What does the term "complications" refer to in watchmaking?

In watchmaking, "complications" refer specifically to additional features or functions that go beyond basic timekeeping, which typically includes just telling the hour, minute, and sometimes seconds. These complications can include a variety of features such as date displays, chronographs, perpetual calendars, moon phases, tourbillons, and more.

This term highlights the intricate nature of advanced timepieces where the mechanism has to integrate multiple functions seamlessly. The sophistication and engineering required to create these complications add to the watch’s value, desirability, and complexity. The more complications a watch has, the more talented the watchmaker has to be, and thus, they are often seen as a hallmark of high-end watchmaking craftsmanship.

Other options do not accurately capture the true essence of what complications are in watchmaking. Extra gears in the movement alone do not encompass the broader scope of functionalities; decorative elements focus on aesthetics rather than functionality, and common repairs are unrelated to the definition of complications.