The Laings Journal
The annual calendar is one of the most esteemed functions in the watchmaking world and is held in high regard by many. Here we take a closer look at the movement, what it is, its history and some of our favourite models.
Primarily a wristwatch is used for time-display, but as years have gone on and technology has advanced, luxury timepieces are now equipped with further watch complications to better cater to modern world needs. Perhaps the most intricate of all movements is the annual calendar.
What Makes a Watch an Annual Calendar
This function is one of the most dynamic elements of engineering featured on a mechanical watch, and this movement truly adds a touch of grandeur to any luxury timepiece. A watch with this function displays the day, date, month and hour, automatically adjusting itself for the different number of days each month and requiring winding only once per year.
The Story Behind the Annual Calendar
A relatively young complication, the annual calendar was invented and first used by Patek Philippe in 1996. Since then it has become one of the most complicated and prestigious movements in the history of Swiss watchmaking.
Before it was introduced buyers either had the option of a triple calendar movement, or the very expensive perpetual calendar. Although originally patented by Patek Philippe, it became the pinnacle of complications and many watch houses followed suit, creating their own versions of the movement. The annual calendar became a big hit with aficionados worldwide and is still a signature of luxury today.
Our Favourites
Nowadays an annual calendar is on the wish-list of the majority of collectors. Perhaps the most handsome and luxurious of movements they are all fitted with precision technology and sophisticated design, here are a few of our favourites.
THE IWC BIG PILOTS WATCH ANNUAL CALENDAR SPITFIRE combines technical elegance with extraordinary design, just like the Spitfire that inspired it. The IWC-manufactured 52850 calibre movement has two barrels that together generate a 7-day power reserve, protected from magnetic fields by a soft-iron inner case that is visible through the sapphire crystal case-back. The annual calendar sits proudly at 12 o'clock and provides unparalleled proficiency, even accounting for leap years. Presented on a calfskin leather strap the rugged style complements the movement perfectly, creating a practical, yet refined look.
THE LONGINES MASTER COLLECTION ANNUAL CALENDAR is part of the traditionally styled Master Collection, inspired by pioneers and their fascinating heritage. Powered by an automatic movement with day and month display at 3 o’clock this piece is a pillar of craftsmanship and design. Arabic numerals, a smooth steel bezel and blue hands accessorise the dial perfectly, giving us a simple, yet charming model with exceptional clarity and finesse.
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