In high-end watches, complications are greatly sought after. Not only are they technically sophisticated, they also define the look of a watch. Be it a date, moon phase, or second time zone display or chronograph functions, any watch fitted with a horological complication should in any event be particularly useful to the wearer. Generally, modules linked to the movement will ensure the precise functioning of the complication, which is not an integral part of the movement (as is the case with a specially constructed chronograph movement).
Date display
On the dial, the date display is arranged at 3 o’clock. A date disc shows the date in a square aperture in the dial. The Rolex Datejust has been fitted with a date display since 1945, the patented Cyclops lens for better readability having been added in 1953. The date display is standard on almost all Rolex model families.
Praktische Komplikation
Because of its great popularity, the practical complication of the date display is often to be found – for example, in Cartier watches also, in the Pasha de Cartier model range.
GMT – second time zone display
A second time zone display is one of the most popular complications, as is the chronograph. For example the Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Automatic has a GMT function of this kind, enabling frequent travellers to compare local time with a reference time.
Chronograph
Chronographs from the IWC Pilot´s Watch chronograph models, the Breitling Navitimer family or the Black Bay chronograph series from Tudor ensure precise measurement of time intervals.
Moon phase
Another much prized complication is the moon phase display, which shows the current position of the Earth’s moon. The Rolex Cellini Moonphase is one of the leading classic models in this area.
Horological and Aesthetic
Jaeger-Le Coultre also offers attractive models with the Master Ultra Thin Moon and the Rendez-Vous Moon Medium. The practical benefit is not so important here – the main consideration is the horological and aesthetic appearance of this very appealing complication.
Grand complications
If several complications are combined, we speak of watches with “grand complications”. This is the ultimate discipline of the watchmaker’s art and includes the perpetual calendar and the minute repeater, for example. Special watches of this kind require the knowledge and skill of master watchmakers, and are usually only produced in limited editions.
It is entirely your choice as to which complication you prefer. The competent advice provided by the watch experts at Juwelier Wagner will help you find the right model from a large selection of different international Haute Horlogerie brands.
