 1940s, featuring a manual movement. The watch incorporates chronograph and complete calendar complic…”