What are watch complications?

Complications in wristwatches – more than just timepieces

Watches have long since ceased to be mere tools for telling the time. In the luxury segment in particular, they inspire enthusiasm with their so-called ‘complications’ – special additional functions that go far beyond hours, minutes and seconds. This can be a simple date display that makes everyday life easier, or a complex mechanism such as a chronograph. Such complications make watches more versatile and give them their own personality. But what is behind these functions and why are they so sought after by watch enthusiasts?

What is a complication in watches?

The most important task of any watch is to reliably display the time. All additional functions beyond this are referred to as complications in watchmaking. These include, for example, the date or day of the week display, a second time zone or a power reserve indicator in automatic watches. Such practical additions are widespread and make a watch much more versatile in everyday use. There are also particularly elaborate complications such as perpetual calendars or minute repeaters, which primarily fascinate collectors. For most watch enthusiasts, however, the focus is on small, useful complications because they increase the usefulness of the watch and give it an individual touch.

Where do watch complications come from?

The idea of giving a watch more functions than just displaying the time goes back a long way. Early on, watchmakers sought ways to make their movements more versatile – whether to facilitate navigation at sea, display astronomical events or simply to make everyday life more comfortable. These initial enhancements gave rise to what are known as complications. Over time, they became increasingly refined, precise and artistic. But what exactly are watch complications? Here are the most important ones:

Date display – the practical classic complication

The date display is probably the most common complication: a date wheel with 31 teeth located under the dial is advanced once a day and shows the current date in a window – often at 3 or 6 o'clock. Variations include the pointer date (a central pointer points to a date scale) and the large date, which uses two discs and is therefore particularly easy to read.

The date display is particularly practical because it makes everyday life easier without overcomplicating the movement. However, there are differences here too: some watches change the date immediately at midnight, while others do so gradually over several minutes. If you adjust the date manually, you should note that many movements are sensitive during the changeover phase (usually between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.). It is therefore recommended that you use the quick-set function outside this time window.

The chronograph – measuring time at the touch of a button

The chronograph, literally ‘time writer’, is considered one of the most useful complications alongside the date display. It allows the elapsed time to be measured precisely – at the touch of a button, a central second hand can be started, stopped and reset. Small subdials also display the minutes or hours that have been stopped.

In watchmaking, a distinction is made between more complex column wheel chronographs and the somewhat simpler cam mechanism. For the wearer, however, this makes little difference in use. Both variants fulfil their purpose reliably.

Its popularity is due not only to its function, but also to its appearance. The typical pushers next to the crown and the additional counters on the dial give each watch a sporty, dynamic character. No wonder, then, that the chronograph is one of the classics among watches and has lost none of its appeal to this day.

The tachymeter – speed at a glance

The tachymeter is one of the complications that is mainly found in conjunction with a chronograph. The scale, usually located on the outer edge of the dial or on the bezel, allows speeds over a known distance to be calculated. The principle is simple: if you start the chronograph at point A and stop it at point B, for example after one kilometre, you can read the average speed directly on the scale. For example, if the second hand shows ‘180’ at 20 seconds, this corresponds to a speed of 180 kilometres per hour.

The tachymeter was originally developed in the early 20th century as a practical addition to racing and pilot's watches. Even back then, pilots and drivers appreciated the ability to measure speed quickly and independently of additional instruments. Although the function is rarely used in everyday life today, it still lends a watch a sporty character.

Why are complications so fascinating?

Complications are much more than technical gimmicks. They make a watch more useful, but also more exciting in terms of design. Above all, they represent the mastery of the watchmaker: each additional function requires the utmost precision and attention to detail. For many watch enthusiasts, a complication is therefore not only practical, but also an expression of passion and appreciation for genuine craftsmanship.

Men's watches with complications from MIYEN MUNICH

At MIYEN MUNICH, we attach great importance to thoughtful design and reliable function. That's why our watches feature selected complications that enrich everyday life without losing sight of the essentials. Whether it's a date display, chronograph or tachymeter, each function is integrated in such a way that it not only makes the watch more versatile, but also gives it more character. A watch from MIYEN MUNICH combines precise mechanics with timeless style – developed for those who value durability, function and aesthetics. The result is timepieces that can do more than just tell the time.