The automatic watch with complication: what is it?

Summary :
- What is a complication in an automatic watch?
- The chronograph: mastery of time
- The perpetual calendar: the eternal complication
- The moon phase: poetry on the wrist
- The Whirlwind: Taming Gravity
- The power reserve indicator: anticipating winding
Automatic watches are much more than instruments for telling time. They often incorporate complications, additional functions that enrich their utility and design. Among the most popular are the chronograph, the perpetual calendar, the moon phase, as well as more complex mechanisms such as the tourbillon or the power reserve indicator. Each of these automatic watch complications is a testament to the watchmakers' expertise and the relentless quest for innovation in this field.
What is a complication in an automatic watch?
An automatic watch complication refers to any additional function that goes beyond the operation of the watch . These functions, often technical and delicate, are integrated into the automatic mechanism of the watch.
The more complications an automatic watch has, the more technically sophisticated it is considered, but also valuable in the eyes of collectors. These complications, whether practical or poetic, are a testament to the ingenuity of watchmakers and their ability to miniaturize complex mechanisms to fit them into a small space.
The chronograph: mastery of time

The chronograph is one of the most common complications in automatic watches. This mechanism allows you to time specific time intervals using a system of pushers, transforming the watch into a true precision measuring instrument.
A versatile mechanism
Used in sporting, scientific or everyday contexts, the chronograph adds a practical dimension to the watch. For example, the Daytona is one of the most famous chronograph watches, designed to meet the needs of racing drivers. It combines robustness, precision and elegance.
Sophisticated and technical automatic watch complication
The chronograph is not just an extra gadget: it requires extreme precision to function without disturbing the automatic movement of the watch. This makes it a technical feat in its own right, prized by collectors and fine watchmaking enthusiasts.
The perpetual calendar: the eternal complication of an automatic watch
The perpetual calendar is a complex complication that allows the watch to automatically take into account the different lengths of months as well as leap years.
This function, once set, will not require any intervention until 2100, when a slight correction will be necessary.
A balance between precision and elegance
Automatic watches with this complication, such as the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar, are particularly prized for their precision. They guarantee that the day and date are always displayed accurately, even in months with irregular lengths. In addition to this functionality, these watches add a touch of sophistication and a real sense of permanence.
A fine watchmaking mechanism
The perpetual calendar, in addition to its practical function, is a showcase of watchmaking expertise. It requires hundreds of meticulously adjusted parts to offer unparalleled precision and is among the most refined complications in modern watchmaking.
The moon phase: poetry on the wrist

The moon phase is a complication that is more emotional than utilitarian, allowing you to follow the lunar cycle directly on the watch dial. It displays the different phases, from the new moon to the full moon, on a rotating disc.
Precision and symbolism
Some automatic watches equipped with a moon phase offer remarkable precision, requiring only an adjustment after several decades. This complication is particularly appreciated for its visual elegance and its connection to natural cycles.
An automatic watch complication with eternal charm
The moon phase gives the watch an artistic and poetic dimension. Although this automatic watch complication is less essential than others, it seduces with its aesthetic and symbolic aspect, recalling the connection between man and the stars.
The Whirlwind: Taming Gravity
The tourbillon is one of the most prestigious automatic watch complications, which aims to improve the precision of the watch by compensating for the effects of gravity on the movement. Invented in the early 19th century, this mechanism is often visible through the dial or caseback of the watch, adding a fascinating aspect to the aesthetic.
High-flying engineering
Watches with a tourbillon, such as the Breguet Classique Tourbillon, feature a movement that rotates on itself to counteract any variations in accuracy caused by the position of the watch. This complex automatic watch complication is often associated with haute horlogerie, reserved for the most exclusive pieces.
A masterpiece of watchmaking
Beyond its technical utility, the tourbillon is also a symbol of watchmaking genius. Its appearance in motion is hypnotizing, making each watch equipped with it a miniature work of art.
The power reserve indicator: anticipating winding
The power reserve indicator is a practical complication that informs the wearer of the time remaining before the watch needs to be wound. This mechanism is particularly useful for automatic watches, as it provides information on how long the watch will continue to run in the absence of movement.
A utility complication of the automatic watch
The power reserve is often displayed on the dial by a gauge-shaped indicator. A prominent example is the Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days, which offers a three-day power reserve and presents this information in a clear and intuitive manner.
Efficient energy management
This automatic watch complication is ideal for wearers who alternate between multiple watches or who do not wear their automatic watch all the time. By knowing how much power reserve is left, they can ensure that their watch always keeps time, avoiding the need to manually wind it.
Complications in automatic watches embody the excellence of modern watchmaking. Whether measuring time with a chronograph, tracking lunar cycles or compensating for the effects of gravity with a tourbillon, each complication brings a unique touch to the watch, both aesthetic and functional. These horological innovations combine precision, craftsmanship and sophistication, making each watch a masterpiece of mechanics and design.