✅ Glossary
Common Watch Complications (A–Z)
Alarm
A mechanical alarm function that sounds at a set time.
Annual Calendar
Adjusts for 30- and 31-day months, but not for leap years.
Chronograph
Stopwatch function with separate subdials for seconds, minutes, and hours.
Date
Displays the current date, usually via a small window or subdial.
Day-Date
Shows both the day of the week and the date.
Exhibition Case Back
A transparent back cover that allows viewing of the watch’s movement.
Flyback Chronograph
Allows instant reset and restart of the stopwatch with a single push.
GMT / Dual Time
Displays a second timezone, often with a separate hand.
Jumping Hour
The hour is displayed digitally and jumps exactly on the hour.
Minute Repeater
Chimes the time on demand using a series of gongs and hammers.
Moonphase
Indicates the current phase of the moon via a rotating disc.
Open Heart
A visible opening on the dial showing the balance wheel or escapement.
Perpetual Calendar
Automatically adjusts for months with different lengths and leap years.
Power Reserve Indicator
Displays the remaining energy in the movement’s mainspring.
Retrograde Display
A hand moves across a scale and jumps back to the beginning after reaching the end.
Skeleton / Open Movement
Showcases the movement through cutouts or transparent parts of the dial.
Split-Seconds Chronograph (Rattrapante)
Measures two elapsed times simultaneously.
Tourbillon
A rotating cage for the escapement, designed to improve accuracy by counteracting gravity.
World Time
Shows the time in multiple time zones around the world.
