A watch complication is any function that exists in addition to telling time—sometimes literally the bells and whistles on a watch, after displaying hours, minutes, and seconds. In the world of haute horology, these special features can add years to the development, hundreds of thousands of dollars to the price, countless patent applications, and—for the wearer—a priceless amount of bragging rights.
This year’s high complications include moon phases and double moon phases, tourbillons, and a flying carousel with no hands. Below, we've rounded up our favorite luxury watches from both iconic brands and boutique companies that deserve to occupy a spot on your wrist.
Go on, have a scroll. After all, the holidays are just around the corner.
Vacheron Constantin
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar ultra-thin in pink gold features interchangeable straps and a display for hours, minutes, calendar, and moon phase.
To buy: vacheron-constantin.com, $90,500
Breguet
The Breguet Classique Extra-Thin Tourbillon Squelette 5395 is a true beauty, featuring an especially-complicated watch face and a state-of-the-art leather strap.
To buy: breguet.com, $225,000
Hèrmes
Hermès Arceau L’Heure De La Lune features an impressive double moon phase complication and comes in white gold with a classic alligator strap.
To buy: hermes.com, $25,500
Parmigiani Fleurier
The Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Perpetual Calendar comes with a precision moon phase.
To buy: parmigiani.com, $64,100
Ulysses Nardin
The self-winding Ulysses Nardin Freak X has a beautiful carrousel movement and a 3Hz Silicium balance wheel.
To buy: ulysse-nardin.com, $30,000
