Glossary · Complication
Jumping hour
A display in which the hour indication changes instantaneously at the top of the hour rather than creeping.
Explanation
A jumping-hour watch shows the hour through an aperture numeral that changes instantly at the hour, with minutes on a conventional hand or disc. Popular in the 1920s–30s and revived since, it needs a mechanism that stores energy and releases it abruptly. The digital-style display is entirely mechanical.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Jumping hour”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Wristwatch
Bovet Dimier Récital 15 Salmon Dial, No. 13/30
“This Bovet Dimier Récital 15 wristwatch features an opaque salmon-lacquered dial arranged for horizontal time reading from right to left. The jumping hour is viewed through a wi…”
Pocket watch
Sector Watch / Record Watch Co. Fan-Form Pocket Watch
“Dating to circa the 1900s, this fan-form silver pocket watch is catalogued under Sector Watch and Record Watch Co. The distinctive case measures 59 mm in width and opens to reve…”
Wristwatch
Vincent Calabrese Jumping Hour 'Baladin', No. 49/201
“Vincent Calabrese Jumping Hour 'Baladin', No. 49/201”
Wristwatch
Vincent Calabrese Jump Hour Wristwatch
“Dating to circa the 2000s, this jump hour wristwatch by Vincent Calabrese is cased in stainless steel measuring 36 mm in diameter. The circular case features distinctive central…”
Wristwatch
Swiss nickel digital jump hour wristwatch
“This circa 1930 Swiss manual-winding digital jump hour wristwatch is housed in a 40mm nickel case fitted with a snap-on back. The front features a silvered dial surface displayi…”
Wristwatch
Breguet Reference 3420 BA Automatic Jump Hour Wristwatch
“This round 18k gold automatic wristwatch from Breguet, reference 3420 BA, dates to circa the 1990s. The source describes a 36mm round case with a snap-on back bearing numbers 71…”