Complications?...

[PaulHogan]

When does a watch become a complication? a grand complication? an ultra complication?

Is there a strict/reliable definition of each or is it up to the manufacturers to declare as they see fit?

[hog 1]

Good question Paul. It will be interesting to see if we get any clear definitions.
One of mine is; If you see the word 'Tourbillon' then add £50k to the price.

[Shuvi]

As I understand it - Anything on a timepiece that is extra to hours minutes and seconds is a complication.

As classical Horology would have it, there are also 3 Grand Complications the, 'Grandes Complication'; Tourbillion, Perpetual Calendar and Minute Repeater.

Ultra? Well I've only seen this term used Horologically, when describing a timepiece with everything on it.

crab typing

Edited by Shuvi on Wednesday 3rd September 05:01

[hog 1]

Maybe this press release will help a little:

Omega is planning on expanding the 8500 family of movements with the following complications...

- Annual Calendar, Calibre 8601 and 8611
- Day/Date, Calibre 8602 and 8612
- Big Date, Calibre 8603 and 8613
- Power Reserve/Small Seconds, Calibre 8604 and 8614
- GMT, Calibre 8605 and 8615
- 14 lignes Chronographs, calibre 9300 and 9301

The annual calendar is already here, and the chronograph will be introduced before the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

[Burba]

is there somewhere you can see graphical (ie. watch face) representations of each? I'm curious about 2 or 3 of those!

[hog 1]

Burba said:

is there somewhere you can see graphical (ie. watch face) representations of each? I'm curious about 2 or 3 of those!

TimeZone Forum. US based with the usual american sycophantic replies to postings of nice watches.
Don't be put off though, there are lots of fantastic photo's and brilliant articles on all aspects of horology.