It required seven years to design and build the watch’s 24 complications which include a moon phase, a perpetual calendar and sunrise and sunset indicators. This pocket watch was commissioned by the wealthy banker Henry Graves Jr. Patek Philippe Supercomplication One of the most storied and renowned watches by Patek Philippe is the Henry Graves Jr. The Most Expensive Grand Complication Sold at Auction: The Henry Graves Jr. And as brands introduce ever more complex and elaborate Grand Complications, they raise the bar on what a Grand Complication is-hence the disputed definition of a Grand Complication.ģ. The art of Grand Complications effectively is a game of one-ups-manship as brands compete to hold the title of the World’s Most Complicated Watch. Grand Complication watches can include upwards of 1,300 individual parts that need to neatly fit inside an incredibly limited space. They also test the skill of a horology master who needs to expertly layer together all these different components– and to make each function work flawlessly. These premier timepieces can take more than 10 years to develop. Grand Complications are a badge of honor for watchmakers and brands, the finest of fine watchmaking. The High-Stakes World of Grand Complications
#Horology complications portable#
While watchmakers, executives and collectors debate over what really qualifies a grand complication, the generally accepted definition of a Grand Complication is a portable timepiece that includes a minute repeater, moon phases, perpetual calendar, split-seconds chronograph and a grand and petite sonnerie which is a quiet gong that strikes every quarter of an hour. Grand Complications, in turn, are considered the most complex and highest achievement of haute horology. These core complications are proof positive to the watchmaker’s skill, craftsmanship and ingenuity to layer in additional mechanical functions in such a small watch case.
While we may quickly dismiss these complications as commonplace on modern watches, they were significant breakthroughs in watchmaking when first introduced. Watch complications include alarms, chronographs (or a stopwatch) and day or date displays. The most basic definition for a complication is: any mechanical watch function beyond simply telling the time. We explain what makes a watch a Grand Complication and take a look at three of history’s most important and complicated watches.īefore we can delve into the world of grand complications, we should quickly review what exactly is a watch complication. Grand Complications the watch masterpieces in the world of haute horology, a testament to the unparalleled skill of a master watchmaker.
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