Opinion Editorial - What Is Complex, What Is Not? Let’s Classify!

on May 1, 2026

3 minutes read

TAG Heuer’s Carole Forestier Kasapi Haute Horlogerie Watches & Movements Strategy Director argues that complications should be categorized in order to flush out fluffy marketing speak and make clients really understand the technical level of the timepieces they are investing in.

I don’t like the term complication. In French it is a negative word, it means trouble – and to me, the term “feminine complication” is the worst.

Of course, complication has another meaning in watchmaking; I have dedicated my life to complications. And to make it less complicated to understand the technical level – and value – of complications, I think we should classify them by using seven pillars.

This would clarify for the consumers what they are buying into. Because there will always be marketing people saying things are complex when they are not. This happens in every industry, not only in watchmaking. Why not be more transparent? If we could create an industry-wide classification of complications, people would stop comparing apples with pears – and it would be a great starting point when it comes to improving the public’s general knowledge of watches. With knowledge comes interest – a key point in how you create future customers of the younger generations.

TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph 40mm © Anders Modig Davin

To clarify, classifying horological complications serves several important purposes:

Understanding and Appreciation: For enthusiasts and collectors, classification provides a structured way to understand the vast array of functions a watch can perform beyond telling basic time. It helps in appreciating the mechanical ingenuity behind each complication and its historical development.

Education and Learning: For aspiring watchmakers, students, and even sales professionals, a systematic classification simplifies the learning process. It breaks down complex mechanisms into manageable categories, making it easier to study their principles, construction, and variations.

Market Analysis and Valuation: In the commercial world, classifying complications helps in segmenting the market. It allows for better comparison of watches, influences pricing strategies, and helps in assessing the value of a timepiece based on the complexity and rarity of its complications.

Historical Documentation and Research: For historians and researchers, classification aids in tracking the evolution of watchmaking. It allows for the systematic cataloging of innovations, identifying trends, and understanding the progression of mechanical challenges overcome by watchmakers through the ages.

Standardization and Communication: While not strictly standardized in a formal sense across the entire industry, common classification terms facilitate clearer communication among watchmakers, retailers, journalists, and consumers. It creates a shared vocabulary for discussing and identifying specific features.

Collecting and Specialization: Collectors often specialize in certain types of complications (e.g., chronographs, perpetual calendars). Classification helps them focus their collecting efforts, identify specific pieces they seek, and build thematic collections.

In essence, classifying horological complications brings order to a highly intricate field, enhancing understanding, fostering appreciation, and providing a framework for both the technical and cultural aspects of fine watchmaking.

World Time, Reference 7129J-001 © Patek Philippe

What Makes a Movement Complex?

What makes a movement complex? In simple terms, it boils down to the following: The more components you have interacting with each other, the more complexity you have. Obviously, this has got to do with the number of parts, but also how to distribute of energy, which must be added in just the right amount at the right time in order to power complex constructions of gears, pinions, springs, barrels with the utmost precision (if that is your goal)

So, how would I classify what is currently on the market? As mentioned, I think we should have seven pillars of complications: Display, Practical, Calendars, Astronomical, Precision, Chronographs, and Striking, where Display is the least complex, and Striking the most complex.

The level of complexity can vary depending, for example, if there is one or multiple tourbillons, and whether the tourbillon(s) rotate(s) on a single axis or two, or three axes. On top of that, the complications can be combined. Nevertheless, the below overview could be of great help in many contexts.

Horological complications are the pinnacle of watchmaking art and engineering, transforming a simple timepiece into a mechanical work of art. From poetic moon phases to complex perpetual calendars, each complication testifies to human ingenuity and the incessant quest for precision. They are not mere functional additions, but narratives of time, capturing celestial and terrestrial moments in a meticulous ballet of gears and springs.

These mechanical marvels continue to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts, not only for their beauty and complexity, but also for the heritage they represent. Every tick-tock is an echo of centuries of innovation, a reminder that even in our digital age, the magic of micromechanics retains a privileged place. Horological complications are, and will remain, a timeless celebration of human genius.

Villeret Tourbillon Carrousel © Blancpain

7 Pillars of complications according to Carole Forestier Kasapi

A simple classification: the further down the list, the higher the general complexity of the category. And the further down the list of each category, the more complex.

1. Display

These complications may seem related to design, but all require technical solutions. These can also be coupled with a complication, for example a perpetual calendar.

- Central

- Hands

- Discs

- Retrograde

- Mystérieux

- Jumping

- Random

- Deadbeat seconds

2. Practical

Practical complications that simplify our lives and handling of our watch.

- Power reserve

- Crown function indicator