There are many things that can affect the value of a pocket watch. From the base metal, to the style, and weight, all of these attributes will affect how much you can get for your pocket watch or, if you are looking to buy, how much it may cost you. But did you know that there is another important feature of pocket watches that can vastly affect their value? These features are known as complications.
So, today I present a beginners guide to pocket watch complications. What are they? What do they do? How do they affect the value of a pocket watch? Let’s explore.
What Are Pocket Watch Complications?
Complications are mechanical additions to a pocket watch that serve additional functions beyond just telling the time. They quite literally complicate the inner workings of the watch, with additional mechanisms needed to perform said functions.
Pocket watch complications are often subdivided into basic complications and super complications, depending on the level of complexity.
Requiring meticulous craftsmanship and engineering, the complexity of any given complication can add to the value of a pocket watch. Generally speaking, the more complex and rare the complication, the more value it will add.
Now, let’s explore some of the main complications to look out for. You can also find a handy infographic at the end of this article.
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Chronograph
The chronograph function is among the most common pocket watch complications. Essentially, it allows the pocket watch to serve as a stopwatch that measures elapsed time. First developed in the 19th century, the chronograph function is a useful tool that usually allows the watch wearer to track up to 60 minutes of elapsed time.
Given its relative commonality and simplicity, the chronograph complication will not add a huge amount to the value of your pocket watch. With that being said, there are some more complex chronograph functions that use multiple sub-dials that may command a higher premium.
Moon Phase
The moon phase indicator can be seen at the top of the watch face.
The moon phase complication, as the name suggests, tracks the phases of the moon and displays it on a small window or sub-dial on the watch face. One of the oldest pocket watch complications, the moon phase indicator was originally developed for sailors and farmers who needed an intricate knowledge of tides and lunar cycles in order to go about their daily lives.
Slightly less common than the chronograph complication, moon phase indicators can also vary in intricacy and design. More complex designs in the window or sub-dial will often command a higher premium than a basic moon phase indicator.
Perpetual Calendar
The perpetual calendar is one of the most intricate and celebrated complications in pocket watches. This mechanism automatically adjusts for the varying lengths of months and leap years, ensuring the date remains accurate without manual correction until the year 2100. This feature represents a pinnacle of mechanical ingenuity, combining precision engineering with practical functionality.
Historically, the perpetual calendar marked a significant milestone in watchmaking, showcasing the ability to incorporate advanced calendrical mechanics within the compact dimensions of a pocket watch. Its rarity and complexity make it a prized feature among collectors and enthusiasts.
Due to its intricate design and sophisticated components, pocket watches with perpetual calendars are often rare and command a high value in the market, especially when paired with additional complications.
Minute Repeater
The minute repeater is a remarkable complication that chimes the time on demand using a series of tones for hours, quarter-hours, and minutes. Developed before the advent of electric lighting, this feature allowed watch owners to tell the time in the dark, making it both practical and luxurious.
The intricate mechanism involves tiny hammers and gongs, expertly assembled to produce a melodious and precise sound. The complexity of creating and fine-tuning this system makes it one of the rarest and most sought-after complications in horology.
Pocket watches with minute repeaters are highly prized by collectors, both for their functional artistry and historical significance.
Tourbillon
The tourbillon is one of the most revered complications in pocket watches, designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch’s accuracy.
Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in the early 19th century, the tourbillon features a rotating cage that houses the escapement and balance wheel, ensuring consistent timekeeping regardless of the watch’s position.
Originally developed to improve the precision of pocket watches, which were often worn vertically, the tourbillon is now celebrated as a symbol of horological artistry and innovation. Its intricate design and the skill required to create it make it an extraordinary achievement in watchmaking.
Due to its rarity and complexity, pocket watches with a tourbillon are highly collectible and command significant value.
Dual Time Zone/GMT
The dual time zone, or GMT, complication allows a pocket watch to display the time in two different locations simultaneously, making it a valuable tool for travelers and businesspeople. The complication typically sees an additional hour hand or sub-dial added to the watch, providing practicality for those on the go.
While not as old as some other complications, the dual time zone feature gained prominence with the rise of global travel and commerce. Its functionality and straightforward mechanism make it a relatively uncommon but highly desirable addition to a pocket watch.
Pocket watches with a dual time zone complication are appreciated for their practicality. Additionally, it provides a fascinating window to the past when the world was undergoing globalisation and people were more frequently travelling outside of their home country. Though less intricate than features like the tourbillon, this complication adds a layer of sophistication.
A Handy Infographic
How Much Is Your Pocket Watch Worth?
So, now that you know a little more about pocket watch complications, why not head over to this page to find out what else can affect the value of your pocket watch?
Alternatively, go back to basics and find out how to recognise your pocket watch style.
