In the realm of haute horlogerie, the term “grand complication” transcends the mere concept of an intricate timepiece. It represents the zenith of watchmaking, where multiple complex functions are harmoniously integrated into a single watch, each layer adding to its technical brilliance. These exceptional timepieces have become emblems of horological artistry, where the fusion of craftsmanship and innovation reaches its peak. Here, we present ten of the finest examples of grand complication watches, each a testament to the extraordinary skills and creativity in the art of watchmaking.
Patek Philippe Henry Graves Jr. “Supercomplication”: A true legend in the world of watchmaking, this pocket watch created for American banker Henry Graves Jr. in 1927 boasts an astonishing 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar and astrological indicators. The creation of this masterpiece spanned eight years, earning it the distinction of being the most complicated manually crafted timepiece ever created.
Patek Philippe Grand Master Chime: Unveiled in 2014 to celebrate the brand’s 175th anniversary, the Grand Master Chime Ref. 5175 stands as Patek Philippe’s most complex creation to date. Boasting six patents and 20 complications, including five chiming modes and two reversible dials, this watch is a monumental achievement in engineering. The stainless steel version, Reference 6300A-010, sold for $31 million in 2019, setting a new record for the most expensive watch ever sold.
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication: Holding the title of the world’s most complicated timepiece, this pocket watch created for insurance magnate William R. Berkley features an astounding 63 complications and took a decade to complete. With a movement comprising 2,877 parts, it includes innovations such as the first-ever Chinese perpetual calendar.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 Quadriptyque: A marvel of modern complications, the Reverso Quadriptyque from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Hybris Mechanica line was released to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Reverso. Its 11 complications across four faces, including a tourbillon, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and an advanced astronomical system. This timepiece, developed over six years, beautifully combines complexity with wearability.
A. Lange & Söhne Grand Complication: A masterpiece from A. Lange & Söhne, this watch features a grand and petite sonnerie, split-seconds chronograph, perpetual calendar, and moon phase complication. Driven by the L1902 movement with 876 components, each of the six pieces requires over a year to assemble, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Ultra-Complication Universelle: Introduced in 2023, Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59 Ultra-Complication Universelle draws inspiration from the brand’s historic L’Universelle pocket watch. This 42mm marvel integrates 26 functions, including a Grande Sonnerie Carillon and split-seconds chronograph, while remaining highly intuitive and user-friendly, striking a perfect balance between technical prowess and practicality.
Marie Antoinette Breguet Pocket Watch No. 1160: With a history rich in intrigue, Breguet’s Marie Antoinette No. 1160 is symbolic of complexity and drama. Commissioned in secret by an admirer of the Queen, it took 44 years to complete and was the most complicated timepiece of its time. This watch has become synonymous with Breguet’s ingenuity and the intrigue surrounding the royal court.
IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar: Although not a grand complication by traditional standards, IWC’s Portugieser Eternal Calendar stands out for its impressive perpetual calendar and moonphase accuracy. The watch will maintain perfect time until 3999 and boasts moonphase accuracy to 45 million years, setting new benchmarks in calendar precision.
Bovet Récital 28 “Prowess 1”: Addressing a modern issue in horology, the Bovet Récital 28 “Prowess 1” is the first watch to automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time (DST) discrepancies worldwide. This innovation solves a long-standing problem in worldtimer watches, making it a significant advancement in the field.
De Bethune Kind of Grand Complication: The De Bethune Kind of Grand Complication combines aesthetics and functionality in a sleek titanium case. Featuring eight key functions, including a spherical moonphase, leap year indication, and a 30-second titanium tourbillon, this watch offers a contemporary interpretation of grand complication design. The ability to flip between two dials, one classical and one modern
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