This term originated with mechanical timepieces, as the clockwork movements are made of many parts moving constantly in harmony. The primary function of the watch relies on it. It is the heart of the watch, much like an engine of an automobile. Patek Philippe is one such watchmaker who has been known for making such ultra-complicated watches.Ī movement refers to the mechanism that runs the clock or watch. Because of its complexity, these watches are produced in limited numbers. One such complication is the astronomical indicator, which tracks the movement of the constellations in the sky. Since the 16 th century, from the beginning of the mechanical clocks to the advent of the pocket watch, watchmakers have been all too ambitious and obsessed in creating the most complicated timepiece, resulting in many beautiful timepieces with out of this world complications. As the term implies, they have numerous complications all cramped into a single timepiece. There are some watches that are ultra-complicated. The Henry Graves Supercomplication timepiece made by Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe in 1932, the most expensive and most complicated in the world that fetched a record US$21.3 million when it went under the hammer in Switzerland on November 11, 2014.
Sometimes, the term G randes Complications or Grand Complications are used to refer to watches with several complications. A mechanical watch with an added complication of a date-display may require up to two hundred parts, while more complex ones with calendars and chronographs may require at least a thousand. (Image Credit: Getty Images).Įvery additional complication increases the difficulty and complexity of designing, engineering and assembling the watch. A watchmaker displays the workings of a Patek Philippe Ladies Grand Complications 7059 luxury wristwatch. In today’s mechanical watches, common complications include day/date displays, alarms, chronographs, automatic winding mechanisms and calendars. Any feature of a timepiece that extends beyond the simple display of hours and minutes is referred to as a complication. We frequently hear this term popping up in almost every conversation that relates to fine mechanical watches, especially those that are highly valued and prized. Here are 3 commonly used horological terms you must know.
This may help you in your purchase or conversations with fellow pals or watch aficionados. As these terms are also used in daily conversations, let us understand what they mean in their horological context. These terms frequently appear in watch editorials and articles, and are some of the more commonly used jargons in discussions relating to horology. (Image Credit: Getty Images).Īre you intending to purchase your first fine timepiece? If you are new to the world of horology – the art and science of measuring time and the manufacturing of timepieces, there are many terms that may become somewhat confusing. We offer insured shipping through our in-house program and your watch will be collected right from your door.Visitors looking at a Richard Mille watch at the annual Salon International de Haute Horlogerie Fair. If you value your treasured timepiece, please get in touch today to discuss your next watch repair or restoration project. We have been entrusted to restore some of the worlds finest and most sought after vintage watches, you can see these examples over in our previous projects sections. Parts impossible to find - we have the ability to manufacture watch parts, by hand, mostly in-house.
We have a variety of vintage watch parts in stock and can source more obscure, difficult to find parts that the brands themselves no longer stock. Why Choose Us? We offer expert watch restorations services, and have spent years honing these skills to offer our vintage watch repair & restoration across Canada & the world. We service a variety of watches from simple time only movements, to chronographs, minute repeaters, and more. Owner Ashton Tracy is a WOSTEP certified, Rolex trained watchmaker, and our workshop focuses on the repair and restoration of vintage watches as well as the servicing of modern watches. Canada's choice for expert watch repair & restoration.